Schizophrenia is often connected with a genetic predisposition, which means that people having relatives with this disorder are at a higher risk of developing it. However, according to APA, scientists do not believe there is a single gene for schizophrenia (Recognizing the signs, 205). The researchers note that there is probably a variety of genes that together with external factors may cause the disease (Recognizing the signs, 205). The development of schizophrenia is also more common for young people. As APA points out, people usually exhibit symptoms in their teens or 20s (Recognizing the signs, 205, para. 2). However, not only young people may have risks of developing schizophrenia.
Although it is uncommon, the disorder may also be diagnosed in people who are older than 40. Mary Langford is one of the participants of the Schizophrenia Oral History Project, where people tell their stories about living with this illness. She developed schizophrenia at the age of 53 as a result of serious stress (DeAngelis, 208). Her condition, in addition to the usual symptoms of schizophrenia, was also complicated by depression and suicidal thoughts. As the article states, when hospitalized, she was treated by electroconvulsive therapy that, however, did not help (DeAngelis, 208). Her way to recovery started after her suicide attem
pt when she tried to drove her car off a cliff and broke her back. Through therapy, medication, and support from her family, she managed to recover from the most serious symptoms (DeAngelis, 208). These ways of the treatment of this illness are among the most common and effective strategies.
There is a myth that the recovery from schizophrenia is very rare. However, as APA notes, evidence now suggests that schizophrenia is a treatable illness and recovery is possible (Recognizing the signs, 205, para. 3). The treatment of schizophrenia usually combines several aspects that may include both psychological and medical approaches. According to APA, one of the main components of the treatment is antipsychotic medications that usually must be taken daily (Recognizing the signs, 205). Psychotherapy is also considered helpful, in many cases allowing people to cope more easily with everyday challenges caused by the disorder. No less important part of the treatment is support and understanding from family and friends. As several studies note, family support helps reduce the risk of relapse and increases the likelihood of patients following medical prescriptions (Recognizing the signs, 205). Thus, the combination of psychotherapy, medications, and family support may be called one of the most effective strategies of the treatment.