Concept of Happiness in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects a person's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Although the symptoms of schizophrenia vary from person to person, the course of the disorder is generally not mild. In addition to these effects of the disease, patients have to struggle with both social and family problems. Having positive feelings such as hope and happiness for patients during this hard period can be a source of motivation in coping with the disease. Indeed, happiness is a basic dimension of a person's life, related to both functionality and achievement. Happiness is a power that supports mental and psychological well-being in many fields, from healthy living to social interaction in individuals. Happiness in schizophrenia points out less depressive mood, less social isolation, and a more hopeful process for the future and treatment process during the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of schizophrenia. However, limited data are available on happiness in schizophrenia due to the long-standing belief that anhedonia is an inherent feature in schizophrenia. In this context, this study aims to create awareness about the ignored concept of happiness in patients with schizophrenia and to evaluate happiness in schizophrenia with its clinical and functional results.

Keywords

• happiness
• psychiatry
• schizophrenia