Information about schizophrenia for consumers and carers

1 Schizophrenia booklet – version 4 – August 2021

Deafness and Mental Health Statewide Consultation and Liaison Service

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Deafness and Mental Health Statewide Consultation and Liaison Service ______________________________________________

Schizophrenia Information about schizophrenia for consumers and carers


Deafness and Mental Health Statewide Consultation and Liaison Service 2


This booklet was developed by the Statewide Deafness and Mental Health Service and other stakeholders to be used as a resource in educating people about schizophrenia.

Information was sourced from: • Atkinson, J.R., et al. (2007). “Exploring the

perceptual characteristics of voice-hallucinations in Deaf People.” Cognitive Neuropsychiatry 12 (4): 339-361.

• National Mental Health Strategy Literature.

Illustrations and images were sourced from:

• Glickman, N. & Gulati, S. (Eds.). (2003). Mental Health Care of Deaf People: A culturally affirmative approach. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

• Glickman, N. (2009). Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Deaf and Hearing Persons with language and learning challenges. New York: Routledge Publishers.

• Microsoft Office Clip Art, 2010.


Deafness and Mental Health Statewide Consultation and Liaison Service


What’s in this booklet?

What is Schizophrenia?............................4

How and when does it happen?...............5

Early signs…………………………………………….. 6

Symptoms……………………………………………..7

Why does Schizophrenia happen?.........14

Treatments………………………………………….18

Important to remember………………………21

If you need help…………………………………..22




1% of the population have schizophrenia

What is Schizophrenia?

1 in 100 people have schizophrenia

How many people have schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that interferes with the mental (Brain) functioning of a person




Usually it starts in teens or early adulthood It may last a short time (acute)

Few months

Or for life (chronic)

It may happen quickly over several weeks

Or it may happen slowly over a few weeks

How and when does it happen?




Person often withdraws

Gets depressed

Gets anxious It develops from extreme fears or

obsessions e.g. checking things or writing

lots of notes about things

Early signs




I am the King or Queen I am rich

Someone is watching me

Someone is trying to hurt me

1. Delusions Delusions are false beliefs. You believe it is true but really it is not true.

Symptoms




The TV is talking to me I am God

They want to hurt me They talk about me




I hear voices but other people can’t hear them

I feel things but nothing is there

I see things but nothing is there

2. Hallucinations




Confused, can’t think properly

Can’t concentrate

3. Thought disorder




Thoughts are taken from mind

Think fast, talk fast

Lots of thoughts




4. Other symptoms

No interest in things you normally enjoy, no

motivation

Socially isolated, want to stay home

Lack of insight, talk rubbish, but think

nothing is wrong with you

A blunted affect with no emotion

on face




Possible causes include:

1. Genetic factors

• if one parent has schizophrenia, then the child has 10% chance of developing it

• if both parents have schizophrenia, then the child has up to 40% chance

Why does Schizophrenia happen?




2. Biochemical factors

• certain substances (neurotransmitter) in the brain may cause a chemical imbalance

• e.g. maybe the brain has too much or not enough of the neurotransmitter called ‘dopamine’

• medications can help fix this problem




3. Drug use

• Cannabis

• LSD

• other illegal drugs




Stress at work Bullying

Worry about money Stressful relationships

4. Environmental factors

Stressful events may make schizophrenia worse.

Cause or result of illness? Not sure!




1. Medication

Medication can include:

• tablets

• capsules

• wafers

• injections

• liquid

What treatment can help?




2. Professional help or counselling

Regular contact with professionals:

• doctor

• psychologist

• mental health workers

• counselling/talk therapies




3. Other supports

• good friends

• family

• priest or pastor at church

• community support e.g. Deaf society, Centrelink, Lifeline




• Schizophrenia can happen to anyone

• it can be treated

• effective treatment can assist the person in leading a productive life

Remember




If you need help

Talk with:

• your doctor

• Psychologist/counsellor

• Youth support centres

• Deaf services

• book an interpreter




Contact the Deafness and Mental Health Service: SMS: 0419 023 883

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/referrals/statewide-specialist-services/deafness-and-mental-health

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/referrals/statewide-specialist-services/deafness-and-mental-health






Notes




Disclaimer

The material and information in this booklet is for educational purposes only. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by clinicians, but to assist Deaf people and other low language users with understanding health issues. Consumers should review the information with their professional health care provider. The Deafness and Mental Health Service will not be held liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising there from.

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Information about schizophrenia for consumers and carers