Benefit cuts a 'perfect storm for claimants'
Plans to restrict eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (Pip) are the "perfect storm for every claimant", a recipient of the benefit has warned.
Elspeth Oakley, 26, from Morpeth in Northumberland, has received Pip since 2021 for her long term mental health issues and uses it for things like taxis to increase her independence.
She said the proposed changes make her "incredibly anxious" and warned that people who are eligible would be put off applying as the process already makes claimants feel like they are "under investigation for a crime they haven't committed".
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is consulting on Pip proposals and encouraged people to take part.
The DWP has said it expects about 370,000 current Pip recipients to no longer qualify for the support as a result of changes to eligibility criteria, which could come in from November 2026.
Ms Oakley said it felt like the government was "just trying to take away from the most vulnerable in society".
"I use my Pip for things that a lot of people would take for granted," she said.
That includes £10 for a tube of a specific type of toothpaste that does not trigger sensory overload or cause her physical pain, as well as higher costs for items like ready meals and pre-chopped vegetables.
What are the Pip and universal credit changes and who is affected?
Ms Oakley said she may not be affected by the changes due to the severity of her condition, but that if it was taken away she would become more isolated.
She said: "I don't think there is anybody who claims Pip that isn't feeling anxiety about it because you never know what's going to happen when you're next assessed."
It often takes claimants months or years to even apply because of the "mental toll of half the press calling you a scrounger", Ms Oakley said.
"We already normalise our difficulties, so increasing the threshold is just going to make it even worse.
"It all just feels like they've stopped caring about disabled people."
A DWP spokesperson said the government would "encourage everyone to have their voices heard through our consultation to help build a system that works better for all".
The review would ensure Pip was "fit for the future", the spokesperson claimed, adding the government is working with "disabled people and key organisations representing them to consider how best to do this ensuring there are safeguards in place to protect the most vulnerable".
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Health Line
43 minutes ago
- Health Line
Is Schizophrenia a Personality Disorder?
Key takeaways Schizophrenia is not a personality disorder but rather a type of psychotic disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders under 'schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.' Symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, disorganized motor function, and negative symptoms like decreased self-motivation, diminished emotional expression, decreased speech output, social disinterest, and reduced ability to experience pleasure. Unlike personality disorders, which involve long-standing patterns of interactions that impact behavior, schizophrenia involves altered perceptions of reality. It typically presents with psychotic symptoms in adulthood, during the 20s or later in life, with varying frequency and severity of symptoms and episodes mixed with symptom-free periods. Many symptoms associated with mental health conditions can create social isolation, pressure, and a deterioration of relationships. Stigma and fear of judgment may keep you away from peers. Sometimes, the symptoms you're experiencing may contribute to low emotional expression or decreased ability to experience joy through others. Living with schizophrenia can present a number of these challenges, but it doesn't mean you're living with the rigid, long-term patterns of behavior that accompany a personality disorder. Is schizophrenia a personality disorder? Schizophrenia is not a personality disorder. It's a type of psychotic disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5 th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR), under 'schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.' Psychotic disorders involve altered perceptions of reality. These experiences make up the symptoms of psychosis, which are key features in all psychotic disorders. Psychotic symptoms include: hallucinations delusions disorganized thinking disorganized motor function negative symptoms What are negative symptoms? Negative symptoms are those indicating a loss of function. They include: avolition (decreased self-motivation) diminished emotional expression alogia (decreased speech output) asociality (social disinterest) anhedonia (decreased ability to experience pleasure) Symptoms of psychosis are primary features of schizophrenia. To receive a formal diagnosis, you must be experiencing delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized thinking for the majority of a 1-month period. According to the DSM-5-TR, schizophrenia typically presents with psychotic symptoms in adulthood, during your 20's, or later in life, depending on your circumstances. Symptoms can vary in frequency and severity and often come in episodes mixed with periods of time where you have no symptoms at all. Unlike schizophrenia, personality disorders don't have to include a component of psychosis. They're identified