SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE IN SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM DISORDERS

SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE IN SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM DISORDERS Turayev Bobir Temirpulotovich [email protected] PhD, Associate Professor of the department of psychiatry, medical psychology and narcology, Samarkand State Medical University, Uzbekistan, Samarkand city, Amir Temur street 18, Tel: +998 66 2330841 E-mail: [email protected]. Xidirov Anvar Baxtiyor o’g’li [email protected] Clinical Resident, Psychiatry and Narcology Course, Samarkand State Medical University, Uzbekistan, Samarkand city, Amir Temur street 18, Tel: +998 66 2330841 E-mail: [email protected]. O’rozaliyev Baxrombek Xolmirza o’g’li o’[email protected] Clinical Resident, Psychiatry and Narcology Course, Samarkand State Medical University, Uzbekistan, Samarkand city, Amir Temur street 18, Tel: +998 66 2330841 E-mail: [email protected]. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18236450 ABSTRACT: Relevance. Social factors are among the key determinants of mental health, and their influence is particularly significant in the course of mental disorders, including schizophrenia. Mental illnesses are often accompanied by a decline in social activity, limitations in interpersonal relationships, and social isolation. Modern information technologies and social networking platforms provide patients with schizophrenia with alternative opportunities for communication and resocialization. Objective. To assess the characteristics of social media communication and the level of social activity among patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Materials and Methods. The study involved 48 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia according to ICD-10 criteria. A specially designed questionnaire was used to examine the frequency of social network use, the scope of communication, and the content and significance of virtual social interactions. Individuals diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder or bipolar affective disorder were excluded from the study. Results. The findings indicate that the majority of participants regularly use social networking platforms and perceive virtual communication as easier compared to real-life interactions. Female patients were found to be more active on social media and to have a broader communication network than male patients. Most respondents reported having virtual “friends,” with a moderately high number of online contacts. In making important life decisions, patients predominantly relied on the opinions of close relatives and parents. Conclusion. Social networks serve as an important tool for resocialization in patients with schizophrenia, contributing to increased social activity and reduced stigmatization. However, due to existing disturbances in thinking, potential negative consequences of virtual communication should be taken into account. The obtained results have practical significance for improving psychosocial rehabilitation programs in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Keywords: schizophrenia, social networks, virtual communication, social factors, resocialization