The number and severity of these symptoms differ from person to person - although almost everyone mentions "noticeable social withdrawal."
Deterioration of personal hygiene
Depression
Bizarre behaviour
Irrational statements
Sleeping excessively or inability to sleep
Social withdrawal, isolation, and reclusiveness
Shift in basic personality
Unexpected hostility
Deterioration of social relationships
Hyperactivity or inactivity -- or alternating between the two
Inability to concentrate or to cope with minor problems
Extreme preoccupation with religion or with the occult
Excessive writing without meaning
Indifference
Dropping out of activities -- or out of life in general
Decline in academic or athletic interests
Forgetting things
Losing possessions
Extreme reactions to criticism
Inability to express joy
Inability to cry, or excessive crying
Inappropriate laughter
Unusual sensitivity to stimuli (noise, light, colours, (textures)
Attempts to escape through frequent moves or hitchhiking trips
Drug or alcohol abuse
Fainting
Strange posturing
Refusal to touch persons or objects; wearing gloves, etc.
Shaving head or body hair
Cutting oneself; threats of self-mutilation
Staring without blinking -- or blinking incessantly
Flat, reptile-like gaze
Rigid stubbornness
Peculiar use of words or odd language structures
Sensitivity and irritability when touched by others.
Studies show that families who are supportive, non-judgmental, and, most especially, non-critical -- can do much to help patients recover. On the other hand, patients who are around chaotic or volatile family members usually have a more difficult time, and have to return to hospital more often.
Since we now know this, it is important for family members to assess their coping skills and try to anticipate and adapt to the ups and downs of the illness. Calm assurance, assistance, and support from family members can make a difference to the person with schizophrenia.
AGEING PARENTS -- FUTURE PLANS
Encouraging an adult child to live away from home is a loving positive act, not a rejection. For someone with schizophrenia, this can be the first step towards independent living.
Living apart can also mean that the quality of family time spent together is actually better -- resulting in less stress for everyone. No one can be on duty 24 hours a day (doing what three hospital shifts do) and also be emotionally involved, without suffering physical and psychological damage.
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