Schizophrenia

 

Schizophrenia

 

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally.

People with schizophrenia may require lifelong treatment.

Early treatment may help get symptoms under control before serious complications develop and may help improve the long-term outlook.

 

Symptoms

·        Delusions: These are false beliefs that are not based in reality.

For example, you think that you're being harmed or harassed; certain gestures or comments are directed at you; you have exceptional ability or fame; another person is in love with you; or a major catastrophe is about to occur.

·        Hallucinations: These usually involve seeing or hearing things that don't exist. Hallucinations can be in any of the senses, but hearing voices is the most common hallucination. Talking to self or smiling to self can be observed

·        Disorganized thinking (speech): Disorganized thinking is inferred from disorganized speech. Effective communication can be impaired, and answers to questions may be partially or completely unrelated.

·        Extremely disorganized or abnormal motor behavior: Behavior can include resistance to instructions, inappropriate or bizarre posture, a complete lack of response, or useless and excessive movement.

·        Negative symptoms: This refers to reduced or lack of ability to function normally. For example, the person may neglect personal hygiene or appear to lack emotion (doesn't make eye contact, doesn't change facial expressions or speaks in a monotone). Also, the person may lose interest in everyday activities, socially withdraw or lack the ability to experience pleasure.

 

In men, schizophrenia symptoms typically start in the early to mid-20s. In women, symptoms typically begin in the late 20s. It's uncommon for children to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and rare for those older than age 45.

Symptoms in teenagers

Schizophrenia symptoms in teenagers are similar to those in adults, but the condition may be more difficult to recognize. This may be in part because some of the early symptoms of schizophrenia in teenagers are common for typical development during teen years, such as:

·        Withdrawal from friends and family

·        A drop in performance at school

·        Trouble sleeping

·        Irritability or depressed mood

·        Lack of motivation

Also, recreational substance use, such as marijuana, methamphetamines or LSD, can sometimes cause similar signs and symptoms.

Compared with schizophrenia symptoms in adults, teens may be:

·        Less likely to have delusions

·        More likely to have visual hallucinations

 

 

Causes of Schizophrenia

 

It's not known what causes schizophrenia, but researchers believe that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environment contributes to development of the disorder.

Problems with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia.

 

 

Complications in Schizophrenia

 

Left untreated, schizophrenia can result in severe problems that affect every area of life. Complications that schizophrenia may cause or be associated with include:

·        Suicide, suicide attempts and thoughts of suicide

·        Anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

·        Depression

·        Abuse of alcohol or other drugs, including nicotine

·        Inability to work or attend school

·        Financial problems and homelessness

·        Social isolation

·        Health and medical problems

 

Here are some ways in which a psychiatrist can help individuals with schizophrenia:

 

Diagnosis: They diagnose schizophrenia by assessing symptoms, conducting interviews, and considering medical history. A proper diagnosis is crucial for initiating appropriate treatment.

 

Medication Management: Prescribing and monitoring medications to manage schizophrenia symptoms. Antipsychotic medications are commonly prescribed to reduce hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms.

 

Psychotherapy: Psychiatrists provide psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help individuals with schizophrenia understand and manage their symptoms. CBT can assist in challenging distorted thinking patterns and improving coping skills.

 

Treatment Planning: Working with patients to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs. This may involve a combination of medication, therapy, social support, and lifestyle modifications.

 

Symptom Monitoring: Regularly assessing and monitoring symptom progression and treatment effectiveness. They may adjust medication dosages or recommend alternative treatments based on the individual's response.

 

Education and Support: Educating patients and their families about schizophrenia, its symptoms, and treatment options. They offer guidance and support to help individuals and their loved ones better understand and cope with the condition.

 

Rehabilitation and Recovery: Assisting individuals with schizophrenia in their journey towards recovery and rehabilitation. They may refer patients to rehabilitation programs, vocational training, and community support services to enhance their quality of life and social functioning.

 

Long-term Care: Providing ongoing care and support to individuals with schizophrenia to maintain symptom stability and prevent relapse. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

 

 

 

 

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