Setting the record straight on schizophrenia

Schizophrenia seems like an unlikely candidate for this column, but then you have to listen to the psychiatrists and psychologists.

Introverts, shy, and non-communicative people are more prone to getting schizophrenia than extroverts, says R. Mangala, psychiatrist, Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF). It is possible, right from an early age to take steps that would lower the chances of schizophrenia, especially in cases where there is a strong familial history.

Better response to treatment

Not only are extroverts less likely to get schizophrenia, but it is also possible that they respond better to treatment once the mental disorder sets in, she goes on to say.

R. Kannamma, clinical psychologist, Southern Railway Headquarters Hospital, says a person who is extremely introverted right from the beginning will definitely have problems in future – in relating to others, bonding with family members, and friends. Their very nature is likely to bring in feelings of distrust and suspicion, and distort their perspective as well, she explains.

“It usually starts at a very young age, though parents possibly see the change only during adolescence. When the child goes silent, parents feel that their ward has become mature, and that is the reason he or she keeps to himself,” Ms. Kannamma says.

A case in point is that of K, a young woman, 32, eldest in the family, who was extremely shy, and introverted. She landed a job in the railways, but found herself in the customer care division.

The going was tough, and a further stress factor – marriage – compounded her anxiety.

Her behaviour became uncontrollable and she needed to be hospitalised.

She also developed the Capgras syndrome – a disorder in which a person is deluded into believing that a friend, spouse or family member has been replaced by a body-double.

Dr. Mangala says the role of the parent is huge in helping prevent a child from developing schizophrenia later in life. “Encourage your children to communicate better; to make more friends; have more outdoor activity,” she advises. These days kids tend to be glued to the computer monitor, television screen, or video games, and it has become all the more important for parents to create social diversions for them.

“First parents must themselves communicate with the kids. Often, in a home where both parents work, it does not happen,” Dr. Mangala says. The family environment must be conducive for the child to be communicative. Unless education becomes a fun activity, the stresses of performing well are likely to push some children off the edge.

Taking failures courageously

“Parents must also teach the child to take failures courageously and stop harping on topping exams and tests,” she adds.

It was to take these messages to the public that SCARF, in association with Southern Railway, organised a day-long awareness programme at the Central Station, here, on the occasion of World Schizophrenia Day on Tuesday. Stalls with posters on various aspects of schizophrenia like signs and symptoms, treatment options, myths, role of family, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the society were set up both at the Central Station and the Mofussil Bus Terminus at Koyambedu too.