How Do Women Deal With Schizophrenia & What Are The Symptoms, Signs & Challenges

We all daydream once in a while about the things we thought would never come true. Creating imaginary scenarios where everything either feels like a fairytale or sometimes even a nightmare. But what if some of us believe that these inner thoughts, scenarios and the imaginary world we have created in our heads are actually our reality? Believing that the line between reality and imagination has completely blurred. This may indicate a mental disorder named schizophrenia.

What is schizophrenia?

As per Dr. Navya Saluja, Sukoon Health, "Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder, in which both biological and psychosocial events play an important role. Men and women are more or less equally prone to develop this disorder, but an earlier onset is seen in men. Most of the studies have also shown a better social adjustment for females compared to males, they also have better premorbid functioning than males and better clinical outcomes than males."

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million people worldwide. That's 1 in 300 people or approximately 1 percent of the global population. In India, this translates to a staggering figure.

"Schizophrenia typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood, usually the mean age of 15-25 years. Some of the most common symptoms include muttering to self, odd behaviours, staring at walls or objects for long, staying aloof, social withdrawal, smiling to self, hearing voices or seeing things (not heard or seen by others), a sense of suspiciousness, fearfulness, disturbed sleep, and poor self-care and self-hygiene, being physically and verbally abusive towards others," lists Dr Saluja.

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How does schizophrenia affect women and what are the reasons behind it?

While this mental disorder affects both men and women, it definitely does affect men at a higher rate. However, when it comes to women, there are a lot many factors that affect women in addition to this mental disorder.

Gender gap

As per Dr Saluja, "The onset of schizophrenia is usually later in women than in men, usually, the mean age is 25-35 years. However cultural aspects also play a role in the delay in the diagnosis like stigma regarding mental illness, delay in marriage or no marriage for females if they are being treated for the illness, symptoms might be due to menstruation and would subside once menstruation is over or maybe the female is trying to exploit the family as the demands are not fulfilled."

Skipping the stigma

The stigma around mental health is still pretty big, especially when it comes to rural areas of the country. However, with women in the rural areas of the country who are dealing with mental disorders, things can get much tougher. People may think of them as spinsters and they would not consider them as sane. Not just that, but providing treatment to these women can become a tough call as well since people don't fully understand the symptoms and effects of the situation.

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Neurochemical Imbalance

An imbalance in certain brain chemicals, particularly dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate, is believed to play a role in the development of schizophrenia. These imbalances can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain, leading to symptoms of the disorder.

Brain Structure and Function

Structural and functional abnormalities in the brain have been observed in people with schizophrenia. These abnormalities can affect the communication between different brain regions and contribute to the symptoms of the disorder.

Prenatal and Birth Complications

Some studies suggest that certain prenatal and birth complications, such as maternal infections during pregnancy, fetal exposure to stress hormones, and oxygen deprivation during birth, may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life. When a fetus is exposed to high levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, it can impact the developing brain. Maternal stress, trauma, or maternal use of substances like alcohol or drugs during pregnancy can lead to increased levels of stress hormones in the fetus, potentially increasing the risk of schizophrenia.

Burden on caregivers

Women going through severe symptoms have to be taken care of by caregivers. They can either be immediate family members, siblings or even can be far-fetched spouses. "There are many decisions that have to be taken by caregivers, be it hard or easy. Marriage is one of those difficult decisions taken by the family of such a patient, better to be discussed with the professionals and weigh the pros and cons well before going ahead. Similarly, the patient needs close monitoring before and soon after childbirth as there is a risk of relapse and consequent neglect of the child. So the continuation of specialist care, as well as close monitoring of the patient by a responsible family member such as a mother, may become imperative in those situations. Spinsters suffering from the illness may be targets of domestic violence as they become dependent on the siblings and the risk of being abandoned by the family and eventually into a halfway home or mental hospital increases as the person becomes older and disabled with concurrent medical problems," adds Dr Saluja.

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How can women with schizophrenia help to overcome their symptoms?

While schizophrenia affects both genders, women as mentioned, have to go through a lot more social, economic and physical factors that add to their illnesses. Here are a few steps in which they can help overcome this disorder and make women feel better:

Taking medication for the condition

Antipsychotic medications are typically prescribed to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia. It's important for women to work closely with a psychiatrist or healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage that effectively controls their symptoms while minimizing side effects.

Therapy to help with the cause

Various forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and family therapy, can be beneficial for women with schizophrenia. Psychotherapy can help individuals understand their symptoms, develop coping strategies, improve social skills, manage stress, and enhance their overall well-being.

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Getting help and support from loved ones

Building a strong support network is crucial for women with schizophrenia. Family, friends, support groups, and mental health professionals can provide understanding, encouragement, and practical assistance. Sharing experiences with others who have similar challenges can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of belonging.

Making lifestyle adjustments

Engaging in self-care activities can contribute to overall well-being. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and avoiding substance abuse. It can also be helpful to establish a structured daily routine, set achievable goals, and engage in activities that bring enjoyment and purpose.

Educating oneself about the condition

Educating oneself about schizophrenia, its symptoms, and treatment options can empower women to actively participate in their own care. Being knowledgeable about their rights and resources can help them advocate for appropriate support and accommodations in various aspects of life, such as work or education.