SCHIZOPHRENIA- Symptoms, causes, treatment, types and diagnosis.
Schizophrenia is a mental health problem that usually occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood. It can be characterized by delusions, hallucinations and other cognitive difficulties. Schizophrenia can often be a lifelong condition.
Fast facts on Schizophrenia are :
1) Schizophrenia affects an estimated 1% of the population.
Schizophrenia is a mental health problem that usually occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood. It can be characterized by delusions, hallucinations and other cognitive difficulties. Schizophrenia can often be a lifelong condition.
Fast facts on Schizophrenia are :
1) Schizophrenia affects an estimated 1% of the population.
2) Symptoms of schizophrenia effects include, delusions, hallucinations and disorganized thoughts.
3) Diagnosing schizophrenia comes only after other disease have been ruled out.
What is Schizophrenia ?
Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder which most commonly appears between the ages of 16 and 30 years, and males tend to show symptoms at a slightly younger age than females. In many cases, this disorder strikes so slowly that the individual does not even know that they have had suffered it for many years. However, in some cases, it can develops suddenly and strikes quickly.
According to experts opinion, schizophrenia is probably many illnesses masquerading as one disease and according to statistics, schizophrenia affects approximately one percent of all adults.
Symptoms of schizophrenia are :
1) Schizophrenia is often a life long condition.
2) A sizable proportion of people who are suffering with schizophrenia have to rely on others because they are unable to hold a work or care for themselves.
3) Many individuals may also resist treatment, argued that there is nothing wrong with them.
4) Some patients may show clear symptoms but on other occasions they may seem fine until they start explaining what they are truly thinking.
5) The effects of schizophrenia can reach far beyond the patient to their family members, friends and society.
* Symptoms and signs of schizophrenia will vary and it depends on the individual.
Symptoms are classified into four categories :
Positive symptoms - They are also known as psychotic symptoms. For example- Delusions and hallucinations.
Negative symptoms - These are refer to elements that taken away from the individual. For example- Absence of facial expressions, lack of motivation.
Cognitive symptoms - These are the symptoms which affect the person's thinking and thought processes. They may be positive or negative symptoms, for example, poor concentration is a negative symptom.
Emotional symptoms - Emotional symptoms are usually negative symptoms, for example, such as blunted emotions.
Major symptoms of Schizophrenia are :
Delusion - The patient of Schizophrenia shows false beliefs, which can take many forms, such as delusions of persecution, or delusions of grandeur. Individuals may feel others are attempting to control them remotely. They may also think that they are possessing extraordinary powers and abilities.
Hallucinations - Hallucination is hearing voices is much more common than seeing, tasting, feeling or smelling things which are not there. However, patients of schizophrenia may experience a wide range of hallucinations.
Thought disorder - In this symptom, the person may jump from one subject to another for no logical or valid reason. The speaker may be hard to follow or erratic.
Some other symptoms may include :
1) Lack of motivation (avolition) - In this symptom, the patient loses their drive. Everyday actions, such as washing and cooking are ignored.
2) Poor expression of emotions - The patient's responses to sad or happy moments may be lacking, incomplete or inappropriate.
3) Social withdrawal - When the patient of Schizophrenia withdraws socially and it is often because they have mind baked notion that someone is going to harm them.
4) Unawareness of illness - The delusions and hallucinations seem so real for patients, many of them not believe that they are ill. They may refuse to take medication for fear of side effects or for fear that medication may have poison.
5) Cognitive difficulties - The patient's ability to concentrate, plan ahead, recall things, think properly and organize their life are affected. For them, communication becomes more difficult.
What are the causes of Schizophrenia ?
Experts believe several factors are generally involved in contributing to the onset of Schizophrenia. Evidences and facts suggest that genetic and environmental factors act together to bring about Schizophrenia. The condition has an inherited element, but environmental triggers also have significant influence on it.
Genetic inheritance - If there is no history of Schizophrenia in a family, the chances of developing it are less than one percent. However, that risk rises to 10% if a parent was diagnosed earlier.
Chemical imbalance in the brain - Experts said that an imbalance of dopamine, a neurotransmitter is involved in the onset of Schizophrenia. Others neurotransmitters such as serotonin, may also be involved.
Family relationships - There is no such evidence which can prove or even indicate that family relationships might cause Schizophrenia, however, some patients with this disorder believed that family tension relapses.
Environmental factors - Although, there is no definite evidence, many suspect that trauma before birth and viral infections are the reasons for the development of Schizophrenia. Stressful experience often trigger the emergence of Schizophrenia. Before any acute symptoms are apparent, people with Schizophrenia habitually changes into bad tempered, anxious and unfocused. This behaviour can trigger relationship complications, divorce and unemployment.
Drug induced Schizophrenia - Marijuana and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide are known to cause Schizophrenia relapses. Additionally for people with a predisposition to a psychotic illness such as Schizophrenia, usage of Cannabis may trigger the first episode. Some researchers gave opinion that certain prescription of drugs such as steroids and stimulants can cause psychosis.
