1 Schizophrenia booklet – version 4 – August 2021
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Schizophrenia Information about schizophrenia for consumers and carers
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This booklet was developed by the Statewide Deafness and Mental Health Service and other stakeholders to be used as a resource in educating people about schizophrenia.
Information was sourced from: • Atkinson, J.R., et al. (2007). “Exploring the
perceptual characteristics of voice-hallucinations in Deaf People.” Cognitive Neuropsychiatry 12 (4): 339-361.
• National Mental Health Strategy Literature.
Illustrations and images were sourced from:
• Glickman, N. & Gulati, S. (Eds.). (2003). Mental Health Care of Deaf People: A culturally affirmative approach. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Glickman, N. (2009). Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Deaf and Hearing Persons with language and learning challenges. New York: Routledge Publishers.
• Microsoft Office Clip Art, 2010.
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What’s in this booklet?
What is Schizophrenia?............................4
How and when does it happen?...............5
Early signs…………………………………………….. 6
Symptoms……………………………………………..7
Why does Schizophrenia happen?.........14
Treatments………………………………………….18
Important to remember………………………21
If you need help…………………………………..22
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1% of the population have schizophrenia
What is Schizophrenia?
1 in 100 people have schizophrenia
How many people have schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that interferes with the mental (Brain) functioning of a person
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Usually it starts in teens or early adulthood It may last a short time (acute)
Few months
Or for life (chronic)
It may happen quickly over several weeks
Or it may happen slowly over a few weeks
How and when does it happen?
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Person often withdraws
Gets depressed
Gets anxious It develops from extreme fears or
obsessions e.g. checking things or writing
lots of notes about things
Early signs
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I am the King or Queen I am rich
Someone is watching me
Someone is trying to hurt me
1. Delusions Delusions are false beliefs. You believe it is true but really it is not true.
Symptoms
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The TV is talking to me I am God
They want to hurt me They talk about me
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I hear voices but other people can’t hear them
I feel things but nothing is there
I see things but nothing is there
2. Hallucinations
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Confused, can’t think properly
Can’t concentrate
3. Thought disorder
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Thoughts are taken from mind
Think fast, talk fast
Lots of thoughts
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4. Other symptoms
No interest in things you normally enjoy, no
motivation
Socially isolated, want to stay home
Lack of insight, talk rubbish, but think
nothing is wrong with you
A blunted affect with no emotion
on face
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Possible causes include:
1. Genetic factors
• if one parent has schizophrenia, then the child has 10% chance of developing it
• if both parents have schizophrenia, then the child has up to 40% chance
Why does Schizophrenia happen?
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2. Biochemical factors
• certain substances (neurotransmitter) in the brain may cause a chemical imbalance
• e.g. maybe the brain has too much or not enough of the neurotransmitter called ‘dopamine’
• medications can help fix this problem
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Deafness and Mental Health Statewide Consultation and Liaison Service ______________________________________________
3. Drug use
• Cannabis
• LSD
• other illegal drugs
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Stress at work Bullying
Worry about money Stressful relationships
4. Environmental factors
Stressful events may make schizophrenia worse.
Cause or result of illness? Not sure!
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1. Medication
Medication can include:
• tablets
• capsules
• wafers
• injections
• liquid
What treatment can help?
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2. Professional help or counselling
Regular contact with professionals:
• doctor
• psychologist
• mental health workers
• counselling/talk therapies
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Deafness and Mental Health Statewide Consultation and Liaison Service ______________________________________________
3. Other supports
• good friends
• family
• priest or pastor at church
• community support e.g. Deaf society, Centrelink, Lifeline
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• Schizophrenia can happen to anyone
• it can be treated
• effective treatment can assist the person in leading a productive life
Remember
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Deafness and Mental Health Statewide Consultation and Liaison Service ______________________________________________
If you need help
Talk with:
• your doctor
• Psychologist/counsellor
• Youth support centres
• Deaf services
• book an interpreter
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Deafness and Mental Health Statewide Consultation and Liaison Service ______________________________________________
Contact the Deafness and Mental Health Service: SMS: 0419 023 883
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/referrals/statewide-specialist-services/deafness-and-mental-health
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Notes
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Disclaimer
The material and information in this booklet is for educational purposes only. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by clinicians, but to assist Deaf people and other low language users with understanding health issues. Consumers should review the information with their professional health care provider. The Deafness and Mental Health Service will not be held liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising there from.