Healthcare Professional:
If you are a healthcare professional seeking more information on the treatment option Reagila® (cariprazine) for the treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients then please register here for further clinical and practical information.
Patient:
If you or one of your loved ones is suffering from schizophrenia and you are looking for more information about schizophrenia or the current treatment options we advise you to seek contact with your local healthcare professional.
In addition you can read the information below.
Overview Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia can be defined as a severe mental disorder which affects behaviours, thoughts and emotions. You may only notice the first symptoms around teenage or adult years, but it actually begins a lot earlier in life.1
Men are likely to start showing symptoms between 15-25 years of age, whereas this normally happens later in life for women (35-45). However, schizophrenia is diagnosed consistently across genders and cultures.2
Over 21 million people are living with schizophrenia worldwide, and it’s more common in men than women.3
Schizophrenia has a wide range of symptoms which can be identified, but they can ultimately be grouped into categories: positive (like hallucinations and delusions), negative (linked to poor expressiveness and motivation) and cognitive (difficulties with organising thoughts and making plans).4
How can I help someone with schizophrenia?
If someone you know has schizophrenia, it is not always easy to know how to help. But there are many different things that you can do. Remember it can be distressing looking after someone suffering from a mental disorder, so keep in mind the following:
• Their schizophrenia is not your fault
• Their schizophrenia is not their fault
• You cannot cure their illness
• Their beliefs or hallucinations seem very real to them
• The person is not the disorder
• Even the best can make mistakes
1. Find out more about schizophrenia
Learning about schizophrenia is important in order to understand the phases, the symptoms and what a person may be going through. There is a lot of wrong information around schizophrenia so take time to find out what is myth and what is truth.
2. Know the signs that they are relapsing
Everyone with schizophrenia has different symptoms and courses of disease. By recognising the signs that someone with schizophrenia may be becoming unwell, you can help them to manage their illness. Look out for:6
• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety or stress
• Disturbed sleep
• A feeling of suspicion or fear
• Worrying about people’s motives
• Hearing quiet voices now and again
• Difficulty concentrating
If you recognise these signs, make sure that they have access to their medication and consider seeking extra support.
3. Seek all the specialised help you can
There are a lot of support and services out there for people living with schizophrenia. The more professional advice you have access to, the easier it can be in the tougher periods
4. Make sure they are taking their medication
It is important for people with schizophrenia to take their medication as prescribed. This can help to prevent relapse.6 When they are feeling well, try to set up a routine to follow. Work together to overcome any forgetfulness that they may experience.
5. Making sure their loved one is safe
Someone with schizophrenia may find
it difficult to think clearly and take care
of themselves or others.5 If they have a dependant, you may be able to help out by assisting with everyday tasks like housework or shopping. You could also just check in to make sure they are ok.
6. Help them find meaningful occupations and learn new skills
It is important to focus on the positives, the things they enjoy or are good at. Try setting small realistic goals and helping
to find jobs or skills that are manageable and meaningful. Remember that difficulty concentrating is a symptom of schizophrenia and so it is important to be patient.5
7. Look after yourself
It is never easy watching someone you know experience schizophrenia. Make sure that you pay attention to your own needs and take time for yourself.
• Find someone to talk to about your feelings
• Stay in touch with friends and family members
• Don’t take hurtful behaviour and words personally
Look for institutional resources and mental health charities that operate in your area.
References
1. ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders https://icd.who.int/browse10/2016/en#/ F20. Accessed July 2019
2. Mathews M. Schizophrenia and Acute Psychosis. August 2013
3. WHO schizophrenia fact sheet https://www.who. int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia. Accessed July 2019
4. NIH. Mental Health Information. Schizophrenia. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/ schizophrenia/index.shtml Accessed July 2019
5. NIMH, Schizophrenia, 2016. https://www.nimh. nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml [Accessed Jul 2019]
6. NHS, Living with schizophrenia, 2016. https:// www.nhs.uk/conditions/schizophrenia/living-with/ [Accessed Jul 2019]