‘Schizophrenic Social’ 2023 pencil and pen. 29.7x42cm
As a therapist, I work with adults living with complex mental health challenges. I felt inspired recently to reflect on a particular disorder that is commonly experienced by the people I work with- and that is schizophrenia. I figured this artwork would be a great opportunity to shed some light on this disorder; or at least; what I have observed about its symptoms in the therapy space.
The DSM5 (diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders) states that the five key symptoms of schizophrenia are:
delusions
hallucinations
disorganized speech
disorganized or catatonic behavior
negative symptoms (not expressing any feelings or emotions)
As well as these broad categories, symptoms may also look like:
unusual or eccentric behavior, speech, or both
odd thoughts and ideas
inability to distinguish between television or dreams and reality
confused thinking
unexpected academic difficulties
extreme moodiness
changes in personality
signs of paranoia, such as the idea that people are out to get them
severe anxiety and fearfulness
difficulty connecting with peers or keeping friends
increasingly withdrawn or isolated
neglecting personal grooming
Aspects and symptoms that I have observed and highlighted in this drawing:
Social isolation
Distraction/ preoccupation (imagine a room full of people talking to you and then trying to only focus on ONE voice. This is something of what it seems to be like. Like being underwater surrounded by other voices. No wonder it can be challenging to focus on the people in front of you.
Voices. Voices can be experienced as familiar, or strangers, sometimes pleasant, sometimes degrading, sometimes telling you to do something (also known as a command hallucinations- doesn't mean this is acted on), sometimes voices can be louder when a person has an increase of stress. Also to note: one may hear voices for many reasons, not just as a symptom of schizophrenia- More on hearing voices
Paranoia
Lack of solidified identity; that is; some confusion over who you are and who others are- the presence of mental confusion and lack of clarity
MYTHS BUSTED
People with schizophrenia are dangerous - This population are more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators of crime. This disorder alone does not make a person dangerous. This is an unhelpful stereotype perpetuated in popular culture
Schizophrenia is multiple personalities - Not true. Schizophrenia alters a persons perceptions of reality but the disorder in which someone experiences fractures and creation of multiple distinct personalities is called Dissociative Identity Disorder and is a completely unrelated mental health disorder
It is a lifelong and permanent disorder- Schizophrenia is generally managed with a combination of medication and professional therapy- and recovery to live a meaningful life is possible. I have worked with many people who are creative, very intelligent, and are searching for belonging and meaning just like everyone else.
"With the right medicine and therapy, about 25% of people with this disease will recover completely. Another 50% will see some improvement in their symptoms. Many people with the condition can live full, productive lives.” -WebMD myths and facts 2022.
Be kind, be patient, and be gentle with those around you- no matter how they may experience reality.