Health promotion and schizophrenia: the year 2000 and beyond.
The health promotion needs of persons with schizophrenia have not been emphasized as a result of historical stigma, the effort required to stabilize symptoms, the relapsing nature of the disease, and the helplessness felt by caregivers. Family members and individuals with schizophrenia experience shame, grief, guilt, fear, and isolation, all of which render them less able to be proactive. Health promotion strategies that change attitudes, build self-esteem, increase insight into the illness, modify behavior, provide sources of income and access to medical care, and support companionship are necessary while research efforts seek a cure for this historically misunderstood illness.
O'Brien
S M
SM
School of Nursing, La Salle University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
D001294:Attitude to Health; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006293:Health Promotion; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D011287:Prejudice; D012008:Recurrence; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000517:prevention & control*