Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic severe psychiatric disorder that affects patients’ ability to think, feel and behave clearly. Moreover, abnormally interrupt their sense of reality.
The term Schizophrenia
Was coined by Eugen Bleuler, a Swiss psychiatrist and the name describes Schizo which refers to (split), and phernia which refers to (mind).
Facts about Schizophrenia
- Schizophrenia affects about 1% of adults globally
- 60-78% of people who have Schizophrenia are unemployed
- 1 in 5 persons with Schizophrenia are homeless
- 90% of patients experience “prodromel phose”
- 35% of patients who experienced prodrome will develop Schizophrenia
- 10% of patients commit suicide
- This disorder occurs between ages 16 and 36 and shows up earlier in males
- One in ten cases starts after the age of 40
Causes of Schizophrenia
It is likely that a combination of particular hereditary and environmental variables leads to schizophrenia.
For instance, the following elements could all play a role in the onset of schizophrenia:
Genetic
The likelihood of having schizophrenia is low if there is no family history of the disorder. However, if one of a person’s parents has been given a schizophrenia diagnosis, their risk increases.
Brain chemistry
Dopamine and potentially serotonin imbalances in the brain are thought to contribute to the onset of schizophrenia.
External factors
The following environmental elements may raise the risk of schizophrenia:
- birth trauma, poor nutrition before delivery, and viral infections
- psychological components, including trauma
- certain treatments and pharmaceuticals
Scientists found evidence in 2017 that certain components of cannabis may cause schizophrenia in people who are predisposed to the disease.
Others, however, have asserted that having schizophrenia may increase a person’s likelihood of never having used cannabis.
Risk factors
Although there isn’t a single event or gene that causes schizoaffective disorder, there are a number of possible risk factors that could increase your likelihood of developing it, such as:
- trauma, particularly as a child
- a chemical imbalance in the brain
- brain damage that is severe
- a history of schizophrenia, depression, bipolar illness, or anxiety in the family
- an inadequate diet before birth
- virus exposure before birth
- pregnancy or birth problems
- drug and alcohol abuse
Early signs in teenagers
- withdrawal from friends and family gatherings
- lack of motivation
- sleeping problems
- extreme reaction to criticism
- inappropriate laughter or crying
- depression
- bad academic performance
- irritability among others
Signs and symptoms of Schizophrenia
There are some similar symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, albeit each person experiences it differently. You should see a doctor if you or a loved one exhibits any of these symptoms. Your doctor can run various tests and scans to figure out the best course of treatment for you. Some signs of schizoaffective disorder include:
- Hallucinations, such as imagining or hearing nonexistent objects or persons
- Extreme paranoia and distrust, together with compulsive defensive actions such as covering windows to keep spies out
- Suicidal thoughts
- Delusions or a persistent belief in things that aren’t real or realistic, such as the idea that aliens are communicating with you
- Rapid, rambling discourse that swiftly veers off subject
- an inability to discern between reality and fantasy
- Sudden mood swings or quick transitions between intense happiness and profound sadness
- sadness, despair, and social isolation
- A change in your eating, sleeping, or grooming routines
- believing that someone is attempting to communicate with you in a specific way, such as through the television
- exhibiting risky behavior that is not natural, such as abusing drugs and alcohol
Types of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia has undergone numerous classifications over the years. In the past, medical experts may have divided schizophrenia into one of the following five types:
- paranoid type
- disorganized type
- catatonic type
- undifferentiated type
- residual type
Diagnosis of Schizophrenia
There is no test for diagnosing schizophrenia. A doctor will make a diagnosis based on how the patient acts. The history of their physical and mental health will also be questioned.
To rule out other potential causes of the symptoms, such as a tumor, brain injury, or another mental health problem, such as bipolar disorder, they may advise various testing.
diagnostic standards
The DSM-5 criteria are what a clinician will utilize to make the diagnosis of schizophrenia. This guidebook offers standards for diagnosing a variety of mental health issues.
A person must meet the requirements by experiencing two or more of the symptoms listed below for a month:
- delusions
- hallucinations
- excessively unorganized or catatonic behavior; unorganized speech
- negative signs include a lack of motivation, emotional flatness, or a lack of communication
Having at least two or three of these.
Additionally, they must have a significant impairment in their capacity to function at work or in school, communicate with others, or perform self-care duties.
the symptoms must have lasted at least six months. Additionally, the symptoms must not be brought on by any other medical conditions, medications, or drug usage.
Finally, the symptoms must not be brought on by any other medical conditions, medications, or drug usage.
Treatments option
Although schizoaffective disorder is a serious illness, there are treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. The best treatment plan for you may be created by your doctor and may include a mix of medication, counseling, and support.
Medication:
A variety of medications, such as antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants, can help you manage your symptoms. Learn more by having a conversation with a medical expert.
Therapy:
You can learn to recognize your triggers with the aid of talk therapy. An inpatient hospital stay may be required in extreme circumstances. Additionally helpful are family therapy, occupational therapy, and group therapy.
Education: Gaining more knowledge about your disease will make it easier for you to communicate it to family and friends. Inform those who are close to you about your condition so they can join your team.
Final words
Long-term schizophrenia can have a significant impact on a person’s capacity to function. People nearby may also be impacted by these impacts.
There are treatments that can assist someone in controlling their symptoms. The assistance of their family, friends, and local services will be beneficial to those with schizophrenia as well.
Learning to recognize the signs of an episode, encouraging the person with schizophrenia to follow their treatment plan, and providing emotional support can all assist.
Resources and References: WebMD, WHO, American Psychiatric Association.
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