Lessons from the Tucson killing

Last week, a gruesome act took place in Tucson, Arizona - 20 people injured, six dead. Who is the person who committed this crime? I have never treated this individual, but from all accounts he appears to be suffering from schizophrenia, a brain disorder that affects one in 100 persons.

This disorder is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Scientists are not sure of the cause of this disorder, but it may be inherited, and may be due to brain injury or to an infection that affects the brain.

They hear voices

Someone has schizophrenia when:

1. He/she hear voices or sees things that other persons are not able to hear or see. This is referred to as hallucination.

2. Paranoid ideas. Individuals with schizophrenia have paranoid ideas in which they believe that other people are going to hurt them. They may also believe that people in government are trying to control them or their minds. Common agencies that are blamed for doing this are the CIA and the police.

These persons may also believe that others are discussing them and spying on them and doing harmful things to them such as putting poison in their food or water. Other commonly held beliefs are that people are listening to their conversations, tapping their telephones, watching them on cameras placed in their homes, or controlling them through computers. These individuals are so suspicious that they ascribe meaning to everything and everyone. If a car is parked outside, they will report that someone is following them.

3. Secretive and suspicious: People with schizophrenia become suspicious of others and as a result, they are usually very secretive.

4. Withdrawn: As a result of the suspicious and secretive behaviour, people who are paranoid may not trust anyone and they have very few friends and become withdrawn.

5. Odd behaviours: There is another group of people with with schizophrenia who display odd and strange behaviours, particularly in dress and lifestyle. In extreme cases, persons with schizophrenia may not attend to their hygiene and surroundings.

Ganja and schizophrenia

Many people with schizophrenia also use drugs such as marijuana and alcohol. They use drugs because they make them feel relaxed and happier. Unfortunately, ganja also makes their condition worse.

If you suspect that your relative has schizophrenia, seek the help of a psychiatrist. Many drugs are available to treat schizophrenia, and fortunately, all of these drugs are subsidised in Jamaica under the National Health Fund.

Don't lock them up

Does locking away persons with schizophrenia help? Certainly not. In fact, most persons with schizophrenia can be treated in the community. In Jamaica, there are day centres and group homes to which these persons can go. We also have a local family and support group that meets regularly. For more information call 977-1108.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept. Of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.