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What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder that is often characterized by an abnormal way of handling emotions, losing clear thinking capacity and having delusional thoughts. A schizophrenic person is unable to distinguish between the real and unreal, which makes it difficult for an individual to lead a normal life. This condition may affect brain functionality and can lead to serious complications if the treatment measures are delayed.

Phases of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia tends to appear in phases that require complete medical care. The phases of schizophrenia are

  • First Phase of Schizophrenia: This is the prodromal (early) phase in which strange behavior is usually only noticed by immediate friends and family. This phase can last for years.
  • Active Phase of Schizophrenia: This is the acute phase in which primary symptoms are hallucinations, delusional thoughts, and disorganized thinking. Sometimes, the active phase may occur abruptly without the prodromal phase.
  • Residual Phase of Schizophrenia: This can be referred to as the recovery phase where the primary symptoms tend to fade and are less intense.

Early Warning Signs of Schizophrenia

The early warning signs include:

  • Uncontrollable emotions
  • Displaying a depressed mood
  • Unpredictable behavior
  • Showing no interest in daily activities
  • Disturbed sleep pattern 
  • Lack of self-care

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

The symptoms of schizophrenia can be classified as: 

  • Positive Symptoms: The presence of these symptoms may be indicative of schizophrenia and include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that do not exist)or delusions of persecution, grandeur, or being controlled by outside forces.
  • Disorganized Behaviors: These symptoms include ineffective communication, inability in understanding information, abnormal movements, and disorganized thinking.
  • Negative Symptoms: This is the abnormal absence of normal responses in day-to-day activities. Lack of emotions, social withdrawal, irrelevant speech, lack of energy, and lack of hygiene are some of the major symptoms under this category.

What are the Causes of Schizophrenia?

The exact cause for schizophrenia is unclear; however, contributing factors may include:

  • Genetics: A predisposition for mental illness may be an inherited condition. If someone in your family has been affected by schizophrenia, you might be prone to developing this condition.
  • Brain Chemistry: A chemical imbalance in the brain may affect the nerve cells that can lead to a higher risk for schizophrenia.
  • Environment: Exposure to unexpected traumatic situations, drug addiction and hormonal changes may also be a trigger of this disorder.

Diagnosis of Schizophrenia

This mental health condition can be diagnosed by psychiatric evaluation. When a patient exhibits the most common psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking that is considered as criteria to diagnose schizophrenia. A physical examination and lab tests may also be ordered to rule out any medical condition that might be causing the symptoms.

Treatment for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia treatment requires a dedicated medical support team and mandatory follow-ups. This condition requires long-term treatment.
Some of the treatment methods are:
Medications: Antipsychotic drugs help in the management of the most troubling symptoms such as hallucinations and delusional thoughts.
Psychosocial Therapy: Such therapies can benefit in the gradual development of life skillsto manage symptoms, improve social engagement, effectively manage stress, and improve confidence.
Counseling: This may help patients to open up and examine their thoughts and emotions and learn to trust others.
Coordinated Special Care: This involves both medication and therapy, educating the family about the illness, and creating awareness about how the involvement of family or trusted friends can help the patients better control symptoms.
Support Group: Empathizing each other and mutual encouragement obtained from support groups can help in managing the illness.
Rehabilitation: Rehab centers focus to improve social skills and possibly job training to help patients lead an independent life.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): This is an electric shock wave treatment that might be recommended if all other forms of treatment fail.

Self Help for Schizophrenia

In addition to medication and therapy, the following good habits may help to control symptoms of schizophrenia:

  • Practicing meditation
  • Minimizing exposure to stressful situations
  • Eating a healthy nutritious diet
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Regular physical fitness
  • Being well hydrated
  • Avoiding recreational drugs and nicotine