Early intervention in schizophrenia: One mother’s story

(BPT) - Claire Phillips is one of many people in the U.S. caring for the 2.4 million adults living with schizophrenia. Her daughter, Rebecca, was diagnosed with this serious mental illness more than eight years ago after being hospitalized following a relapse of symptoms that included delusions, disorganized behavior, and emotional distress. Today Rebecca is doing well – living independently, connecting with loved ones, pursuing her passion for writing, and following a treatment plan that works for her. However, this was not always the case.

Throughout Rebecca’s childhood, she was happy and healthy, full of dreams and constant excitement. It was unexpected and upsetting for Claire when Rebecca’s once infectious upbeat attitude began to drastically change. Rebecca’s relationships with friends and family began to deteriorate, which led Claire to seek medical attention that resulted in Rebecca’s initial diagnosis of depression. Claire was concerned about her daughter’s sudden change in attitude, including increasing paranoia. She didn’t immediately recognize that Rebecca could have a serious mental illness.

Schizophrenia is a complex, long-term mental illness that often interferes with a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others. It most often arrives during early adulthood, and like Rebecca’s experience, often coincides with and interrupts major milestones, such as continuing education, living independently, starting a job, and maintaining and developing relationships. According to a survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), on average, the first symptoms of schizophrenia emerge at around 20 years old, but treatment usually begins more than eight years later.

Due to unpredictable emotional swings and dramatic bouts of depression, Rebecca delayed going away to college after high school, and instead attended part-time classes and worked while living at home. Yet Rebecca’s symptoms worsened. At times, Rebecca would sleep in her closet out of fear and experienced delusions of being followed. Claire became fearful for Rebecca’s well-being and sought further medical advice. With help from a doctor recommended by a friend, Rebecca was diagnosed with schizophrenia and quickly began treatment.

“Before Rebecca was diagnosed with schizophrenia, every relapse of symptoms would leave me not knowing what to do next,” said Claire. “I felt unsure and unprepared each time her medications were changed. There was a big change between who Rebecca was as a child, and who she was at the time of diagnosis. This was not an easy adjustment.”

Claire had no previous knowledge of schizophrenia and felt she lacked adequate resources and information. Similar to others in this situation, she didn’t know what to expect, or how to interact with and encourage her daughter. By intervening early with treatment following Rebecca’s schizophrenia diagnosis, Claire took an important step toward limiting the disease’s disruption of her daughter’s day-to-day living as well as potentially limiting the severity and progression of her condition.

Before her schizophrenia diagnosis, Rebecca cycled between periods of productivity and severe symptoms, adding and removing different medications. Once Rebecca was diagnosed with schizophrenia, her doctor recommended a medication that worked well for her and fit her lifestyle. Many treatment options are available to people living with schizophrenia, including medications with various dosing schedules. Advances in schizophrenia management now allow for comprehensive treatment plans that focus on addressing symptoms and problems in daily functioning.

Throughout Rebecca’s journey, Claire benefitted from opening up to friends and family about her struggle. She found support in her church and advocacy groups such as her local chapter of NAMI. Claire joined a support group for family members of those living with mental illnesses where they share educational materials, information, and encouragement. She also worked closely with her daughter and her doctor to ensure awareness of Rebecca’s treatment goals. Claire’s advice to other caregivers is to seek as much information as possible and be open to community support as mental illness affects many lives.

To learn more about the importance of early intervention in schizophrenia, click here.

This content has been sponsored and created by Janssen Pharmaceuticals.