Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that presents the most challenges for mental health professionals to recover from. With various existing therapeutic modalities, it turns out that schizophrenia can be recovered, so that people with schizophrenia can function, be productive and be independent.

May 24 is celebrated as World Schizophrenia Day. Schizophrenia is a chronic, serious mental disorder that affects a person's life functions. Schizophrenic disorders are characterized by the appearance of psychotic symptoms, namely symptoms of difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not real (impaired assessment of reality).

What causes schizophrenia?

The cause of this disorder is an imbalance of biochemical substances (neurotransmitters) in the patient's brain nerves. Some things that can cause balance disorders include:

Genetic factors, those who have family members who suffer from mental problems/disorders are more susceptible to schizophrenia;
Previous serious illnesses such as seizures, thyroid disease, history of head trauma; drug use;
Tough life situations that become psychological stressors such as disappointment, unfulfilled desires, loss, etc.

What are the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia?

Schizophrenic disorders are characterized by several changes in the attitudes, behavior and thoughts of sufferers, namely

1. There are hallucinations

Like hearing whispers, seeing shadows, smelling smells, feeling something on his skin, feeling tastes on his tongue, all of which have no source;

2. There are delusions/delusions

Wrong beliefs/perceptions such as: believing that someone wants to kill/do evil, believing that someone is watching him, talking about him, feeling that he is a great figure and has certain powers, excessive jealousy/suspiciousness;

3. The conversation is incoherent/incoherent

It is difficult for the person concerned to understand what we are talking about and vice versa;

4. Unstable emotions

Sometimes he gets angry, he can also isolate himself, he doesn't want to socialize

5. Disorders of cognitive function

Decreased ability to focus, concentrate, memory, solve problems, psychomotor and verbal fluency

All the symptoms above are the result of chemical processes that occur in the brain's nerves.

What are the myths about schizophrenia?

Some myths or wrong opinions in society are that schizophrenia is a cursed disease, the result of black magic, witchcraft, lack of faith, made up. Based on medical research, it is clear that this is a medical disease which, if treated quickly and appropriately, can provide the desired cure.

Living with people with schizophrenia is not impossible because every patient has the hope of recovery if they follow the therapeutic strategies provided.

How can schizophrenia be cured?

There are 3 pillars of schizophrenia management, namely:

1. Pharmacology (medicines)

The drugs given are included in the anti-psychotic group, namely drugs which, when used, can re-stabilize the chemicals in the sufferer's brain. There are 2 classes of drugs used, namely the old generation and the new generation, which have the same benefits/efficacy, only differing in side effects and therapeutic spectrum. Giving anti-psychotic drugs for schizophrenia can be done in several ways, namely: oral tablets and syrup, short-term injections, and long-term injections.

2. Psychotherapy (conversation therapy)

Psychotherapy is a form of conversational therapy. Schizophrenic patients need productive and constructive conversations to change their perspective on things so that they can have a new way of thinking in facing life.

3. Psychosocial rehabilitation (restores lost functions).

Psychosocial rehabilitation plays an important role in schizophrenia therapy because patients usually have many disabilities that prevent them from being able to carry out their lives properly, the ability to take care of themselves, communicate and plan things. Psychosocial rehabilitation consists of various program efforts that equip patients with schizophrenia to be able to return to society and function and be productive in their lives. Some of the therapies provided are social skills training, occupational and vocational training, psychoeducation, cognitive remediation, employment support, etc. All of this will make the patient return to his original function so that a bright future can be achieved.

Living with schizophrenia is not only hope for patients suffering from this disorder but also for families and society. Let's realize together the rights of schizophrenic sufferers and live with them in achieving the hopes they aspire to. Hope is there, let's try, fight, be patient, persevere and focus on achieving recovery.

"Disability is where we start, recovery is our destination and Rehabilitation is the road"

References:

1. Indonesia, Pemerintah LNRIT 2OI4 N 185. Undang Undang Republik Indonesia No 18 Tahun 2014 Tentang Kesehatan Jiwa. 2014.

2. Lieberman JA, Stroup TS, Perkins DO, Dixon LB. Text Book of Schizophrenia. Second edi. Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2020.

3. Liberman RP. Recovery from Disability, Manual of Psychiatric Rehabilitation. First edit. Arlington: American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2008.

4. Robinson DG, Woerner MG, McMeniman M, Mendelowitz A, Bilder RM. Symptomatic and Functional Recovery from a First Episode of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2004;161(3):473–9.