What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, experiencing symptoms that interfere with daily life.
It usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood and affects about 1% of the population worldwide.
What Are the Symptoms of Schizophrenia?
Symptoms can be grouped into three main categories: positive, negative, and cognitive.
Positive Symptoms (Psychotic Symptoms)
- Hallucinations: Hearing, seeing, or feeling things that aren’t there, most commonly hearing voices.
- Delusions: Strong false beliefs not based in reality, such as thinking others are plotting against you.
- Disorganized thinking: Trouble organizing thoughts, speaking incoherently or jumping between unrelated topics.
- Abnormal motor behavior: Agitated or repetitive movements, or unusual postures.
Negative Symptoms
- Reduced emotional expression or flat affect.
- Lack of motivation or interest in activities.
- Difficulty in speaking or initiating conversation.
- Social withdrawal and isolation.
Cognitive Symptoms
- Problems with attention, memory, and decision-making.
- Difficulty understanding and processing information.
- Trouble planning and organizing.
What Causes Schizophrenia?
The exact cause is unknown but is believed to be a combination of genetic, brain chemistry, and environmental factors.
- Genetics: Having a family member with schizophrenia increases risk.
- Brain chemistry and structure: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and abnormalities in brain areas.
- Environmental factors: Stress, prenatal exposure to infections or malnutrition, and substance abuse.
How is Schizophrenia Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation by a psychiatrist or mental health professional using criteria from diagnostic manuals.
- A detailed history of symptoms lasting at least six months.
- Rule out other medical or psychiatric conditions.
- May involve physical exams and brain imaging to exclude other causes.
How is Schizophrenia Treated?
Treatment helps manage symptoms and improve quality of life but does not cure the illness.
Treatment Approaches
- Antipsychotic medications: Mainstay of treatment to reduce psychotic symptoms.
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and supportive therapy.
- Social support and rehabilitation: Help with social skills, employment, and daily living.
- Hospitalization: Sometimes needed during severe episodes.
What Are the Complications of Schizophrenia?
- Increased risk of substance abuse.
- Higher rates of unemployment and homelessness.
- Difficulty maintaining relationships.
- Increased risk of suicide.
- Physical health problems due to lifestyle and medication side effects.
How Can People Live with Schizophrenia?
- Adherence to medication and therapy.
- Support from family, friends, and healthcare providers.
- Managing stress and avoiding substance use.
- Access to vocational and social support programs.
When Should You See a Doctor?
- If you or a loved one experiences symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, or severe changes in behavior.
- If symptoms interfere with daily functioning.
- For regular follow-up if diagnosed with schizophrenia to manage treatment.