2. 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.
Although schizophrenia is not as common as
other mental disorders, the symptoms can be
very disabling.
3. WHAT IS SCHIZOPHRENIA
Schizophrenia most commonly strikes between the
ages of 16 and 30, and males tend to show symptoms
at a slightly younger age than females. In many cases,
the disorder develops so slowly that the individual
does not know that they have had it for many years.
However, in other cases, it can strike suddenly and
develop quickly.
Schizophrenia affects approximately 1 percent of all
adults, globally. Experts say schizophrenia is probably
many illnesses masquerading as one.
4. SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA
I. Positive symptoms - also known as psychotic
symptoms. For example, delusions and
hallucinations
II. Negative symptoms - these refer to elements that
are taken away from the individual. For example,
absence of facial expressions or lack of motivation.
III. Cognitive symptoms - these affect the person's
thought processes. They may be positive or
negative symptoms, for example, poor
concentration is a negative symptom.
IV. Emotional symptoms - these are usually negative
symptoms, such as blunted emotions.
5. BELOW IS LIST OF THE MAJOR SYMPTOMS
I. Delusions - the patient displays false beliefs, which can
take many forms, such as delusions of persecution, or
delusions of grandeur. They may feel others are
attempting to control them remotely. Or, they may
think they have extraordinary powers and abilities.
II. Hallucinations - hearing voices is much more common
than seeing, feeling, tasting, or smelling things which
are not there, however, people with schizophrenia may
experience a wide range of hallucinations.
III. Thought disorder - the person may jump from one
subject to another for no logical reason. The speaker
may be hard to follow or erratic.
6. CAUSES OF SCHIZOPHRENIA
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.
7. What are the 4 main
types of schizophrenia?
Paranoid
schizophrenia
Catatonic
schizoprenia
Undifferetiated
schizophrenia
Schizoaffective
disorder
8. Paranoid schizophrenia: The person’s paranoia may be extreme,
and they may act on it. “They may show up at the door of the FBI
and ask, ‘Why are you following me?’” says Dr. Bowers. They may
also behave oddly, have inappropriate emotional responses and
show little pleasure in life
Catatonic schizophrenia: The person shuts down emotionally,
mentally and physically. “People appear to be paralyzed. They have
no facial expression and may stand still for long periods of time,”
she says. There is no drive to eat, drink or urinate. When catatonia
lasts for hours, it becomes a medical emergency.
Undifferentiated schizophrenia: The person has various vague
symptoms. “They may not talk or express themselves much.
Schizoaffective disorder: The person has delusional thinking and
other
symptoms of schizophrenia. “But they also present with one or
9. TREATMENT FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA
Psychiatrists say the most effective
treatment for schizophrenia patients is
usually a combination of:
I. Medication
2. Psychological counselling
3. Self help resources