How to support a loved one with schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic and complex psychiatric disorder. It manifests through a distorted perception of reality, delusional ideas and/or hallucinations, as well as social and relational isolation.

It is a very heavy burden for both the person suffering from it and their loved ones, who often may not know how to react to the manifestations of the illness.

The role of the patient's close circle is fundamental in the treatment and management of schizophrenia. Indeed, loved ones can greatly help reduce the feeling of isolation experienced by patients. They also play an important role in recognizing the early signs of a relapse or crisis, thereby enabling rapid and effective intervention. Moreover, they can help patients better adhere to their medication and overall care plan.

By being actively involved, loved ones can contribute to improving the quality of life for those with schizophrenia.

But how exactly can they do this?

By learning about the disease

To effectively support a loved one with schizophrenia, it is essential to begin with a good understanding of the illness and its treatments. Engaging in psychoeducational activities and frequently communicating with the healthcare team are excellent ways to learn more.

Psychoeducational measures are part of the therapeutic management of patients and are initiated from the first contact with the patient’s entourage. Healthcare professionals then provide as much information as possible about schizophrenia and its consequences: hygiene and dietary advice on sleep, nutrition, sexuality, reminders of the risks associated with drug use, the side effects of treatments, etc.

Joining an association of relatives and parents of patients with schizophrenia is also a great advantage. Exchanging experiences, participating in meetings and support groups can help in gaining perspective and finding new resources to cope with the illness of a loved one.

By monitoring the evolution of symptoms

Mostly, patients with schizophrenia are not fully aware of their behaviors or delusional ideas. Loved ones can help the medical team assess the schizophrenic person’s health condition and find the most suitable treatment by communicating about symptoms, tolerance to the current treatment, or the patient’s lifestyle habits.

By structuring the patient’s daily life as much as possible

Establishing some daily life rules for patients with schizophrenia is essential. This helps the patient adjust their lifestyle, structure themselves, and facilitate family life. Certain rules should also be reminded to the patient, such as avoiding cannabis, alcohol, cigarettes, and driving, as these behaviors pose risks.

By communicating with the patient

Myths about people with schizophrenia are persistent. This stigmatization is often very poorly experienced by patients, who then withdraw even more. To fight against this, the role of loved ones is crucial. They must learn to better understand the disease and communicate with the patient. They should also reassure and remind the patient that advances in therapeutic care now allow for an improved daily life for many patients with schizophrenia.

Loved ones might face strange statements. It is important not to pretend nothing is happening nor to agree with the patient. While admitting that the patient might see things differently, it is better to clearly express disagreement with their conclusions. A schizophrenic patient often needs markers to distinguish the real from the imaginary.

By encouraging regular treatment intake

The patient’s entourage should be involved in the treatment. They can ensure that the patient takes their medication as prescribed by the healthcare team and does not stop it. Loved ones can help the patient manage side effects and encourage them by emphasizing the long-term benefits of good treatment adherence.

By trying to detect relapses

Loved ones, knowing the schizophrenic person well, can quickly notice behavioral changes that might indicate a relapse. By identifying early warning signs such as changes in sleep patterns or a tendency to withdraw, they can alert the medical team quickly, allowing for a rapid adjustment of the treatment before an acute episode occurs.

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