Why Should Students Learn About Schizophrenia in School?

Why should students learn about schizophrenia in school? In a recent article published in the New York Times, psychologist Dr. William Koslowski argued that it is vital for students to understand mental illness and its symptoms, and to recognize the signs of early schizophrenia. The research for this article comes from the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cutting-edge research. Their educational articles cover topics such as Universal Design for education, inclusive learning in college courses, and RAISE, or Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenic Episode.

Mental illness

Educators say that mental health education is vital in young people's development, and schools are a perfect place to do so. This is such a good point for many students because many read about it and write essays and don't fully understand how serious it is. Young people spend over a thousand hours in school each year, and they have ample opportunity to learn about mental illnesses in school. Stress, extracurricular activities, and pressures from their futures can cause students to be stressed out. Studies show that 31.9% of adolescents have an anxiety disorder or another mental health problem.

To study whether mental health education is effective in educating young people, researchers gathered data from three classes. The authors briefed the class teachers on the content of the manual and the resources available for mental health education. They also provided written information on mental disorders. Teachers were invited to a meeting to discuss the new curriculum package, answer questions, and inform them of the research project. During the meeting, participants were given a task from the manual to inspire discussion.

Symptoms

Some people with schizophrenia may not realize they have the disease and chalk up the signs and symptoms to being tired or stressed. Symptoms of schizophrenia include difficulty functioning at work, relating with other people, and deteriorating performance in school or on the job. A doctor may also suspect that a person is suffering from schizophrenia if these symptoms last for at least six months. A full psychiatric evaluation is necessary to determine whether the individual has the disorder.

Treatment for schizophrenia includes antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, as well as psychotherapy and other treatments. The treatment is designed to control the symptoms of the disease while preventing new episodes. Antipsychotic medications must be taken daily. Psychotherapy can help people with schizophrenia cope with the disease, including challenges relating to work and self-care. Further, these treatments can help those suffering from schizophrenia improve their relationships. In the case of severe symptoms, psychotherapy may be necessary.

Treatment

Symptoms of schizophrenia in children usually develop gradually over time. Symptoms in children may range from talking about strange fears or clinging to parents to saying things that make no sense. Children who experience psychosis may become more withdrawn or shy and seem to live in a different world. However, if the symptoms are severe enough, the symptoms of schizophrenia in children can be treated. The symptoms of schizophrenia in children vary from child to child, so early diagnosis is essential.

The treatment of schizophrenia in school should focus on the cognitive processes that are impaired. Cognitive rehabilitation may involve the repeated practice of cognitive tasks, such as solving problems or performing daily tasks. Studies have shown that these programs can improve planning abilities and cognitive flexibility. Early intervention in children and adolescents may help the child to cope with the illness as an adult. Although schizophrenia has no cure, with the right diagnosis, a person suffering from the condition can go on to be successful at school, at work, and in social situations.

Early detection

The symptoms of early schizophrenia in school include the deterioration of a person's ability to focus, emotional instability, and an inability to identify reality. Individuals with schizophrenia tend to have trouble recognizing the world around them, and they may hear or see things that aren't real. This often results in hallucinations or delusions. While they may seem completely delusional at the time, these symptoms are often a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
The symptoms of schizophrenia in children are often hard to detect because they are similar to those of other mental illnesses. Often, the symptoms are vague and may be mistaken for other health problems or typical development of children during the early teen years. If these symptoms persist for a long time, they are a warning sign of a more serious underlying illness. Luckily, there are ways to detect schizophrenia in school before it affects a child.