ABSTRACT
The word schizophrenia is derived from two group words, 'schiz' and 'phrenia'. It is estimated that over half the patients in Britain's mental hospitals are suffering from schizophrenia, so it is likely that the dramatherapist will, at some time, find herself dealing with problems caused by this condition. It is accepted that schizophrenia causes the client to feel differently about people and objects. There are a number of theories linking schizophrenia with brain chemistry of which the current popular one is the dopamine theory. There appears to be evidence for genetic factors in the cause of schizophrenia and considerable research has been done in this field, notably the studies of twins by Gottesman and Shields. These clients come to the psychiatric services following a recent onset of schizophrenia and show florid symptoms, may be withdrawn, confused, depressed or even violent. However, sometimes a client, whose schizophrenia has not been diagnosed, will be sent to a role play group.
