There has been a lot of media coverage of SMI lately, and also scientific articles about the effects of too much or too little dopamine. Although science tells us that emotions are essentially driven by complex brain-gut chemistry, many people have a hard time believing it. But we know that some antidepressants dull emotions and that many schizophrenics appear to not feel positive emotions or not as intensely as people without the disorder. Instead, schizophrenia is usually characterized by excessively negative emotions, especially irrational fear and the other negative emotions that delusions trigger: suspicion, paranoia, anger. The result is that many people, sadly even some whose symptoms are at least partially controlled by meds, withdraw from loved ones and society in order to protect themselves. Or they lash out at those closest because they - often the only people available - have become the target of delusional fear.
Love is a basic, essential emotion for humans and arguably other higher order sentient creatures. Many people come to understand that love is their prime motivator and the most important ingredient to a happy, fulfilled life. And yet we know that some of our loved ones with SZ seem to be unable to accept and benefit from love, and the inability to communicate emotions, especially demonstrating love or affection, is a common negative symptom. It’s possibly the most dehumanizing of all the aspects of this cruel disorder.
Most people dealing with family members are not overly concerned about whether their parent, child or sibling loves them. They worry more about how to best help the family member for whom they are responsible.
But people who come to this platform seeking advice on partners and romantic interests who suffer from SZ have a different perspective. Above all, they are usually trying to find out one thing: does my sick partner, who at one time seemed “normal,” still love me? Did they ever really love me like I love them? What have I done to trigger this withdrawal or rejection, and what must I do to regain it? It’s understandable and heartbreaking because very often the answer is: no one knows. Or: you will have to be patient and possibly endure months or years before the right combination of meds and therapy reveal the best your partner is likely ever to be, and they will never again be the same person you once loved; it’s up to you if you are willing to love and support this new person. That’s pretty discouraging for people who ultimately want reassurance that at least here will be love again.
I’ve read scientific or scholarly articles on the subject and it appears difficult to find an answer to this fundamental question.
Some articles maintain that the flat affect and apparent indifference of some people with SZ hide the same emotions underneath that “normal” people feel, including love. This is the school of thought that “inside, they’re still the same but they’re unable to show it.”
Some theorize that the brain and gut biochemistry of SZ means that their emotions are just different. Still others put forth the idea that the overriding fear felt by of the un- or sub-medicated focuses attention to satisfying basic needs, like food, shelter, drugs or alcohol, etc., and there’s no actual desire or need to connect beyond that.
I see these questions and themes over and over again on the forum and would welcome your thoughts.