Schizophrenia : Information

Introduction : Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that causes a range of different psychological symptoms.

  • Hallucinations - Hearing or seeing things that do not exist
  • Delusions - Unusual beliefs not based on reality which often contradict the evidence
  • Confused thoughts based on the hallucinations or delusions
  • Changes in behaviour

People with schizophrenia are likely to have additional conditions, including major depression and anxiety
disorders.


References:
www.who.int
www.nhs.uk
www.cdc.gov
http://www.schizophrenia.com/coping.html

Symptoms : Schizophrenia

Changes in thinking and behavior are the most characteristic signs of schizophrenia. These include:

1) Hallucinations: A hallucination is when a person experiences a sensation but there is nothing or nobody there to account for it.

2) Delusions: A delusion is a belief held with complete conviction, even though it is based on a mistaken, strange or unrealistic view.

3) Confused thoughts (thought disorder): People experiencing psychosis often have trouble keeping track of their thoughts and conversations.

4) Changes in behavior and thoughts: Behavior may become more disorganized and unpredictable, and appearance or dress may seem unusual to others.

Reference: www.nimh.nih.gov
;

Causes : Schizophrenia

The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. It is suggested that a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can make people more likely to develop the condition.

Risks factors:

Genetics: Schizophrenia tends to run in families, but no individual gene is found responsible.

Neurotransmitters: These are chemicals that carry messages between brain cells. There is a connection between neurotransmitters and schizophrenia because drugs that alter the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain are known to relieve some of the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Pregnancy and birth complications

  • Bleeding during pregnancy, gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia
  • Abnormal growth of a baby while in the womb, including low birth weight or reduced head circumference
  • Exposure to a virus while in the womb
  • Complications during birth, such as a lack of oxygen (asphyxia) and emergency caesarean section

Stress: The main psychological triggers of schizophrenia are stressful life events, such as bereavement, losing your job or home, a divorce or the end of a relationship, or physical, sexual, emotional or racial abuse.

Drug abuse: Certain drugs, particularly cannabis, cocaine, LSD or amphetamines, may trigger some symptoms of schizophrenia, especially in people who are susceptible.

Reference: www.nhs.uk

Diagnosis : Schizophrenia

No tests are available.Generally diagnosis is based on presenting symptoms .

Management : Schizophrenia

The treatment of schizophrenia is with antipsychotic medications, often combined with psychological and social support .

Medication: The first-line psychiatric treatment for schizophrenia is antipsychotic medication, which can reduce the symptoms in about 7 14 days.

Psychosocial: A number of psychosocial interventions may be useful in the treatment of schizophrenia including:

  • Family therapy
  • Assertive community treatment
  • Supported employment
  • Cognitive remediation

Reference: www.nimh.nih.gov

Medical Condition : Schizophrenia : Neurological