What is Schizophrenia ?
Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe mental illness affecting thought, perception, affect (emotion), and behavior. Symptoms between schizophrenia patients may include hallucinations or seeing and hearing things that are not there, delusions-believing in something that is untrue, disorganized thinking, and behavioral disturbances. These symptoms are what lead to impairment in everyday life, making the inability to distinguish between reality and distorted perceptions even more challenging.
The disease characteristically interferes with memory, attention, problem-solving skills, and decision-making capacities; overtly, it impairs both social and occupational functioning. The cause of schizophrenia is not well understood but thought to result from the interplay of both genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors. Treatment with antipsychotic drugs, therapy, and supportive care is generally considered to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
FAQs on Schizophrenia?
Yes, schizophrenia can be inherited. Individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are at risk; however, having a hereditary predisposition does not guarantee that one will develop schizophrenia
Most diagnoses are made by psychiatrists with at least six months of symptoms observed. The doctor does a psychological evaluation, as well as a personal and family history review.
There is no cure for schizophrenia, but the right treatment could help cope with this condition. Many people suffering from schizophrenia lead good lives with proper medication, therapy, and support
Schizophrenia affects 1% of the world's population. It most often starts in late adolescence or early adulthood although it can start at any age
Yes, with appropriate treatment, sufferers of schizophrenia learn to handle symptoms to lead a productive meaningful life. Adherence to treatment, supportive environment, and community services all significantly contribute to patients' stabilization immensely
Risk factors include;
- Family history of schizophrenia
- Problems in birth
- Drug use especially during adolescence
- Stressful life events
- Childhood trauma
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Signs and symptoms
Psychotic Symptoms : Psychotic symptoms consist of changes in the patient’s external activities, perceptions, and experiences.
Delusions : When patients have strong beliefs about various things that are not present and are irrational for others, delusions occur. For instance, delusion may force a person to believe that any TV or movie character is sending him some special messages that need his responses.
Hallucinations : If a person hears, sees, feels, or tastes things that are not present in real life, Schizophrenia patients hear the voices of other people for a long time before their friends or family members recognize it as a problem.
Thought Disorders : People with thought disorders have illogical or unusual thinking. During their communication, they may stop talking, frequently change the topics, and say meaningless words.
Cognitive Symptoms : Cognitive symptoms include memory and concentration problems that force them to follow conversations.
Negative Symptoms : The negative symptoms of schizophrenia include a frequent decrease in interest in performing daily activities. Such people often have a low motivation level. A few individuals also try to withdraw from social life, have difficulty expressing emotions, and have difficulty performing regular functions.
Treatment of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia patients often show the following categories of symptoms:1) Antipsychotic Medications: :The first-line treatment to control hallucinations and delusions.
Examples: risperidone, olanzapine, or aripiprazole. Administered according to individual requirements- First-generation Drugs : First-generation antipsychotics are conventional or typical drugs. They mainly block the dopamine chemical present in the human brain. These drugs can be taken orally in the form of easily dissolved tablets.
- Second-Generation Drugs : Newer or second-generation drugs are atypical antipsychotic drugs. Even though medicines belonging to this category are more effective, they may cause eye blinking and other related side effects
2) Psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT) : The process of managing symptoms; controlling functioning. It is specifically made to uncover and replace distorted thinking patterns.
3) Family Therapy: Involves educating family members about the disorder; enhancing interaction between family members. Both the patient and caregiver receive support
4) Social Skills Training: Enhancement of communication and social skills to enhance easier socialization. Enhance everyday performance at work or in relationships.
5) Vocational Rehabilitation: Plan support for work and/or work skills. Achieve increased independence and autonomy.
6) Supportive Housing : Enables creation of a relatively ordered living environment for patients who can't maintain independent living. Relieve stress and stabilize the patient.
7) Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) :ECT used for severe symptoms where the medications have not helped. Helps decrease extreme symptoms of depression and catatonia.
8) Lifestyle and Self-care :Regular exercise, healthy nutrition, and stress control. It contributes to having a greater positive effect on wellbeing and not only diminishes the intensity of the symptoms.
9) Early Intervention :Treatment at the time of appearance of symptoms offers better outcomes and recovery rates In many cases, therapy for schizophrenia is due to the integration of some of the above interventions conducted according to the specific needs of each individual.
