Schizophrenia

 

Knowing about Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which people perceive reality in abnormal manner.  People suffering from Schizophrenia might have hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered behavior that impairs their daily functioning.

                                                                     

Causes

Although the causes schizophrenia is unknown, researchers believe that this condition might occur due to mixture of genetics, brain chemistry and environmental factors which might contribute to the development of the disorder.

According to Mayo Clinic, problems with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate may contribute to schizophrenia.

Symptoms

·        Delusions:

People suffering from Schizophrenia might not be able to differentiate between their beliefs and reality. They might believe that certain things are meant for them or happened to them, when in reality the things which they believed that happened to them, did not actually occur or happen.

For example:  One may think that a person is love with him/her. They might also believe that they are being harassed; certain gestures or a big problem might occur. They might also believe that they have exceptional ability or fame etc.

                                                             

               

·        Hallucinations:

People suffering from Schizophrenia usually see or hear things that don't exist. According to mayo clinic, hallucinations can be in any of the senses, but hearing voices is the most common hallucination. 

                                                                  

·        Disorganized Speech:

 Schizophrenia may involve impairment in communication skills of the people where people who are having this disorder might give answers to the questions which may be partially or completely unrelated.

 Disorganized speech may include putting together meaningless words that can't be comprehended easily by a normal person.                                                           

·         Abnormal behavior:

Schizophrenic people behavior might range from childlike silliness to unpredictable agitation.  People suffering from this condition have difficulty to focus on their goals due to which they are not able to perform their tasks easily.

According to Mayo clinic, abnormal behavior might include not obeying instructions, inappropriate posture, lack of response, useless and excessive movement etc. 

                                                             

                                                                

Symptoms of this disorder might vary in intensities where some symptoms of this disorder might always be present.

The symptoms of schizophrenia in men typically start in the early to mid-20s. Women tend to develop these symptoms typically in the late 20s. Children and the people above the age of 45 are rarely diagnosed with schizophrenia. 

How to help someone who may have Schizophrenia?

If you think someone you know may have symptoms of schizophrenia, try to observe them and understand their concerns. As a well-wisher, you can encourage and support your loved one who is suffering from this disorder by recommending them to find a qualified doctor or mental health professional.

                                                                      

If your loved one harms himself or herself or others, if he or she can’t support himself or herself in terms of food, clothing, or shelter, etc, you may call 911 or other emergency numbers for help. Your loved one then will be evaluated by a mental health professional and would get appropriate help on time.

                                                                             

According to Mayo clinic, in some cases, hospitalization might be required. You can contact community mental health agencies or police departments in your area for details.