Schizophrenia…the split mind (Greek translation)

According to Gabor Maté in The Myth of Normal, there is no gene for schizophrenia, just as there is no gene for depression. The psychoses, delusions and hallucinations which mark schizophrenia have been found to be related to a wide variety of genes, but these genes account for only 4% of the risk of developing schizophrenia. These same genes, which pose a 4% risk of developing schizophrenia, are also seen in cases of ADHD and autism. Maté is strong on the point that what is being transmitted through these genes is sensitivity to disease and not the disease itself.

Why would a sensitive mind need to split itself? As a coping mechanism. Self-fragmentation is a defense when things can’t be endured. One way to escape from agony is to disconnect from the distressing emotions it triggers. A sensitive psyche may choose to split itself rather than stay present and rooted in trauma.

How does schizophrenia present in your family? How do you cope with it?

Follow me at heidiredlcounselling.ca as I continue to read my way through The Myth of Normal and share what I am learning from Gabor Maté.