Caring For Someone With Schizophrenia

The support of friends and family plays an integral role in the treatment of schizophrenia. Although it’s natural for caretakers to experience stress, frustration, and feelings of helplessness when caring for someone with schizophrenia, providing support with medical care, coping skills, and life skills can assist with recovery.

Schizophrenia includes a wide range of symptoms and behaviors. Learning about the constellation of symptoms and how those symptoms impact the person with schizophrenia enables caregivers to find appropriate help.

Symptoms Of Schizophrenia

Obeservable Behaviors

Two or more of the following for at least a one-month (or longer) period of time, and at least one of them must be 1, 2, or 3:

1. Delusions
2. Hallucinations
3. Disorganized speech
4. Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
5. Negative symptoms, such as diminished emotional expression

Social Issues

Impairment in one of the major areas of functioning for a significant period of time since the onset of the disturbance:

1. Work
2. Interpersonal relations
3. Self-care

Timing

Some signs of the disorder must last for a continuous period of at least 6 months. This six-month period must include at least one month of symptoms (or less if treated) that meet criterion A (active-phase symptoms) and may include periods of residual symptoms. During residual periods, only negative symptoms may be present.

Other Diagnosis Ruled Out

Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder with psychotic features have been ruled out:

• No major depressive or manic episodes occurred concurrently with active phase symptoms
• If mood episodes (depressive or manic) have occurred during active phase symptoms, they have been present for a minority of the total duration of the active and residual phases of the illness.
• The disturbance is not caused by the effects of a substance or another medical condition.
• If there is a history of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder (childhood onset), the diagnosis of schizophrenia is only made if prominent delusions or hallucinations, along with other symptoms, are present for at least one month

Additional Symptoms

• Inappropriate affect (laughing in the absence of a stimulus)
• Disturbed sleep pattern
• Dysphoric mood (can be depression, anxiety, or anger)
• Anxiety and phobias
• Depersonalization (detachment or feeling of disconnect from self)
• Derealization (a feeling that surroundings aren’t real)
• Cognitive deficits impacting language, processing, executive function, and/or memory
• Lack of insight into disorder
• Social cognition deficits
• Hostility and aggression

 

Stop procrastinating

Stop procrastinating

Today is the day to get started

You can achieve actual change if you learn how to start doing instead of thinking, “meh, maybe tomorrow,”. The next time when you face a task and you can’t get started on for some reason, follow the steps below:

1. Define why you want to do it

Let’s say you want to start running. Ask yourself why: To reduce stress, lose some weight, and feel better. Well done.

2. Associate it with pain or pleasure

Running sucks, but the feeling you get if you skip it, is worse than the run itself. Also, the joy you feel after is more fulfilling than watching youtube.

3. Divide the task into smaller tasks

Break your task down to it more tangible and get an overview of what to do. In the running example, it could be like this:

Find your workout wear

Put it on

Go outside and move around a bit

Gently start running and listen to your body

Continue running until you feel satisfied

Return home

Stretch a little

Take a shower

Watch YouTube as a reward

4. Start small and simple

In the example above, finding your clothes is a way to get started. Create these kinds of cues creates a momentum into the rest of the task.

5. Try and fail

Failing is great; it’s how you learn stuff. If you don’t know what you are doing, try and feel it out. If you fail, that’s okay, try again with the new knowledge you have now.

6. Try and succeed

Eventually, you will succeed. The more you do something, the more often the first attempt will be successful. Compare it to when you cook your favorite meal; you rarely fail – right? Most other tasks are the same.

“Failure = small errors in judgment repeated every day.
Success = simple disciplines repeated every day.”

Ouroboros

The ouroboros or uroboros (/ˌ(j)ʊərəˈbɒrəs/, also UK: /uːˈrɒbərɒs/,US: /-oʊs/) is an ancient symbol depicting a serpent or dragon eating its own tail. Originating in ancient Egyptian iconography, the ouroboros entered western tradition via Greek magical tradition and was adopted as a symbol in Gnosticism and Hermeticism and most notably in alchemy. The term derives from Ancient Greek: οὐροβόρος,from οὐρά (oura), "tail"+ βορά (bora), "food", from βιβρώσκω (bibrōskō), "I eat".The ouroboros is often interpreted as a symbol for eternal cyclic renewal or a cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The skin-sloughing process of snakes symbolizes the transmigration of souls, the snake biting its own tail is a fertility symbol. The tail of the snake is a phallic symbol, the mouth is a yonic or womb-like symbol. 