by long-standing patterns of behavior that impact how you interact with the world around you. Personality disorder characteristics tend to be more long-term and constant. They're often noticed in childhood and become enduring, rigid patterns of thought and action throughout life. Is schizophrenia a multiple personality disorder? In 2008, a survey from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found the greatest misconception surrounding schizophrenia was that it involved multiple or 'split' personalities. According to the report, 64% of Americans believe this to be true. Schizophrenia isn't a multiple personality disorder, but symptoms of psychosis can make it seem like someone has morphed into a completely different person. Hallucinations, for example, can mean hearing voices or seeing people who aren't actually there. Talking out loud at a hallucination might make it seem like you're talking with another 'self.' Similarly, delusions can change aspects of your personality. You might have been a long-term advocate of something only to suddenly cast it aside, due to delusion. Schizophrenia can make you — and those around you — feel as though your personality shifts during symptom episodes. In schizophrenia, however, you're experiencing psychosis, not dissociation, which is the mechanism underlying dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder). It is possible, however, to be living with both schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder. What's dissociation? Dissociation is a mental escape mechanism that separates you from reality, often brought on by traumatic experiences. Dissociation is one way your brain tries to protect itself by distancing you from overwhelming memories and circumstances. Schizophrenia vs. schizotypal personality disorder Schizotypal personality disorder is considered a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder. You may have an increased chance of developing this condition if you have a family history of schizophrenia. Despite this link and some overlapping symptoms, these conditions aren't the same. Schizotypal personality disorder in the DSM-5-TR is a Cluster A personality disorder that involves overarching eccentric behaviors and beliefs. Like all personality disorders, schizotypal personality disorder features an inner experience different from cultural norms. It emerges in childhood and contributes to challenges in maintaining close interpersonal relationships. The uncommon behaviors and thoughts in schizotypal personality disorder can be similar to hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia. Delusions are unwavering beliefs in something that can be proven otherwise. When you're experiencing a delusion, no evidence to the contrary will sway your belief, not even seeing, hearing, or participating in undeniable proof. Schizotypal personality disorder involves nontraditional beliefs; however, they're often related to intangible concepts, like clairvoyance, the paranormal, or superstitions. They're not necessarily rigid or untrue, though they can be. You may also experience unusual sensory perceptions or 'bodily illusions' when living with schizotypal personality disorder. Unlike hallucinations, these sensory distortions involve real stimuli — just misinterpreted. Schizotypal personality disorder symptoms According to the DSM-5-TR, symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder can include: a persistent belief that everything happening is directly related to you magical thinking that influences behavior and decisions preoccupation with paranormal phenomena bodily illusions atypical perceptual experiences uncommon, sometimes metaphorical, speech patterns and thinking paranoid ideation suspiciousness atypical emotional responses (or lack thereof) eccentric behavior unkempt appearance persistent social anxiety even in familiar company Living with schizotypal personality disorder may come with transient or passing psychotic episodes. These reality lapses can last minutes to hours and tend to be in response to stress. If they occur, the DSM-5-TR states they rarely meet the criteria for an additional psychotic disorder diagnosis. Treatment options of schizophrenia vs. schizotypal personality disorder Both schizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorder are lifelong conditions that can involve psychotherapy and medications to help lessen their impact. Medications may be used for both disorders. You may be prescribed: antipsychotics antidepressants anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications) The medications your healthcare team recommends will be based on your symptoms, but antipsychotics are considered a first-line treatment approach when psychosis is present. Psychotherapy can also help you cope with a schizophrenia spectrum condition, though research is limited on how effective it is for schizotypal personality disorder. Common therapies include: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group therapy compliance therapy meta-cognitive training mindfulness therapy narrative therapy Coordinated specialty care (CSC) might also make a difference in your quality of life. CSC involves a multidisciplinary support network to help you adjust to living and working with schizophrenia. Delusions and skewed perceptions, however, can make it difficult to recognize the need for treatment when living with schizophrenia or schizotypal personality disorder.


