Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that impacts the way a person perceives information, thinks, feels and behaves.  Symptoms typically start between ages 16 and 30.   However, in some rare cases the disorder can start in childhood after a normal period of development.  Issues related to the disorder seem to worsen and improve over time in cycles known as relapses and remissions. The Symptoms associated with schizophrenia are evidenced in one or more of the following five areas:

• Delusions – These are unwarranted beliefs that are implausible and resistant to change despite conflicting evidence.  For example, a belief that one’s thoughts have been taken over by aliens and wearing aluminum foil on the head helps deflect the intrusion.

• Hallucinations – These include unwarranted perceptions that occur without external stimuli.  For example, visual hallucination may include seeing people or objects that are not there.

• Formal Thought Disorder – This is demonstrated (i.e., inferred) by disorganized speech that is nearly incomprehensible.  For example, this may include things such as an inability to come to a point, creating new words and speaking in seemingly random collection of words.

• Abnormal Motor Behavior- Some individuals with schizophrenia may become agitated or display strange postures or movements.  For instance, some people may maintain peculiar or inappropriate posture for long periods of time.

• Negative Symptoms ­- Basically “Negative” refers to not seeing things that people normally do.  That is, symptoms represent a reduction of emotional responsiveness, motivation, socialization, and speech. For example, this may include things such as reduced expression of emotions via facial expression or voice tone.

Because the cause of schizophrenia is not known, the emphasis is on reducing the symptoms with treatments and services.  As noted above, schools provide services to students with special needs via special education or the Americas with Disabilities Act.  Services that are often provided to assist with the symptoms include specialized academic instruction and individual counseling.  If you suspect that your child has schizophrenia, you can speak to a school site principal about a referral or contact the Guidance and Learning Center at 559-305-7171. 

Individuals with schizophrenia often do not recognize the challenges they have and the stress that their symptoms may have on others.  This can be particularly difficulty for family/caregivers.  Providing for someone who does unusual things and/or makes strange or false statements can lead to frustration and resentment.  It is important to remember, as we attempt to help, that a person with schizophrenia is not behaving bizarrely intentionally and the cause does appear to be related to brain chemistry.  Additionally, the lack of self-awareness that often accompanies schizophrenia means that family will likely need to insist that their child visit the doctor.  After being evaluated by the doctor, antipsychotic medication may be prescribed, which is one of the most effective treatments for schizophrenia.

The following links may be helpful with providing additional information:

National Institute of Mental Health - [CLICK HERE]

Mayo Clinic [CLICK HERE]

National Alliance on Mental Illness [CLICK HERE]

PSYCHU CLICK HERE