Schizophrenia by Scarlett Price

Doctors often describe schizophrenia as a type of psychosis, this means that the person may not always be able to distinguish their own thoughts and ideas from reality therefore this illness can cause a spectrum of different physiological symptoms.This type of illness typically appears in late teens or early adulthood.

Symptoms

These symptoms develop earlier in males than females or in some cases they may start to show some unusual behavior in childhood but they only get more significant as they grow up.

• Confused speech that other people may not understand

• Lack of facial expression

• Lack of emotional expression

• Lack of motivation

Before expecting these symptoms, a person may appear

• Out of sorts

• Anxious

• Lack of focus

The sections below will provide more in depth detail of the main symptoms of Schizophrenia:

Delusions

A person experiencing delusions may believe that something is true when there is no belief behind it. For example they may believe that:

• They are important

• Someone is following them

• Others attempting to control them remotely

• They believe that they have powers or abilities

Hallucinations

Some people may experience hallucinations. The most common type is hearing voices but hallucinations can affect all the human senses. Eg. a person may feel see,feel,hear and taste things that aren't there.

Many people with Schizophrenia may not realise that they are unwell and this can make it hard for a concerned loved one to get the person experiencing these symptoms to get professional or even take some sort of mediation.

Causes

Schizophrenia likely develops when the specific genetic and environmental factors combine.

Genetic Inheritance

If there is no history of diagnosis in the family then your risk decreases to around 1% but if one of your parents have been diagnosed with it then your risk increases.

Chemical Imbalance

Schizophrenia appears to develop when there is a lack of a neurotransmitter called dopamine and possibly a serantoin in the brain.

Environmental factors

• Trauma during birth

• Viral infections

• Malnutrition during birth

Treatment

Schizophrenia is a lifelong condition but if treated correctly then it can help the person to effectively deal with symptoms.

• Antipsychotic drugs- this drug can be used for everyday use

• Counseling- this can help a person develop coping skills and pursue life goals

Some common medications include: risperidone,olanzapine,haloperidol. Many of these drugs have adverse effects including neurological symptoms and weight gain.

Diagnosis

To diagnose Schizophrenia a doctor will observe how the person behaves and they will also ask about previous physical and mental health issues. They may also order tests to rule out other possibilities of a tumour,brain injury or another mental condition(Bipolar). A doctor may use a criteria and they must have two of the following symptoms for a month:Delusions,Hallucinations and Disorganised Speech.

Source:Schizophrenia: Symptoms, causes, and treatments (medicalnewstoday.com)