Treatments for Schizophrenia - The key to successful treatment is that ensuring the patient is continuing with medication. The proper treatment will provide productive lives to patients. Treatment can help relieve many of the symptoms of Schizophrenia. However, the majority of people with the disorder have survive with the symptoms for life. Psychiatrists gave their opinion that most effective treatment for Schizophrenia patients is usually a combination of the following :
1) Medication.
2) Psychological Counselling.
3) Self help resources.
Anti-psychosis drugs have transformed Schizophrenia treatment. The majority of patients are able to live in the community rather than stay in the hospital. The most common Schizophrenia medications are :-
1) Risperidone (Risperdal) - It is less sedating than other atypical antipsychotics. Weight gain and diabetes are the possible side effects but are likely to happen, compared with Clozapine or Olanzapine.
2) Olanzapine (Zyprexa) - It may also improve negative symptoms. However, there are risks of serious weight gain and the development of diabetes.
3) Quetiapine (Seroquel) - It includes the risk of weight gain and diabetes, however the risk is lower than Clozapine or Olanzapine.
4) Ziprasidone (Geodon) - It has the risk of weight gain and diabetes is lower than other atypical antipsychotics. However, it might contribute to Cardiac Arrhythmia.
5) Clozapine (Clozaril) - It is effective for patients who have been resistant to treatment. It is known to lower suicidal behaviours in patients with Schizophrenia. There is a risk of diabetes and weight gain is significant.
6) Haloperidol - It is an antipsychotic used to treat Schizophrenia. It has a long lasting effects may be for weeks.
The primary treatment of Schizophrenia is medication.Sadly, compliance (following the medication regimen) is a huge problem. People who suffered from Schizophrenia often come off their medication for longer periods during their lifetime at huge personal costs to themselves and often to those who were around them.
* The patient must continue with medication even when symptoms are gone or lessen. Otherwise they can re-occur again.
Types of Schizophrenia - Previously, there were a number of subtypes of Schizophrenia, these included, Paranoid Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder.
Schizophrenia diagnosis and tests - Before diagnosing Schizophrenia, other conditions need to be ruled out first. A Schizophrenia diagnosis is reached by observing the actions of the patient. If the doctor suspects possible Schizophrenia, he will need to know about the patient's medical and psychiatric history.
Certain examinations and tests will be ordered to rule out other illnesses and conditions that may trigger Schizophrenia like symptoms such as :
Blood tests - In cases, where drug use may be a factor a blood test may be conducted. Blood test also taken to exclude physical causes of illness.
Imaging studies - To rule out tumors and problems in the structure of the brain, imaging studies will be conducted.
Psychological evaluation - A specialist will do the assessment of the patient's mental state by asking about his thoughts, moods, hallucinations, suicidal traits, violent tendencies or potential for violence, as well as observing their demeanor and appearance.
Schizophrenia diagnosis criteria - The doctor needs to exclude other possible mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder.
The patient must have at least two of the following :
1) Delusions.
2) Disorganized or catatonic behaviour.
3) Disorganized speech.
4) Hallucinations.
5) Negative symptoms that are present for much of the time during the last four weeks.
6) Experience considerable impairment in the ability to attend school or college, carry out their work duties, or carry out everyday tasks.
7) Have symptoms that persist for 6 months or more.
Source :
www.medicalnewstoday.com
Symptoms of schizophrenia are :
1) Schizophrenia is often a life long condition.
2) A sizable proportion of people who are suffering with schizophrenia have to rely on others because they are unable to hold a work or care for themselves.
3) Many individuals may also resist treatment, argued that there is nothing wrong with them.
4) Some patients may show clear symptoms but on other occasions they may seem fine until they start explaining what they are truly thinking.
5) The effects of schizophrenia can reach far beyond the patient to their family members, friends and society.
* Symptoms and signs of schizophrenia will vary and it depends on the individual.
Symptoms are classified into four categories :
Positive symptoms - They are also known as psychotic symptoms. For example- Delusions and hallucinations.
Negative symptoms - These are refer to elements that taken away from the individual. For example- Absence of facial expressions, lack of motivation.
Cognitive symptoms - These are the symptoms which affect the person's thinking and thought processes. They may be positive or negative symptoms, for example, poor concentration is a negative symptom.
Emotional symptoms - Emotional symptoms are usually negative symptoms, for example, such as blunted emotions.
Major symptoms of Schizophrenia are :
Delusion - The patient of Schizophrenia shows false beliefs, which can take many forms, such as delusions of persecution, or delusions of grandeur. Individuals may feel others are attempting to control them remotely. They may also think that they are possessing extraordinary powers and abilities.
Hallucinations - Hallucination is hearing voices is much more common than seeing, tasting, feeling or smelling things which are not there. However, patients of schizophrenia may experience a wide range of hallucinations.
Thought disorder - In this symptom, the person may jump from one subject to another for no logical or valid reason. The speaker may be hard to follow or erratic.
Some other symptoms may include :
1) Lack of motivation (avolition) - In this symptom, the patient loses their drive. Everyday actions, such as washing and cooking are ignored.
2) Poor expression of emotions - The patient's responses to sad or happy moments may be lacking, incomplete or inappropriate.
3) Social withdrawal - When the patient of Schizophrenia withdraws socially and it is often because they have mind baked notion that someone is going to harm them.
