Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia 

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder. Psychotic disorders describe  prominent hallucinations that the individual realizes are hallucinatory experiences.

Schizophrenia is a disturbance that lasts for at least 6 months and includes at least 1 month of active-phase symptoms (i.e., two [or more] of the following: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, negative symptoms). Some may have heard of this disorder as there has been some popular movies based on it like Russell Crowe’s A Beautiful Mind.

Symptoms

The essential features of Schizophrenia are a mixture of characteristic signs and symptoms (both positive and negative) that have been present for a significant portion of time during a 1-month period (or for a shorter time if successfully treated), with some signs of the disorder persisting for at least 6 months.

The positive symptoms appear to reflect an excess or distortion of normal functions, whereas the negative symptoms appear to reflect a diminution or loss of normal functions. The positive symptoms include distortions or exaggerations of inferential thinking (delusions), perception(hallucinations), language and communication (disorganized speech), and behavioural monitoring (grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior). Negative symptoms include restrictions in the range and intensity of emotional expression (affective flattening), in the fluency and productivity of thought and speech (alogia), and in the initiation of goal-directed behavior (avolition).

Causes

Genetic inheritance

If there is no history of schizophrenia in a family, the chances of developing it are less than 1 percent. However, that risk rises to 10 percent if a parent was diagnosed.

Chemical imbalance in the brain

Experts believe that an imbalance of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is involved in the onset of schizophrenia. Other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, may also be involved.

Family relationships

There is no evidence to prove or even indicate that family relationships might cause schizophrenia, however, some patients with the illness believe family tension triggers relapses.

Environmental factors

Although there is no definite proof, many suspect trauma before birth and viral infections may contribute to the development of the disease.

Stressful experiences often precede the emergence of schizophrenia. Before any acute symptoms are apparent, people with schizophrenia habitually become bad-tempered, anxious, and unfocused. This can trigger relationship problems, divorce, and unemployment.

Drug induced schizophrenia

Marijuana and LSD 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.

Treatment

Treatment can help relieve many of the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, the majority of patients with the disorder have to cope with the symptoms for life.

Psychiatrists say the most effective treatment for schizophrenia patients is usually a combination of:

• medication
• psychological counseling
• self-help resources

Anti-psychosis drugs have transformed schizophrenia treatment. Thanks to them, the majority of patients are able to live in the community, rather than stay in a hospital. The patient must continue taking medication even when symptoms are gone. Otherwise they will come back.

Diagnosis

Certain 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 ordered. Blood tests are also done to exclude physical causes of illness.
• Imaging studies - to rule out tumors and problems in the structure of the brain.
• Psychological evaluation - a specialist will assess the patient's mental state by asking about thoughts, moods, hallucinations, suicidal traits, violent tendencies, or potential for violence, as well as observing their demeanor and appearance.

The patient must:

• Have at least two of the following typical symptoms:
• delusions
• disorganized or catatonic behavior
• disorganized speech
• hallucinations
• negative symptoms that are present for much of the time during the last 4 weeks
• Experience considerable impairment in the ability to attend school, carry out their work duties, or carry out everyday tasks.
• Have symptoms that persist for 6 months or more.