What is Schizophrenia? Causes, Types, Symptoms, Treatment & More

The cases of Schizophrenia are expected to increase in the coming future. According to a report by New Scientist, people with severe covid-19 are at higher risk of developing schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders in case of people not infected with the virus. Schizophrenia basically involves. Schizophrenia is a serious, yet treatable condition which includes delusion, hallucination and disconnection from reality. 

This article will explain to you about Schizophrenia, its causes, different types, symptoms, medications, treatment and more.

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is usually a psychiatric condition which affects the physical and mental well-being of a person. It impacts mental strength and disturbs thoughts, memory, senses and behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “The symptoms of schizophrenia can make it difficult to participate in usual, everyday activities, but effective treatments are available. Many people who receive treatment can engage in school or work, achieve independence, and enjoy personal relationships.” Schizophrenia occurs due to various factors, including imbalances in chemical signals, lack of brain development and loss of connections between nervous systems. 

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Schizophrenia is often confused with split personality or multiple-personality. And this also leads to misconceptions about the disease and its different types. As per the Cleveland Clinic, experts now view schizophrenia as a spectrum of conditions:

• Schizotypal personality disorder
• Delusional disorder
• Brief psychotic disorder
• Schizophreniform disorder
• Schizoaffective disorder

What are the symptoms of Schizophrenia?

According to the WHO 2022 report, Schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million people or 1 in 300 people (0.32%) worldwide. This rate is 1 in 222 people (0.45%) among adults (2). It usually occurs in men between ages 15 to 25 and 25 to 35 for women. 

Schizophrenia symptoms differ for every individual, but they generally fall into three main categories: psychotic, negative, and cognitive.

How is Schizophrenia diagnosed?

There is no set process to diagnose schizophrenia or its related disorders. Experts determine the condition based on a combination of questions, symptoms they observe or a person describes. They also ask questions to rule out other potential causes of symptoms and compare with the criteria required for a schizophrenia diagnosis.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses, a schizophrenia diagnosis is based on at least two of the five main symptoms of mental illness for a period of 30 days or more, affecting the ability to work or personality of a person.

What is the treatment for Schizophrenia?

At present, schizophrenia is treated by helping people manage symptoms, adding value to day-to-day life, achieving small goals and focussing on emotional well-being. The different ways to treat this disorder are:

• Antipsychotic medications
• Psychosocial Treatment
• Coordinated specialty care
• Education and Support
• Treatment for drug and alcohol misuse
• Assertive Community Treatment

If left untreated, schizophrenia can result in various risk factors which can affect quality life. Such as:

• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders (OCD)
• Depression
• Alcoholism or drug
• Functional impairment
• Economical or financial difficulties
• Social isolation Medical and health issues
• Aggressive or violent behavior

In conclusion,schizophrenia is a condition which affects every individual differently. Some may struggle with work whereas others can face tough situations with family, emotions or self-care. It is better to address the problem at an early stage with proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Treatment by an expert can help to live with the condition and curtail its effect on quality of life.

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