Schizophrenia Symptoms, Indications, and Difficulties for Women

Everybody occasionally daydreams about the things they once believed would never happen. Imagine situations in which everything appears to be a nightmare or a fairytale. But what if some of us think that the scenarios, inner monologues, and made-up worlds we live in are true to who we are? Imagine not being able to distinguish between imagination and reality.

Schizophrenia feels like this.

What is the schizophrenia?

According to Dr. Nishant, a psychiatrist at Hope Trust, schizophrenic disorders are mental illnesses in which biological and psychosocial factors are significant. Although both men and women are roughly equally likely to develop this disorder, men tend to start earlier. Most research has also demonstrated that females adjust to society more readily than males and exhibit superior premorbid functioning and clinical outcomes.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 24 million people worldwide have schizophrenia. That equates to 1 in 300 persons or roughly 1% of the world’s population. Considering the population, it is equivalent to a startling number in India.

The typical onset of schizophrenia is in late adolescence or early adulthood, with a mean age of 15 to 25 years. Muttering to oneself, strange behaviours, prolonged staring at walls or objects, withdrawing socially, smiling to oneself, hearing voices or seeing things that others cannot hear or see, feeling suspicious, being fearful, having trouble sleeping, poor self-care and self-hygiene, and verbally and physically abusing others are some of the most common symptoms, according to Dr. Nishant.

Causes and effects of schizophrenia in women

Although both men and women are affected by this mental illness, men are undoubtedly affected more frequently than women. Nevertheless, in addition to this mental illness, numerous other factors also affect women.

Gender disparity

“The onset of schizophrenia is usually later in women than in men; the mean age is usually between 25 and 35 years old,” states Dr. Nishant. But cultural factors also contribute to the delay in diagnosis, such as the stigma associated with mental illness, the delay or non-marriage of women receiving treatment for the disease; symptoms may be related to menstruation and go away once it ends, or the woman may be trying to take advantage of the family because her demands are not met.”

Skipping the stigma

There is still a lot of stigma associated with mental health, particularly in rural parts of the nation. But things can get much worse when it comes to rural Indian women who are struggling with mental illnesses. They might not be regarded as sane but perceived as ‘witches’. Also, since people are unaware of the full range of symptoms and effects of the condition, treating these women can become problematic.

An imbalance in neurochemistry

Schizophrenia arises from an imbalance in certain brain chemicals, specifically glutamate, serotonin, and dopamine. These abnormalities may interfere with the brain’s regular processes, resulting in the disorder’s symptoms.

Brain architecture and function

Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia have been shown to have both structural and functional abnormalities in their brains. These anomalies may impact how different brain regions communicate with one another and exacerbate the disorder’s symptoms.

Pregnancy and delivery issues

According to particular research, a fetus’s exposure to stress hormones, oxygen deprivation during birth, and maternal infections during pregnancy may all raise the fetus’s risk of developing schizophrenia in the future. High concentrations of stress hormones, like cortisol, can affect a developing fetus’s brain. Stress hormone levels in the foetus can rise as a result of maternal stress, trauma, or drug or alcohol use during pregnancy. All these raise the fetus’s risk of schizophrenia.

Carers’ burden

Caretakers must tend to women experiencing severe symptoms. They could be distant spouses, siblings, or even immediate family members. Carers must make many decisions, some of which are difficult and some of which are simple.

One of the tough choices that a patient’s family like this must make is whether to marry. It is best to talk to experts about this and consider the advantages and disadvantages before deciding. Similar to this, the patient requires close observation before and immediately following childbirth due to the possibility of relapse and the ensuing neglect of the child. Therefore, in those circumstances, it becomes essential to continue the patient’s specialised care and to have a responsible family member, like a mother, closely monitor them.

According to Dr. Nishant, “Spinsters with the illness may become victims of domestic violence because they become dependent on their siblings. They also run the risk of being abandoned by the family and ending up in a halfway home or mental hospital as they age and become disabled with additional medical issues.”

How can women help manage their symptoms?

Although schizophrenia affects people of all genders, women are more likely to experience social, economic, and physical factors that exacerbate their illness than men. The following actions can assist in overcoming this disorder and improving women’s feelings:

Taking  medication

Doctors usually recommend antipsychotic drugs to treat schizophrenia symptoms.Women should collaborate closely with a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional to determine the appropriate medication and dosage that will minimise side effects and effectively control their symptoms.

Counselling

Women diagnosed with schizophrenia may benefit from a variety of psychotherapy modalities, including family therapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Understanding symptoms, creating coping mechanisms, enhancing social skills, managing stress, and improving general wellbeing are all possible with psychotherapy.

Getting support from loved ones

For females who have schizophrenia, creating a solid support system is essential. Support networks, friends, family, and mental health professionals can offer understanding, motivation, and valuable help. Sharing experiences with others who have similar challenges can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of belonging.

Making lifestyle changes

Taking care of oneself can improve one’s general wellbeing. This includes abstaining from substance abuse, exercising frequently, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep. A regular daily schedule, attainable objectives, and participation in enjoyable and fulfilling activities can all be beneficial.

Learning more about the illness

Acquiring knowledge about schizophrenia, its indications, and available therapies can enable women to take an active role in their own healthcare. Acquiring awareness of their rights and available resources can aid individuals in advocating for suitable assistance and modifications in diverse domains of life, like employment or learning.

Early intervention is always better

For those suffering from mild to severe mental health conditions, therapy is a vital resource. It is not just for people going through a crisis or having severe symptoms. Anyone seeking mental health treatment can benefit from the coping mechanisms, emotional support, and personal development tools that therapists can provide.

The stigma might deter people from going to therapy when early intervention would have been more beneficial—waiting until their condition has gotten worse.

If you or your loved one is experiencing any psychological, emotional or relationship issues, click www.hopetrustindia.com for an online appointment with a therapist.