Jungian psychologyEdit

Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung saw the ouroboros as an archetype and the basic mandala of alchemy. Jung also defined the relationship of the ouroboros to alchemy:

The alchemists, who in their own way knew more about the nature of the individuation process than we moderns do, expressed this paradox through the symbol of the Ouroboros, the snake that eats its own tail. The Ouroboros has been said to have a meaning of infinity or wholeness. In the age-old image of the Ouroboros lies the thought of devouring oneself and turning oneself into a circulatory process, for it was clear to the more astute alchemists that the prima materia of the art was man himself. The Ouroboros is a dramatic symbol for the integration and assimilation of the opposite, i.e. of the shadow. This 'feed-back' process is at the same time a symbol of immortality, since it is said of the Ouroboros that he slays himself and brings himself to life, fertilizes himself and gives birth to himself. He symbolizes the One, who proceeds from the clash of opposites, and he therefore constitutes the secret of the prima materia which ... unquestionably stems from man's unconscious.

The Jungian psychologist Erich Neumann writes of it as a representation of the pre-ego "dawn state", depicting the undifferentiated infancy experience of both mankind and the individual child.

Facts on depression

Facts on depression:

Depression seems to be more common among women than men.

Symptoms include lack of joy and reduced interest in things that used to bring a person happiness.

Life events, such as bereavement, produce mood changes that can usually be distinguished from the features of depression.

The causes of depression are not fully understood but are likely to be a complex combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychosocial factors.

Psychosis

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What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a serious mental disorder characterized by thinking and emotions that are so impaired, that they indicate that the person experiencing them has lost contact with reality.
People who are psychotic have false thoughts (delusions) and/or see or hear things that are not there (hallucinations). These are referred to as “positive” symptoms; “negative” symptoms like loss of motivation and social withdrawal can also occur.
These experiences can be frightening and may cause people who are suffering from psychosis to hurt themselves or others. It is important to see a doctor right away if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of psychosis.
Psychosis affects three out of every 100 people. It is most likely to be diagnosed in young adults, but psychosis can happen to anyone.

Recognizing the Signs of Psychosis

Early stage psychosis:

• difficulty concentrating
• depressed mood
• sleep changes—sleeping too much or not enough
• anxiety
• suspiciousness
• withdrawal from family and friends
• ongoing unusual thoughts and beliefs

Later stage psychosis

• delusions
• hallucinations
• disorganized speech—switching topics erratically
• depression
• anxiety
• suicidal thoughts or actions
• difficulty functioning

What Are Delusions and Hallucinations?

Delusions

A delusion is a false belief or impression that is firmly held even though it is contradicted by reality and what is commonly held as true. There are delusions of paranoia, grandiose delusions, and somatic delusions.
People who are experiencing a delusion of paranoia might think that they are being followed when they are not or that secret messages are being sent only to them through media. Someone with a grandiose delusion will have an exaggerated sense of his or her importance. Somatic delusions are the belief that you have a terminal illness when you are healthy.

Hallucinations

A hallucination is a sensory perception in the absence of outside stimulus. That means seeing, hearing, feeling, or smelling something that isn’t present. A person who is hallucinating might see things that don’t exist or hear people talking when he or she is alone.
Delusions and hallucinations seem real to the person who is experiencing them.

Causes of Psychosis

Each case of psychosis is different, and the exact cause is not always entirely clear. There are, however, certain illnesses that cause psychosis. There are also triggers like drug use, lack of sleep, and other environmental factors. In addition, certain situations can lead to specific types of psychosis to develop (see “Types of Psychosis” below).

Illnesses

Illnesses that can cause psychosis:

• brain diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and some chromosomal disorders
• brain tumors or cysts
• dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease)
• HIV, syphilis, and other infections that attack the brain
• some types of epilepsy
• stroke

Environmental Causes

Psychosis can be triggered by the use of alcohol and illegal drugs, including stimulants such as methamphetamine (meth) and cocaine. Hallucinogenic drugs like LSD (acid) often cause users to see things that are not really there, but this effect is temporary. People who do not get enough sleep for long periods of time can experience symptoms of psychosis. Some prescription drugs like steroids and stimulants can cause symptoms of psychosis.

Risk Factors for Developing Psychosis

It is not currently possible to precisely identify individuals who are likely to develop a psychotic disorder. However, research has shown that genetics may play a role.
If one identical twin develops psychosis, there is a 50 percent chance the other twin will as well. Individuals with a close family member (parent or sibling) who has a psychotic disorder are more likely to develop a psychotic disorder.
Children born with the genetic mutation known as 22q11 deletion syndrome are at risk for developing a psychotic disorder, especially schizophrenia.

Types of Psychosis

Some kinds of psychosis are brought on by specific conditions or circumstances.

