Schizophrenia
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding schizophrenia.
WhatIsSchizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that causes psychosis, and affects the way a patient thinks, feels, andbehaves. It also affects the way a person sees things, and the patient may hear voices that donot exist. Specialists classify it as psychotic disorder because the patient is unable to distinguish thoughts from reality.
What Are the Symptoms of Schizophrenia?
The condition of the affected person may develop slowly in the initial stages; often, individuals experience acute episodes of schizophrenia where symptoms are severe, followed by periods where symptoms are minimal or absent.
- Psychotic symptoms:
- Delusions, such as false beliefs that the affected person firmly holds despite evidence to the contrary.. Delusions can start suddenly or develop over a short period.
- Paranoia, such as feeling watched.
- Auditory and visual hallucinations, or even sensory hallucinations like smelling or touching things that do not exist in reality, but seem very real to the affected person.
- Disorganized thinking, shown as illogical thoughts, disorganized speech, difficulty concentrating and transitioning from one idea to another.
- Motor disturbances, such as showing abnormal body movements or repeating movements frequently.
Unpredictable or inappropriate behavior, where the person cannot control their action and is unpredictable.
Negativesymptoms:
- Sometimes these symptoms can be confused with those of other disorders, like depression or other psychological illnesses.
- Withdrawal from social life and isolation.
- Difficulty expressing emotions.
- Loss of interest or enjoyment in activities.
Loss of motivation.
- Cognitive ability symptoms:
- Problems with concentration, memory, and attention.
- Difficulty learning something new.
- Difficulty making decisions.
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In addition to the above symptoms, episodes may be accompanied by loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and stress.
What Causes Schizophrenia?
- The primary cause of schizophrenia isn’t clear, but several factors may contribute to its onset, such as:
- Genetic factors.
- Environmental factors, such as poverty or living in stressful and dangerous environments.
- Physical factors, such as structural and functional brain problems, as well as birth and pregnancy complications.
- Psychological triggers, such as stressful pressures and challenging situations.
Substance abuse.
What Are the Diagnostic Methods?:
- Doctors will take a medical history and conduct a clinical examination; they may also request additional procedures as needed, such as:
- Assessment of symptoms and their patterns by mental health specialists typically involves diagnosing whether symptoms persist for a month and have a significant impact on daily tasks.
- LaboratoryEEGtests..
Brain activity tests. An electroencephalogram (EEG) detects and records the brain’s electrical activity. This test can help rule out conditions like epilepsy.
What Are the Treatment Methods for Schizophrenia?
- Treatment involves several measures according to what is needed and may include:
- Antipsychotic medications.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Family support.
Sessions with a psychologist, social worker, and psychiatrist.
What Are the Preventive Measures for Schizophrenia?
- Since experts are still researching the cause of schizophrenia, there is no definitive prevention method. However, individuals with schizophrenia should do the following to help care for themselves and manage their condition:
- Keep appointments with the mental health team.
- Recognize the symptoms and their severity to seek medical intervention as quickly as possible.
- Avoid stress.
- Get emotional and psychological support from family and friends.
- Adherence to medication according to the doctor’s instructions.
- Manage any chronic illnesses if present.
Follow a healthy lifestyle by quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising.
What Are the Complications of Schizophrenia?
- These complications may occur if the patient does not receive treatment or if treatment is neglected.
- Aggressive behavior.
- Self-harm..
- Depression.
Suicide or suicidal thoughts.
- When Should You See a Doctor?
- If symptoms appear, and you seek a diagnosis.
If the symptoms of schizophrenia worsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is schizophrenia the same as multiple personality disorder or dissociative identity disorder?
