Reconstruction of the sense of self in schizophrenia patients

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For most of us, it’s not hard to say “I am [name]”. It is a basic part of our identity—of who we are. In schizophrenia patients, however, that simple statement can be difficult to make.

Schizophrenia causes changes in the way people think, feel, and act. It distorts the way patients perceive reality, which can make it difficult for them to understand or express basic facts about themselves. This can mean that a person with schizophrenia might not be able to take on new tasks or learn new information—or even recognize their own emotions. So how can they begin to try and reconstruct their sense of self?

Schizophrenia patients can use personal-growth tools and psychological therapies to work on rebuilding their sense of self. This helps them gain the ability to respond to questions about the past, present, and future in a meaningful way—a vital skill in any social setting. They can also use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and challenge negative thoughts and feelings that contribute to distorted perceptions of reality. And CBT helps patients recognize how their behaviors influence how they feel about themselves—and how they’re perceived by others. These tools help patients develop healthy ways of thinking about themselves and their relationship with the world around

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Reconstruction of the sense of self in schizophrenia patients