d rock after she was convinced her mother was Satan. (Hedges 1)Not only can schizophrenics harm others, but they can harm themselves as well. According to Clin, patients with panic disorder are reportedly at higher risk of suicidal behavior. Major depression was diagnosed in 59% of the seventeen suicide victims studied and substance abuse was reported in 47% of the cases. (Clin 276) A myth surrounding schizophrenia is that one can never recover from it. The truth is some people recover completely from the illness (all psychotic symptoms disappear). Others continue to have some symptoms, but can lead satisfying and productive lives. One-third of patients do not recover and may have to be institutionalized. (Duncan 1135))Schizophrenia suffers a reputation worse than that of a criminal. According to one US survey, an ex-mental patient was rated less acceptable than an ex-convict. (Monohan 512)How then should a health care provider or family member handle the first episode of schizophrenia? The first episode of schizophrenia typically occurs in the late teens or early twenties. The goal of treatment is to bring about a rapid end to the first episode with the most effective and best tolerated drugs. After clinical treatment, however, most schizophrenics find it difficult to achieve in school, employment, and relationships. According to Frangou, the family must work with the patient and increase their knowledge of the condition. They must nurture relationships and communication. Frangou stresses that treating a schizophrenia patient must be done rapidly, with “swift initiation of treatment in a setting that does not have a stigma attached to it with psychological interventions and support”.This support of those with schizophrenia includes society as well. This includes law enforcement officers, who often deal with schizophrenia at its worst. According to Mohandie, some paranoid schizophrenics are homeless, dress i...
