Let's Talk Life - Helping my schizophrenic daughter

Dear Counsellor,

My daughter has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and has dropped out of school. She is very bright and was doing well at school. Her school performance deteriorated over one term and she became withdrawn and started to talk foolishness. At first, everyone thought that she was just depressed, but the paranoia and the auditory hallucinations became quite prominent. She is now traumatised by the illness and worries a lot. She is complaining that she has no friends and her peers have all gone ahead. Her memory and concentration are poor and she cannot focus for long.

- Anna

Dear Anna,

Schizophrenia is usually diagnosed in the adolescent period. One per cent of the population gets schizophrenia and it affects boys and girls. Some patients become depressed or anxious after the acute episode of the illness. During the episodes, patients become fearful and agitated because they are scared of the psychotic symptoms. Psychosis can be treated, and usually, the patients need to stay on the medication for a while. The brain starts to malfunction and the patients start seeing things and hearing voices. Calming the patient is very important as the experience is a terrifying one.

There are several medications on the market and the doctor usually experiments with them to find the right fit. The rehabilitation period can be a long one. As she said, her peers are now gone and she finds herself friendless. People are scared of schizophrenia and have difficulty dealing with it.

Steady decline

In some patients, the progression is a slow steady decline in functioning. The individuals know something is wrong but cannot understand the process. Stress can make the illness get worse, so stress management and relationship building are key processes. Ignoring the voices and distracting herself with other activities are things that she will have to do. Reaching out to others and making friends are skills she will have to relearn and put to good use. She cannot focus only on her illness as there are other things that she will need to do.

The family will need to stick with the psychiatrist and follow instructions given. The medications can be problematic as she might gain weight. Weight management and nutrition are part of the management of schizophrenia. Have hope as all is not lost.

Email questions and feedback for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602.