victor bautista
01/25/12
ENG-105
Mary Mandley

Schizophrenia: Is Recovery a Viable Option? Schizophrenia is a mental illness of chronic nature that affects people of all walks of life. It is estimated that about 1% of Americans suffer from this disease. Though it ranks high in the consciousness of the public very little is known about the illness. The concept of Schizophrenia has caused much mass confusion due to the influence of pharmaceutical companies, media, government, and mental health professionals who have shaped the perception of the public in a negative way. Schizophrenia is not an imposed death sentence in which patients are shackled and placed behind bars for the protection of society, it is a treatable disorder that can be controlled and kept at bay. The motive of this paper is to explain the phenomenon of Schizophrenia and to tackle the two main views associated with the potential satisfactory recovery of the illness. Mental illnesses have existed for many years. Long ago, the people who suffered from mental illnesses, deformities, and mental retardation were all classified into one group; abnormal. Early theories speculated that these people had acquired these “abnormalities” due to their bodies being possessed by evil spirits. These evil spirits would ultimately be exorcised by various methods ranging from submitting the patient to various types of music to dangerously drilling a hole in their skull to free them from evil possession. The act of attributing any form of psychopathology to the spiritual world might seem too far-fetched for the average person, but can disgruntled deities and supernatural forces play a pivotal role in the manifestation of mental illnesses such as Schizophrenia? We hold true the fact that no sin shall go unpunished before the presence of God. However is there not a limit to his mercy? In 1911, the influential Swiss Psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler coined the term that we currently refer to as Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia comes from the roots Schizo (split) and phrene (mind), to describe the fragmented thinking of people with the disorder (John Hopkins Medicine, 2007). Very little is known pertaining to the causes of Schizophrenia, but most scientists believe that its nature derives from genetic and environmental factors. It boggles the mind to discover that after so many years of research professionals have yet to fully unravel the etiology of Schizophrenia. Is it not the will of God for us to know the truth? Maybe the truth is in front of our eyes but we just don’t see it. Nevertheless, Schizophrenia continues to be a reality in the lives of many people. Its symptoms range from simple hallucinations and delusions to apathy and distorted speech. This behavior might seem quite sick and twisted to many people or even crazy for that matter, but whom are we to judge? It is nerve racking how so many people can be cruel and harsh at times. However, caution should be taken wisely for when the symptoms of Schizophrenia are ignored their effects can be detrimental to the patient as well as to their loved ones. Some of these signs might include: drug/alcohol abuse, inability to maintain relationships and thoughts of suicide. Shean (2008) states that ever since Schizophrenia was first diagnosed, it has been thought of as a chronic debilitating disorder with a deteriorating course and little to no hope for sustained recovery. The negative notion that doubts the recoverability of Schizophrenia dates back to Kraepelin; he stated that 75% of the people who suffered from Dementia had the possibility of developing end stage dementia. An exemplary case study that puts in question the recoverability of the disease would be the case of one of the greatest drummers that existed in the 60’s and 70’s, Jim Gordon. Jim Gordon played alongside many famous musicians such as Eric Clapton, the Beach boys and George Harrison. As time went on he developed Paranoid Schizophrenia; an illness consequent of his drug abuse. Upon the acquisition of this illness he began to hear voices that pertained to his mother. The disease overwhelmed him so much that he brutally murdered her in 1983. Gordon faced trial for the murder of his mom which eventually culminated in his conviction. He was sentenced to 16 years behind bars. Gordon spent most of that time in a state hospital; no positive changes were ever noted. Conversely, another argument surfaces on the recoverability of Schizophrenia. Davidson (2008) states that the majority of people that suffer from Schizophrenia are seen to improve. One of the main questions that Schizophrenia sufferers ask is “Is there a cure for Schizophrenia?” Unfortunately, there is not a cure for Schizophrenia but there are many treatments and medications that help patients progress. Antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy and electro shock therapy are among the many options that Schizophrenia sufferers have at their disposal. However, there is an idea that throws me into a state of perturbation… Can medications be trusted? Ever since these so called medications were introduced into the market there has not been a rise in the number of recoverability rates for sufferers of Schizophrenia. Is this reality? Or is it just an overstatement? The health field has literally bamboozled us into over estimating the efficacy of medications. Must I go on? These multi-million dollar conglomerates have violated our innocence in a keen and perspicacious manner. If this were not so, why is it that the negative side effects of many medications outweigh their effectiveness? Why do people with mental illnesses such as Schizophrenia have to acquire other non-related symptoms cause of medication? Self-help is an awesome way to get on the path of recoverability. The will power to step out of one’s own shell and adapt to the changes of the environment is priceless. The ability to re-integrate into the community and achieve a purpose in life rates much acclamation. Again, who am I to judge? People who recover from Schizophrenia usually show no signs of symptoms, maintain a stable life in their communities, and are capable of having positive social interactions with friends and families. A unique case study of the recoverability of Schizophrenia would be that of John Nash. John Nash was a very talented mathematician who was diagnosed with Schizophrenia at a very young age. He had battled with the disease for 30 years before receiving the Nobel Prize in economics. John Nash’s story is told in the 2001 mega hit, “A Beautiful Mind.” In retrospect, Schizophrenia has been a subject that has caused much controversy within the public eye. Many generalizations and myths have surged regarding the workings of Schizophrenia. There are those who regard Schizophrenia as a life altering experience in which the person affected is doomed for life. Supporters of this notion concur that the illness is non-curable and that those affected by it usually have to be hospitalized and quarantined for long periods of time. Moreover, there are those who believe that Schizophrenia is like any other disease which requires constant monitoring and treatment. They affirm that there is hope for people who suffer from the disease and that they can ultimately recover to satisfactory conditions. Regardless to whatever side people choose to take, Schizophrenia continues to be a subject of scrutiny in today’s society. As the stigma of Schizophrenia perseveres, more and more sufferers of the ailment will continue to postpone needed care and treatment for the sake of their pride. It is up to us to take a stand and educate ourselves regarding this phenomenon and impart knowledge and wisdom to those who lack it.

References
John Hopkins Medicine. (2007, April). Retrieved January 18, 2012, from http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/epigen/szwhatis.htm
Davidson, L. (2008). From “Incurable” Schizophrenic to person in recovery: A not so uncommon story. Pragmatic case studies in Psychotherapy, 4, 25-34
Shean, G.D. (2008). Evidence based psychosocial practices and recovery from Schizophrenia. Current Psychiatry reviews, 4, 1-9.