Deciphering schizophrenia: It's not easy to understand patient's delusions, but be patient with them

Commonly seen symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions and auditory hallucinations. Individuals may hear voices in their thoughts and experience feelings that seem as if an external force is imposed on them (Image: Canva)

Diving into the American Journal of Psychiatry, you find the tale of an artist, a significant portion of whose oeuvre consisted of drawings of cats. It is speculated that his artwork reflects the different phases of his mental illness as the drawings became progressively unconventional.

It is believed that this artist may have had schizophrenia, a condition characterised by disturbances in language, thinking, social activity and perception. It can arrive in the late years of adolescence and can consequently lead to social withdrawal, delusions and hallucinations.

The causes of schizophrenia may be genetic or environmental, and it can have a sudden or gradual onset.

Commonly seen symptoms include delusions and auditory hallucinations. Individuals may hear voices in their thoughts and experience feelings that seem as if an external force is imposed on them. Perception becomes illogical, and persons with schizophrenia may consider two different things to be the same because of a few similar properties. The fluency of their speech is hampered, which may be followed by an inability to recollect their chain of thought after stopping suddenly.

Some tend to come up with words of their own that do not make sense otherwise.

The delusions a person with schizophrenia has include delusions of persecution, where they believe everyone is against them. A few may complain that an external entity is controlling their actions.

Patients with schizophrenia may consider suicide if hallucinations command them to take such drastic measures or if they painfully become aware of their schizophrenia.

Here is what you can do to help a close one who has schizophrenia:

Validation: While it may not be easy for you to understand the delusions described by your friend/relative who lives with schizophrenia, you can help them by validating their confusion and fear. Their delusions may feel like stories to you, but they’re vividly real to them. Hence, it is helpful to listen to them patiently.

Give them the freedom to express: Persons living with schizophrenia can have unusual speech patterns, where they may use unfamiliar words. You can give them the time and space to express their feelings and thoughts. The conversation may not flow smoothly, but it might help them feel supported.

Keep in touch: Social withdrawal is one of the common symptoms of schizophrenia. Your loved one may only be interested in things they used to love after the onset of the condition. It is essential to stay connected to them and offer emotional support. This can also help you to identify whether they are continuing the treatment and encourage them to do so.

Look out for the danger signs: If your close one shows symptoms of psychosis or if they talk about death or suicide, it is best to get them an appointment with a professional. If they mention harming themselves or going outdoors when they are disoriented, contact their medical caregiver and ask them what needs to be done.

Your compassion and kindness towards a person with schizophrenia may go a long way, and speaking to them calmly, without getting impatient, may be helpful.