Schizophrenia A Debilitating Psychotic Disorder

Schizophrenia A Debilitating Psychotic Disorder

Schizophrenia is a debilitating psychotic disorder of the brain that is thought to affect one percent of the global human population. The International Institute of Mental Health, describes Schizophrenia as. ”A chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that has affected people throughout history.”

We know that schizophrenia has been around for a long time.  It can affect anyone at any time and there’s no social standing, religion or race associated with the disorder.  For some people managing their schizophrenia successfully may mean slowing down, taking different medications, monitoring their diet more carefully and reducing their workload from what they’re accustomed, thus reducing the stress. Schizophrenia is thought to have a genetic component making the disease hereditary but this is not always the case for some of those who have been diagnosed with the disorder.

The Schizophrenia Research Institute  states “Just as no two people are the same, no two people with schizophrenia will present with precisely the same physical or neurobiological attributes. Some patients may have delusions and hallucinations; others will experience a decreased range of emotional affect, or cognitive deficits that disturb memory and language.”

Schizophrenia in Children

Childhood Schizophrenia is uncommon, however, it does occur and is best caught early. Children with schizophrenia can have hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking which can impair their ability to function by having an affect on their reality early on in life. Most cases of Schizophrenia aren’t detected until a teen or an adult has begun experiencing symptoms like delusions and hallucinations, making the disease difficult to treat at times due to the disease’s progression, making early detection ideal for the treatment of Schizophrenia.

Christian Attitudes Toward Schizophrenia

Christians often view the disorder as being solely a demonic spiritual disease. A mental illness like Schizophrenia, or any other kind, explicitly means that the person who has it is unwell and is afflicted with a malady of some sort.  Jesus would view others who were carrying an illness compassionately, as we ought to be doing, with the love of Christ because they are unwell, despite the cause and nature of the illness. Supporting others is at the very heart of mercy, compassion and grace. God loves the person with Schizophrenia as much as he loves a cancer patient, a diabetic or an addict for that matter. We Christian’s also can’t afford to be judgmental of the many people sitting in church waiting to be healed from their illnesses.

We achieve results by giving others our support, not with our indifference or prejudices.  Be like the good Samaritan who did the right thing according to the parable Jesus used in Luke 10-25-37. 

Below in an excerpt from ‘Does the Bible mention schizophrenia? we learn of attitudes believers can have towards Schizophrenia.

“Believers should be filled with compassion for those suffering from schizophrenia. We can think of it as a prison of the mind. People with schizophrenia and their families typically lack support from both the Christian and medical communities because neither has all the answers. Because the disorder has no definite scientific explanation, Christians often blame sin and withdraw from the schizophrenic and his loved ones. The church should minister to everyone, including persons with schizophrenia and their families. Those who struggle with mental illness should be considered part of a mission field. They need the gospel to help them understand where God fits into the picture and that there is hope in Jesus.

Although the Bible does not specifically address brain or psychological problems, it does refer to people being healed of all types of maladies. The Lord works not only through miracles, but also through medications, surgeries, counselling, and environmental changes.

• He does not want anyone to remain in hopeless suffering, and He calls all to come to Him with their burdens to find life (Matthew 11:28-30).
• The Lord also calls His children to extend love and the gospel to those who hurt, especially those who are the most vulnerable (James 2:1-4).
• The Bible says anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13). Those who suffer with schizophrenia can have hope in Jesus for life more abundant (John 10:9-11). The Lord can use all things for their good.”

Diagnosing Schizophrenia

Diagnosis should only be attained from a mental health professional and if symptoms are present in an adults or children a diagnosis can help by improving the quality of life and most of the time returning the ability to function for the patient. Medication and / or other treatments may be given by the practitioner.

by Sandra ciminelli
Cred. Dip.Couns. (Christian)

Want to support others in their quest to regain their quality of life? 

Learn to confidently provide spiritual, emotional and mental health support to others by gaining counselling skills. Equip yourself to address the myriad of issues vast amounts of people face daily. Study our accredited and contextualised counselling courses that won’t contradict the bible. The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling provides church leaders, clergy and all Christians over 18 years of age with counselling skills and ethical boundaries. Book a face to face information session, download the course guide and enrol online.

Sources:

Bible Gateway – Luke 10: 25-37 – The Good Samaritan.

Got Questions – Living Successfully with Schizophrenia – CEO, S. Michael Houdmann. https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-schizophrenia.html 
Schizophrenia Research Institute: http://www.schizophreniaresearch.org.au/
International Institute of Mental Health: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml#part_145430
Mental Health Daily: http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/03/26/famous-people-with-schizophrenia-list-of-schizophrenic-celebrities/

Brain Behaviour and research foundation: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4fhqXpIi7pcpyRd13Z1WQA