4) Unawareness of illness - The delusions and hallucinations seem so real for patients, many of them not believe that they are ill. They may refuse to take medication for fear of side effects or for fear that medication may have poison.
5) Cognitive difficulties - The patient's ability to concentrate, plan ahead, recall things, think properly and organize their life are affected. For them, communication becomes more difficult.
What are the causes of Schizophrenia ?
Experts believe several factors are generally involved in contributing to the onset of Schizophrenia. Evidences and facts suggest that genetic and environmental factors act together to bring about Schizophrenia. The condition has an inherited element, but environmental triggers also have significant influence on it.
Genetic inheritance - If there is no history of Schizophrenia in a family, the chances of developing it are less than one percent. However, that risk rises to 10% if a parent was diagnosed earlier.
Chemical imbalance in the brain - Experts said that an imbalance of dopamine, a neurotransmitter is involved in the onset of Schizophrenia. Others neurotransmitters such as serotonin, may also be involved.
Family relationships - There is no such evidence which can prove or even indicate that family relationships might cause Schizophrenia, however, some patients with this disorder believed that family tension relapses.
Environmental factors - Although, there is no definite evidence, many suspect that trauma before birth and viral infections are the reasons for the development of Schizophrenia. Stressful experience often trigger the emergence of Schizophrenia. Before any acute symptoms are apparent, people with Schizophrenia habitually changes into bad tempered, anxious and unfocused. This behaviour can trigger relationship complications, divorce and unemployment.
Drug induced Schizophrenia - Marijuana and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide are known to cause Schizophrenia relapses. Additionally for people with a predisposition to a psychotic illness such as Schizophrenia, usage of Cannabis may trigger the first episode. Some researchers gave opinion that certain prescription of drugs such as steroids and stimulants can cause psychosis.
Treatments for Schizophrenia - The key to successful treatment is that ensuring the patient is continuing with medication. The proper treatment will provide productive lives to patients. Treatment can help relieve many of the symptoms of Schizophrenia. However, the majority of people with the disorder have survive with the symptoms for life. Psychiatrists gave their opinion that most effective treatment for Schizophrenia patients is usually a combination of the following :
1) Medication.
2) Psychological Counselling.
3) Self help resources.
Anti-psychosis drugs have transformed Schizophrenia treatment. The majority of patients are able to live in the community rather than stay in the hospital. The most common Schizophrenia medications are :-
1) Risperidone (Risperdal) - It is less sedating than other atypical antipsychotics. Weight gain and diabetes are the possible side effects but are likely to happen, compared with Clozapine or Olanzapine.
2) Olanzapine (Zyprexa) - It may also improve negative symptoms. However, there are risks of serious weight gain and the development of diabetes.
3) Quetiapine (Seroquel) - It includes the risk of weight gain and diabetes, however the risk is lower than Clozapine or Olanzapine.
4) Ziprasidone (Geodon) - It has the risk of weight gain and diabetes is lower than other atypical antipsychotics. However, it might contribute to Cardiac Arrhythmia.
5) Clozapine (Clozaril) - It is effective for patients who have been resistant to treatment. It is known to lower suicidal behaviours in patients with Schizophrenia. There is a risk of diabetes and weight gain is significant.
6) Haloperidol - It is an antipsychotic used to treat Schizophrenia. It has a long lasting effects may be for weeks.
The primary treatment of Schizophrenia is medication.Sadly, compliance (following the medication regimen) is a huge problem. People who suffered from Schizophrenia often come off their medication for longer periods during their lifetime at huge personal costs to themselves and often to those who were around them.
* The patient must continue with medication even when symptoms are gone or lessen. Otherwise they can re-occur again.
Types of Schizophrenia - Previously, there were a number of subtypes of Schizophrenia, these included, Paranoid Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder.
Schizophrenia diagnosis and tests - Before diagnosing Schizophrenia, other conditions need to be ruled out first. A Schizophrenia diagnosis is reached by observing the actions of the patient. If the doctor suspects possible Schizophrenia, he will need to know about the patient's medical and psychiatric history.
Certain examinations and tests will be ordered to rule out other illnesses and conditions that may trigger Schizophrenia like symptoms such as :
Blood tests - In cases, where drug use may be a factor a blood test may be conducted. Blood test also taken to exclude physical causes of illness.
Imaging studies - To rule out tumors and problems in the structure of the brain, imaging studies will be conducted.
Psychological evaluation - A specialist will do the assessment of the patient's mental state by asking about his thoughts, moods, hallucinations, suicidal traits, violent tendencies or potential for violence, as well as observing their demeanor and appearance.
Schizophrenia diagnosis criteria - The doctor needs to exclude other possible mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder.
The patient must have at least two of the following :
1) Delusions.
2) Disorganized or catatonic behaviour.
3) Disorganized speech.
4) Hallucinations.
5) Negative symptoms that are present for much of the time during the last four weeks.
6) Experience considerable impairment in the ability to attend school or college, carry out their work duties, or carry out everyday tasks.
7) Have symptoms that persist for 6 months or more.
Source :
www.medicalnewstoday.com
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