A Beautiful Mystery

by Joyce Wagner

The movie A Beautiful Mind provides viewers with an inside look at the complex mystery known as schizophrenia. Based on the true story of John Forbes Nash Jr., a young man in 1950 whose mathematical principles led to the creation of the "Game Theory" of economics, this movie shows the complicated interweaving of intellectual genius and the debilitating effects of schizophrenia. As portrayed in the movie, the life of John Nash, Jr. is a roller coaster, ranging from the heights of academic creativity to the depths of emotional madness—and the eventual emergence as the ride concludes.

Traditionally, schizophrenia, a disease of the brain, has been viewed as the most disabling and emotionally devastating illness known to man. Currently believed to affect nearly 2.5 million Americans (1.5% of the population), this disease has often been misunderstood (being confused with a 'split' personality), causing it to receive relatively little attention and creating undeserved stigmatization for its victims. In contrast to the mystery that surrounds it, schizophrenia is a biological disease, like cancer, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. While there is currently no known cure, schizophrenia is very treatable, with most of those afflicted responding to drug therapy, which allows them to lead productive and fulfilling lives.

While schizophrenia can appear suddenly, it usually develops gradually, with symptoms appearing between the ages of 17-25. Though people are more likely to develop schizophrenia if it runs in their family, substance abuse, stress and other factors may trigger it. New research has also shown that viral infections in the second trimester of pregnancy also may predispose one to the disease. Often friends and family are the first to notice changes within the affected person that include:

  • Apathy (indifference to the opinions of others as well as general lack of emotions)

  • Argumentiveness or Anger

  • Changes in eating or sleeping habits, energy level, or weight

  • Confusion, including the inability to make decisions or think clearly and logically

  • Delusions (distortions in thinking)

  • Hallucinations (seeing images or hearing voices that do not exist)

  • Narcissism (the belief that you are better than others)

  • Neglect of personal hygiene

  • Paranoia (the belief that others are out to get you) or general nervousness

  • Strange statements or behavior

  • Withdrawal from friends, work, or school

Due to this wide array of symptoms, many schizophrenics are afraid, withdrawn and tortured by their inner thoughts and voices. In addition, people with schizophrenia, particularly those who refuse to take medication, are more prone to suicide due to alienation from friends and family as well as estrangement from society. There are also large numbers of undiagnosed or untreated schizophrenics today among the homeless and incarcerated population. While schizophrenia is a formidable opponent, there is a growing community in both the realm of psychology as well as with individuals and family members of those diagnosed with the disease, who believe that schizophrenics may not progressively deteriorate if untreated, but rather improve over time, even without conventional psychiatric treatment.

As is portrayed by Nash's character in A Beautiful Mind, many schizophrenics are also high above average intelligence and may choose to remove themselves from traditional treatments that include high dosage anti-psychotic medications, insulin shock and electro-convulsive therapy (ECT). For those choosing this path, it is very important to learn to monitor their own symptoms surrounding the disease and react accordingly. Some begin to take lower (but regular) dosages of their medication and choose to remove themselves from stressful or conflicted situations. Doctors of these individuals also encourage complete abstinence from alcohol and recreational drugs, as they may not only react with prescribed medication, but may also worsen symptoms.

With growing awareness of this illness, various modes of treatments have begun to develop, including Operation Friendship in Rochester. Dedicated to bringing dignity to their clients, this center offers individual as well as group support on an outpatient basis, provides educational, employment and social resources, and has created an environment where long lasting positive relationships are developed. In order for such unconventional means to work for these affected individuals, a solid system of educated family, friends and others must be in place to support the schizophrenic individual.

Complete remission of schizophrenia as seen in Nash's character is not common but can occur. Published psychiatric studies suggest that 10% to 20% of people with schizophrenia have remission of their illness as they get older, 20% get worse, but in a large majority-60% to 70%-the course of illness remains relatively unchanged. For many current schizophrenics learning how to re-engage with the world and people around them is an ambitious, but attainable goal that is best met with support from the community at large as well as the love of family members and friends. And, in the case of John Forbes Nash, Jr., who eventually went on to earn the 1994 Nobel Prize at the age of 66, there is the hope not only of recovery, but also the recognition of a lifetime of perseverance and strength.