For mental illness, pretty much the same rules apply as for the body: the sooner
you treat it, the better the prognosis. Researchers at the Department of
Psychiatry of the RUB clinic in Bochum, Germany developed a concept for early
detection and treatment of schizophrenia that already “clicks” at the first
signs of the disease. An early treatment of schizophrenia patients in
preliminary stages of the disease also reduces the risk of the disorder turning
chronic.
For early detection, delusional symptoms, fleeting hallucinations, cognitive
flexibility and general intelligence are analyzed. But until recently, one
important factor often remained unconsidered according to the researchers:
‘social cognition’. The ability to empathize with others and to process
emotional stimuli is often significantly impaired in the early stages of
schizophrenia, regardless of other symptoms.
Accordingly, psychoeducative methods are often more effective for treatment that
antipsychotic drugs. Imaging studies demonstrate that the brain areas
responsible for social cognition also show reduced activity in schizophrenic
patients. It is the first time such research has been done for patients in the
early stages of psychoses.
Live the happy life you planned! Richard L.
Fellner is head of the Pattaya Counseling Center in Soi Khopai and
offers consultations in English and German languages (after making
appointments at 0854 370 470). |