Schizophrenia for us

The following test is for us to see if we or somebody else we know may have symptoms commonly associated with schizophrenia. Answer the questions or statements below with true, false or maybe.

  1. I hear or see things that others could not hear or see.

  2. I feel that others control what I think and feel.

  3. Others don't believe me when I tell them the things I see and hear.

  4. I can't trust what I am thinking because I don't know if it's real or not.

  5. I have magical powers that nobody else has or can.

  6. I talk to another person or other people inside my head that nobody else can hear.

  7. I believe in global warming.
If you answered true in the first six statements, it doesn't mean that you or somebody you knew is suffering from Schizophrenia. But if you have concerns regarding your mental health or that of the person you knew, you might want to consider making an appointment with a mental health professional, more than likely a shrink. Forget about the seventh statement. Global warming has nothing to do with Schizophrenia. The disorder is however largely shrouded in myths, stereotypes and stigma. For instance, many would equate people suffering from schizophrenia with violence and criminals.

The movie "A Beautiful Mind" starring Russel Crowe brilliantly depicted the disorder.

As would be home health care partners, our job however is not to diagnose our patients as schizophrenic or psychotics. But nn order to emphatize more with our clients diagnosed with Schizophrenia, we must at least have some understanding about their illness. Schizophrenia is characterized by at least 2 of the following symptoms:

  • delusions

  • hallucinations

As with other psychological disorders, experts believe that schizophrenia is a complex interplay of genetics, brain chemistry and structure and environment. There are 5 types of schizophrenia:



  1. Paranoid schizophrenia which is characterized by auditory hallucinations and delusions about persecution or conspiracy.

  2. Disorganized schizophrenia which is the disruption of thought processes

  3. Catatonic schizophrenia where individuals might assume odd positions, continously repeat what others are saying or imitate another person's movement.

  4. Undifferentiated schizophrenia where the symptoms don't exactly fit the criteria of other kinds of schizophrenia

  5. Residual schizophrenia where a person no longer exhibit the symptoms or the symptoms are no longer as severe.

The disorder is successfully managed with medication, psychotherapy and family support. Home health workers are involved in the coping guidelines for the family. These are:



  1. Establishing a daily routine for the patient to follow.

  2. Helping the patient stay on the medication.

  3. Keeping the communication lines open about the fears and problems the patient may have.

  4. Understanding that caring for the patient can be emotionally and physically exhausting so the support would a team effort with the family.

  5. Being patient and calm.

  6. Asking for help or respite.








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