| Young people
Some
information on the onset of schizophrenia:
The age of onset for schizophrenia is usually between 15 to 34 years but
the majority of people will be identified as having the illness between
the ages of 17 and 20. When people think of schizophrenia, often the symptoms
that come to mind are paranoia, hallucinations, delusions. In fact, the
majority of people who suffer, or will suffer, from schizophrenia usually
exhibit early indicative signs of the illness preceding these symptoms.
Something’s
not quite right
The ‘something’s not quite right’ phase often precedes
psychosis. Many illnesses have early warning signs before they become
full blown, like chest pains before a heart attack. Similarly, schizophrenia
also has early warning signs. Often these signs are telltale - deviations
from normal thinking, feeling or behavior. This is often known as the
‘something’s not quite right’ phase because family and
friends usually notice something different but are unable to pinpoint
the problem. For the majority of people this stage could last for up to
2 years.
Here are some
early indicative signs of Schizophrenia:
- Suspiciousness
- Tension
- Excessive
risk-taking behaviour
- Palpitations
- Irritability
- Memory or
concentration difficulties
- Depressed
mood
- Headaches
- Mood Swings
- Decline in
functioning
- Rapid or
persistent behavioural change
- Intrusive
or worrying thoughts
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- Anxiety
- Appetite
changes
- Deterioration
of work and study
- Loss of energy
or motivation
- Anger
- Emerging
unusual beliefs
- Withdrawal
and loss of interest in socializing
- Feelings
of hopelessness
- Hazardous
substance abuse
- Sleep Disturbance
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So
What? Why intervene early?
Early intervention is the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness
at the ‘something’s not quite right stage’.
Imagine
someone who has gone through two years of social withdrawal and disorganised
thoughts. This could result in a loss of friends or relationships, disruptions
to work or school. Not only would this interrupt development but it
can also cause incalculable distress on the individual, their family
and friends.
It
has been shown that early intervention can result in a more rapid and
complete recovery as well as a decreased risk and severity of relapse.
This would naturally reduce the impact this illness would have. How
can we not intervene early?
Complications
Before running off and thinking everyone you know seems to be exhibiting
early signs of schizophrenia, keep in mind that these very same signs
can also be a natural part of growing up and life events. If you remember,
the average age of onset coincides with puberty, transition to the work
force, starting a family. It is important to take these other factors
into consideration.
What
can I do if I think someone is exhibiting the early signs?
If you are concerned about yourself or someone you know, or simply want
more information, you can contact:
-
Your
local GP.
-
Your
local Community Health Centre which should have a mental health specialist
(you can get their number by calling the Schizophrenia Fellowship)
-
The
Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW Inc. on
(02) 9879 2600.
Help
I’m in a crisis situation!
Please make note of the following numbers to call:
Kids Help Line (24 hour) 1800 55 1800
Life Line (24 hour) 13 1114
On Fire! Our program for young carers. The Schizophrenia Fellowship works in partnership with ON FIRE! which
is a program that promotes the mental health and wellbeing of young people
living in Sydney, whose parents or siblings have mental health issues.
Links
You can
also access the following links for more information on schizophrenia
and the services available to you.
Links to get you started:
More links to
follow-up:
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