Brief Reactive Psychosis

Extreme personal stress like the death of a family member can bring on symptoms of psychosis. Someone experiencing brief reactive psychosis will recover in a few days.
Drug- or Alcohol-Related Psychosis
Use of alcohol and drugs can sometimes cause symptoms of psychosis. These symptoms might go away immediately when the effect of the alcohol or drug wears off, but this is not always the case. People who are addicted to alcohol and certain drugs can experience psychotic symptoms if they suddenly stop drinking or taking the drug to which they are addicted.
Organic Psychosis
A head injury or an illness that affects the brain like Parkinson’s disease can cause symptoms of psychosis.

Psychotic Disorders

The following types of psychoses are called psychotic disorders. They can be triggered by stress, drug or alcohol use, injury or illness, or they can appear on their own.

Bipolar Disorder

When someone has bipolar disorder, his or her moods swing from very high to very low. When his or her mood is high and positive, he or she may have symptoms of psychosis. The individual may feel extremely good and believe he or she has special powers. When his or her mood is depressed, the individual may have psychotic symptoms that make him or her feel angry, sad, or frightened. These symptoms include thinking someone is trying to harm him or her.
Delusional Disorder
A person suffering from delusional disorder strongly believes in things that are not real.
Psychotic Depression
This is major depression with psychotic symptoms.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is psychosis that lasts longer than six months. Schizophrenia is a lifelong disease.

How Is Psychosis Diagnosed?

Psychosis is diagnosed through a psychiatric evaluation. That means a doctor will watch the person’s behavior and ask questions about what he or she is experiencing. Medical tests and X-rays may be used to determine whether there is an underlying illness causing the symptoms.

Diagnosing Psychosis in Children and Teenagers

Many of the symptoms of psychosis are perfectly normal in young people. For example, a teenager may suddenly need more sleep in response to changes in their body. Small children often have imaginary friends with whom they talk. If you are worried about psychosis in a child or adolescent, describe the individual’s behavior to a doctor.

Treatment of Psychosis

Treating psychosis may involve a combination of medications and therapy. Most people recover from psychosis with treatment.
Rapid Tranquilization
Sometimes people suffering from psychosis can become agitated and be at risk of hurting themselves or others. In those cases, it may be necessary to calm them down quickly. This method is called rapid tranquilization. A doctor or emergency response personnel will administer a fast-acting shot or liquid medicine to relax the patient right away.
Drugs and medication
Symptoms of psychosis can be controlled with medications called antipsychotics. These medicines reduce hallucinations and delusions and help people think more clearly. The type of medicine you are prescribed will depend on which symptoms you are experiencing. In many cases, people only need to take antipsychotics for a short time to get their symptoms under control. People with schizophrenia may have to stay on medications for life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy means meeting regularly to talk with a mental health counselor with the goal of changing thinking and behaviors. This approach has been shown to be effective in helping patients make permanent changes and more effectively manage their illness.

Complications of Psychosis

Psychosis does not have many medical complications. However, if left untreated, it can make it hard for the people with this disorder to take good care of themselves. That could cause other illnesses to go untreated.

Is It Possible to Recover from Psychosis?

Most people who experience psychosis will recover with proper treatment. Even in severe cases, medication and therapy can help people live normal lives.

How To Feel Happy and Stress-Free

“No yesterdays are ever wasted for those who give themselves to today.” ~Brendan Francis
Anyone can be mindful for a moment or two, but developing your mindfulness muscle means that you have to take things to a higher level.
In today’s world it’s all too easy to get distracted from what’s truly important. Wherever you go, and whatever you do, you see messages designed to get you to perform a specific action and distract you from the fact that you are already whole.
There are no reminders to be mindful unless we create them.
The responsibility is in your hands. Staying in the present moment can dramatically reduce stress, increase your happiness, and give you bursts of insight that might change your life.
Ever since I’ve started becoming aware of my thoughts and staying in the now, my life has improved significantly, and I know yours will, too.
Here are a few down-to-earth tips on how to become more mindful:

1. Notice your tendencies.

You and I, we both have our unique tendencies that distract us from the present moment. I’m a worrier, so I tend to think about the future and try to solve problems before they even happen.
What are your tendencies? What kind of thoughts tend to rob you of the now?
These questions will help you become more mindful about what is going on in your head, which in turn leads to mindfulness.
A few examples of tendencies that are very common are:

• anxiety
• worry
• regret
• guilt
• fear
• pleasure seeking

A great tip is to write down your tendencies and how they tease you out of the now. Grab a piece of pen and paper, and just do it.

2. Practice acceptance.

Once you start becoming mindful of your tendencies, it’s crucial that you don’t judge yourself. Practice acceptance and embrace who you are.
The tendencies you have are there for a reason. They are signposts pointing to the areas of your life that need attention.
If you’re a chronic worrier, you need to start noticing whenever you begin drifting to the future. Become mindful, observe your thoughts, and breathe.
We believe our thoughts to be the authority on life, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Our thoughts are just thoughts.