Health Line
43 minutes ago
- Health Line
Types of Schizophrenia
Key takeaways The DSM-5 no longer recognizes schizophrenia subtypes as separate diagnostic categories. However, the five classical subtypes (paranoid, hebephrenic, undifferentiated, residual, and catatonic) can still be helpful as specifiers for treatment planning. Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of people in the United States, with men typically receiving a diagnosis in their late teens to early 20s and women typically receiving a diagnosis in their late 20s to early 30s. When schizophrenia occurs in children (which is rare), symptoms in older children and teens can include social withdrawal, sleep disruptions, impaired school performance, irritability, irregular behavior, and substance use. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder that affects: emotions the ability to think rationally and clearly the ability to interact with and relate to others The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that research indicates that schizophrenia affects close to 1% of people in the United States. Men typically receive a schizophrenia diagnosis in their late teens to early 20s. Women typically receive a diagnosis in their late 20s to early 30s. Episodes of the illness can come and go, similar to the process of remission. When there's an 'active' period, an individual might experience: Current DSM-5 status Diagnostic changes were made for several disorders in the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR), including schizophrenia. In the past, an individual only had to have one of the symptoms to receive a confirmed diagnosis Now, a person must have at least two of the symptoms. The DSM-5 also removed the subtypes as separate diagnostic categories, based on the presenting symptom. This was found to not be helpful, since many subtypes overlapped with one another and were thought to decrease the diagnostic validity, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Instead, these subtypes are now specifiers for the overarching diagnosis, to provide more detail for the clinician. Subtypes of schizophrenia Although the subtypes don't exist as separate clinical disorders anymore, they can still be helpful as specifiers and for treatment planning. There are five classical subtypes: paranoid hebephrenic undifferentiated residual catatonic Paranoid schizophrenia In 2013, the APA determined that paranoia was a positive symptom of the disorder. Paranoid schizophrenia was no longer considered a separate condition. However, the subtype description is still used because of how common this symptom is. Symptoms include: delusions hallucinations disorganized speech (word salad, echolalia) trouble concentrating behavioral impairment (impulse control challenges, emotional lability) flat affect Hebephrenic (disorganized) schizophrenia Hebephrenic or disorganized schizophrenia is still recognized by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10), although it's been removed from the DSM-5-TR. In this variation of schizophrenia, the individual does not have hallucinations or delusions. Instead, they experience disorganized behavior and speech. This can include: flat affect (inability to display emotions) speech disturbances disorganized thinking involuntary or unexpected emotions or facial reactions trouble with daily activities Undifferentiated schizophrenia Undifferentiated schizophrenia was the term used to describe when an individual displayed behaviors that were applicable to more than one type of schizophrenia. For instance, an individual who had catatonic behavior but also had delusions or hallucinations and disorganized speech might have received a diagnosis of undifferentiated schizophrenia. With the new diagnostic criteria, this merely signifies to the clinician that a variety of symptoms are present. Residual schizophrenia This 'subtype' is a bit tricky. It's been used when a person has a previous diagnosis of schizophrenia but no longer has any prominent symptoms of the disorder. The symptoms have generally lessened in intensity. Residual schizophrenia usually includes more 'negative' than positive symptoms, such as: flattened affect psychomotor difficulties slowed speech limited attentiveness to personal hygiene Many people with schizophrenia go through periods where their symptoms wax and wane (increase and decrease) and vary in frequency and intensity. Therefore, this designation is rarely used anymore. Catatonic schizophrenia Although catatonic schizophrenia had been listed as a subtype in the first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders first edition (1952) through the DSM-4 (1994), the DSM-5 removed it as a subtype. Catatonia is now considered a specifier. This is because it occurs in a variety of psychiatric and general medical conditions. Catatonic schizophrenia typically presents itself as immobility, but it can also look like: mimicking behavior mutism (inability to speak) a stupor-like condition (reduced responsiveness) Childhood schizophrenia Childhood schizophrenia isn't a subtype but rather an indicator of the time of diagnosis. A diagnosis in children is fairly uncommon. When it does occur, it can be severe. Early onset schizophrenia typically occurs between ages 13 and 18 years. A diagnosis under age 13 years is considered very early onset and is extremely rare. Symptoms in very young children are similar to those of developmental disorders, such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These symptoms can include: language delays late or unusual crawling or walking irregular motor movements It's important to rule out developmental issues when considering a very early onset schizophrenia diagnosis. Symptoms in older children and teens include: social withdrawal sleep disruptions impaired school performance irritability irregular behavior substance use Younger individuals are less likely to have delusions, but they're more likely to have hallucinations. As teens get older, more typical symptoms of schizophrenia — like those seen in adults — usually emerge. It's important to have a knowledgeable professional make a diagnosis of childhood schizophrenia because it's so rare. It's crucial to rule out any other condition, including substance use or an organic medical issue. A child psychiatrist with experience in childhood schizophrenia should lead the treatment team and discussions about its plan. Treatment typically involves a combination approach that can include: Conditions related to schizophrenia Schizoaffective disorder Schizoaffective disorder is a separate and