Dyadic relationships of people with schizophrenia

Abstract

Creating successful partnerships is important for the overall quality of life. People suffering from schizophrenia experience significant difficulties in entering and maintaining dyadic relationships due to psychotic symptoms, consequences of the disease and its treatment or social stigmatization. Difficulties in creating intimate relationships are noticed already during adolescence, constituting one of the elements of prepsychotic changes. Among people diagnosed with schizophrenia, women more often than men create dyadic relationships, which may be due to the later onset of the disease, better indicators of social functioning, and favorable socio-cultural patterns. Among coupled individuals, the quality of their relationships is important for the course of the disease and treatment. People with schizophrenia often prefer to bond with other patients because of the possibility of creating a balanced relationship providing acceptance and support. Healthy partners of people with schizophrenia, due to the burden arising from the specificity of the disease and commitment to care for a sick partner, also need professional support. Issues regarding dyadic relationships should be included in a holistic therapeutic approach to people diagnosed with schizophrenia.