3. Focus on your breath.

Your breath is a powerful and simple way to anchor yourself in the present moment. Whenever you are having a hard time staying in the now, take deep breaths, and focus on your breathing.
You could even count your breaths. Something I like to do is count to four on the inhale and four on the exhale.
It focuses the logical part of my brain on counting and allows me to focus on my breath. After a while I can release the crutch of counting and just be.

4. Question your thoughts.

Your thoughts aren’t always right. In fact, they are rarely right, especially if they make you feel bad.
Question your thoughts constantly. When you start to feel negative emotions, use it as a reminder to examine what thoughts are causing the commotion.
Most people walk around all day letting negative thoughts cause negative feelings. We both know that nothing good can come out of this.
It takes discipline to be mindful, but the rewards are peace and happiness. Even researchers are discovering the power of emotions. Negative emotions not only have the power to make you feel bad, but can affect your physical health as well.
Whenever a negative thought arises, take a step back, and look at if the thought is true.

5. Use reminders.

Another great way to stay anchored in the now is to use reminders. It can be as simple as tying a white string around your wrist.
Each time you look at the white string, you are reminded of the present moment. Are you in the now, or are you somewhere else?
There are no limits to what you can use as a reminder. If you want to take this even further, you can add a new reminder each week.
Start using external reminders such as red cars, billboards, and so on. If you keep doing this, you will be astonished at the results.

6. Be determined.

Increasing the time you spend in the present moment can be a lot of work. If you’re serious about becoming more mindful, you have to be determined.
There will be times when you feel like you want to throw in the towel. You will face challenges, obstacles, and problems.
But if you’re determined, you will get through them. They are nothing but teachers on your path.
When you make becoming more mindful one of your main goals, you simply cannot fail.

7. Follow your passion.

I have noticed that the more I follow my passion and my hearts deepest desire, the more I am able to stay in the now.
I enjoy every second of every minute when I’m working on something I love. My heart buzzes with joy and I feel amazing.
Writing is one of my passions. I love helping people improve their life. It makes me come alive, and it keeps me in the present moment.
Inspiration flows effortlessly, and it’s almost like I am channeling someone else as I am writing. Find your passion and go after it.
Becoming more mindful is done step-by-step. You do not have to go all-in. You only have to increase the amount of time you spend in the present moment each and every day.

If you do that, it’s impossible for you not to become a mindfulness master.

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Major depressive disorder (MDD) (also known as recurrent depressive disorder, clinical depression, major depression, unipolar depression, or unipolar disorder) is a mental disorder characterized by an all-encompassing low mood accompanied by low self-esteem, and by loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. This cluster of symptoms (syndrome) was named, described and classified as one of the mood disorders in the 1980 edition of the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual. The term "depression" is ambiguous. It is often used to denote this syndrome but may refer to other mood disorders or to lower mood states lacking clinical significance. Major depressive disorder is a disabling condition that adversely affects a person's family, work or school life, sleeping and eating habits, and general health. In the United States, around 3.4% of people with major depression commit suicide, and up to 60% of people who commit suicide had depression or another mood disorder.^[1]
The diagnosis of major depressive disorder is based on the patient's self-reported experiences, behavior reported by relatives or friends, and a mental status examination. There is no laboratory test for major depression, although physicians generally request tests for physical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. The most common time of onset is between the ages of 20 and 30 years, with a later peak between 30 and 40 years.^[2]
Typically, patients are treated with antidepressant medication and, in many cases, also receive psychotherapy or counseling, although the effectiveness of medication for mild or moderate cases is questionable.^[3] Hospitalization may be necessary in cases with associated self-neglect or a significant risk of harm to self or others. A minority are treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The course of the disorder varies widely, from one episode lasting weeks to a lifelong disorder with recurrent major depressive episodes. Depressed individuals have shorter life expectancies than those without depression, in part because of greater susceptibility to medical illnesses and suicide. It is unclear whether or not medications affect the risk of suicide. Current and former patients may be stigmatized.
The understanding of the nature and causes of depression has evolved over the centuries, though this understanding is incomplete and has left many aspects of depression as the subject of discussion and research. Proposed causes include psychological, psycho-social, hereditary, evolutionary and biological factors. Certain types of long-term drug use can both cause and worsen depressive symptoms. Psychological treatments are based on theories of personality, interpersonal communication, and learning. Most biological theories focus on the monoamine chemicals serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, which are naturally present in the brain and assist communication between nerve cells.