different condition from schizophrenia, but sometimes it gets lumped in with it. This disorder has elements of both schizophrenia and mood disorders. Psychosis, which involves a loss of connection with reality, is often a component. Mood disorders can include either mania or depression. Schizoaffective disorder is further classified into subtypes based on whether a person has only depressive episodes or whether they also have manic episodes with or without depression. Symptoms can include: paranoid thoughts delusions or hallucinations trouble concentrating depression hyperactivity or mania limited attentiveness to personal hygiene appetite disturbance sleep disruptions social withdrawal disorganized thinking or behavior Diagnosis is typically made through a thorough physical exam, interview, and psychiatric evaluation. It's important to rule out any medical conditions or any other mental illnesses like bipolar disorder. Treatments include: medications group or individual therapy practical life skills training Other related conditions Other related conditions to schizophrenia include: delusional disorder brief psychotic disorder schizophreniform disorder
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Farm day visitors warned over Cryptosporidium parasite threat
Tens of thousands of visitors due to attend a UK-wide open farm day this weekend have been warned about a parasitic infection that causes serious gastrointestinal illness. There were 17 outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis linked to farms in England and Wales in 2024 and an outbreak in south Wales earlier this year has seen dozens of people fall ill. According to inspection reports from the past five years - released to the BBC under the Freedom of Information Act - some farms repeatedly ignored health inspectors' advice and allowed children to handle sick animals in filthy pens. The organisers of Open Farm Sunday, which sees 190,000 visitors, said its farms have high health and safety standards. Cryptosporidium can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea and is spread through direct contact with animals or touching surfaces that have animal faeces on them. The young, pregnant women and those with health conditions which affect their immune system can be particularly vulnerable. Public Health Wales said individual cases of cryptosporidiosis linked to visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, this spring had now risen to 89 people. In England, one of those affected after a farm visit was Emily Fryer's six-year-old son Isaac. He was admitted to hospital after falling ill following a visit to Gannow Farm in Worcestershire last year. Mrs Fryer told the BBC: "He didn't eat or drink for about five days. He just slept all the time. His sugars were dangerously low and they admitted him. "Obviously, I was really worried then. Because he is autistic and non-verbal, we didn't really know how we could help him." Mrs Fryer said the family had taken hygiene seriously when they visited the farm and had washed their hands thoroughly using facilities provided on site. A year earlier the farm had been issued with a prohibition notice by the Health and Safety Executive because it was failing to prevent or control the risk of exposure to cryptosporidium. Those issues were dealt with and the farm was licensed to show animals to the public in 2024. Mrs Fryer said she was disappointed that the farm had been allowed to reopen to visitors. "I just think it's awful," she said. The owners of the farm, which has now stopped its open days, declined to comment when approached by the BBC but have previously said they had "made every precaution possible" to prevent an outbreak. Many farms across the UK have had to diversify their businesses over recent years to boost their profitability, with public open days, petting farms and play barns becoming an important source of income. But inspection reports released to the BBC under the Freedom Information Act by the UK's national cryptosporidium reference unit show that a small number of farms are not meeting health and safety standards - and, in extreme cases, are ignoring warnings from inspectors. On one farm in Wales, which was linked to a number of outbreaks, inspectors found sick animals kept on display and a lack of handwashing facilities, risk assessments and staff training. According to reports, the inspectors told the farm those failings were "consistent with those identified previously. This indicates you are failing to maintain the required improvements from one season to the next". Another farm visited in 2023 had also failed to implement recommendations from a previous inspection, which led to another outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, while another farm, due to host a school visit a few days after inspection, was found to be failing. "Comparing current visit to last year found the conditions worse," the report noted. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the 16 outbreaks in England last year was a provisional figure and data analysis due to be published later in the month may see that rise. Both Public Health Wales and the UKHSA have warned the estimated 190,000 visitors who will be visiting the 250 farms taking part in Open Farm Sunday this weekend to make sure they take basic hygiene measures. Jo Hatton, an education specialist for organisers of the open farm event LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), said all its participating farmers were given advice and training on how best to keep visitors safe. "We are supporting farmers to open their farms and with their risk assessments. We are on the phone with farmers checking in with them throughout the planning process and helping them to understand how to ensure that that visit goes smoothly and everyone goes home happy and healthy," she explained. One farm manager who says he is ensuring the highest health and safety standards for visitors on Sunday is Andy Bason, who will be welcoming around 2,000 visitors onto Newhouse Farm, Alresford, Hampshire. He said LEAF's health and safety training had "really opened my eyes to what's needed to host this kind of event". "With the kind of numbers we see, it is a huge task. We want everyone to come here, have a great day and go home safe without any illness," he explained. The National Farmers' Union (NFU) said that the health and safety of all visitors to farms was "taken extremely seriously". Number of people ill from petting farm hits 89 Infection causes girl to lose half her body weight Family attraction confirms outbreak of sickness bug