The symptoms of schizophrenia and the importance of management

Hello. I would like to discuss the symptoms of schizophrenia, one of the mental illnesses, and the best management methods.

 

Because of the career path, I had many opportunities to meet and converse with many schizophrenia patients at a psychiatric hospital. A long time ago, I also worked as a caregiver in a psychiatric ward, so I was able to interact with many patients suffering from schizophrenia.

 

I believe many people have a sense of rejection towards schizophrenia. This is because, in society, cases of patients with schizophrenia often lead to tragic incidents due to improper management. As a result, innocent citizens suffer, making the very word "schizophrenia" itself frightening and something to be avoided.

 

Schizophrenia can be divided into positive and negative symptoms. Unlike negative symptoms, which mainly involve dulled emotions, social withdrawal, and loneliness, positive symptoms include hallucinations such as auditory and visual hallucinations, delusions, agitation, and violent behaviors. In some cases, loud shouting and bizarre behaviors occur due to auditory hallucinations, which can lead to terrible accidents.

 

 

The issue is the management of patients with schizophrenia. There are no major problems while they are hospitalized in the psychiatric ward. Since medication is administered daily under the supervision of medical staff, they are well managed. However, many problems arise when they leave the hospital and re-enter society.

 

After discharge, the most important aspect for patients with schizophrenia is medication management. Schizophrenia occurs when the balance of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, is disrupted, so medication treatment is fundamental and essential. Symptoms need to be managed with medication, and while it is fortunate if there is family support in society, individuals who are alone often cannot manage their condition, leading to recurring symptoms, which in turn causes problems to reoccur and often results in readmission.

 

 

The re-admission rate within 7 days after discharge is 17%, within 30 days is 27%, and within 3 months is 36%, indicating that managing patients becomes really difficult once they are back in society.

 

Schizophrenia, which is most commonly diagnosed in late adolescence to early adulthood when brain maturation is in its final stage, is a mental illness that, if not treated early, can become chronic and require lifelong management.

 

 

In the nation and society, it is most important to seek ways to ensure that patients with schizophrenia are well managed and able to engage in positive activities, so that no harm comes to the individuals with schizophrenia as well as to citizens. I have observed and felt this firsthand.