Truth about Schizophrenia

Dr. Tali Shenfield | December 28, 2012

Schizophrenia is perhaps the most mysterious and poorly understood mental disorder that is often misrepresented by popular media and literature. I often receive inquires from the clients who are worried that they might be developing this disorder. Frequently, they base their "self-diagnosis" on incomplete or plain wrong information received from the popular sources. Here are some basic facts about this condition. However, it should be understood that diagnosis of any mental disorder is a complicated process that should be done by a professional.

Schizophrenia is a lifelong disorder of the brain that has been present throughout history. Those who suffered from the disorder were thought to have been possessed and suffered severe discrimination. Although major advances have been made over the years to understand the disorder, the main causes of the disorder have not yet been identified. Individuals who suffer from schizophrenia have to undergo a long-term series of treatment to suppress the symptoms and thus manage the disorder.

It has been shown that symptoms of the disorder tend to start manifesting in the late teen years and mid 20s in male and female respectively. It is not common in children and may be hard to differentiate it from other problems during childhood development. Although the specific causes of the disease remain a mystery to many, it has been suggested that the genetic makeup as well as the chemistry of the brain play a role in the development of the disorder. The disorder has also been significantly associated with substance abuse, i.e., the abuse of some drugs. Some of the drugs used may include;

- Nicotine

- Marijuana

- Cocaine

- Alcohol

The abuse of these substances significantly impedes the treatment process and thus they should be strictly avoided. Friends and family of the patient should ensure that the individual is not using such substances so as to avoid major setbacks.

One is more likely to develop schizophrenia if a family member suffers from it. However, there are several factors/ events that may trigger the disorder in individuals at risk such as

- Depression

- Chronic Stress

- Anxiety

- Stressful life events

Some of the best known symptoms associated with this disorder are:

- Visual and/or auditory hallucinations

- Delusions

The disorder significantly affects how an individual thinks. The individual may not be able to rationally evaluate their surroundings and interactions with others. In this case, they may not be ale to accept reality as a result of distorted perceptions, and may tend to be extremely paranoid. This will cause them to behave in a manner that suggests that they do not trust anyone around them. The other symptoms of the disorder may include:

- Apathy

- Withdrawal

- Inability to concentrate

- Movement disorders

- Difficulty in speaking and expressing of emotions

Studies have also showed that one out of three individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia will try to commit suicide while an average of 10% of them will actually succeed in doing so within the first 20 years of the disorder.

There are 5 subtypes of schizophrenia that include:

The paranoid subtype is characterized by delusional thoughts about conspiracy and persecution and auditory hallucinations. Those who suffer from this type of the disorder are usually able to lead and conduct themselves in a normal way.

Disorganized schizophrenia - this form of the disorder is characterized by the disorganization of the thinking process. Although there are some symptoms of hallucinations and delusions, they are not very pronounced. Those who suffer from this type are significantly impaired in performing normal tasks such as bathing, brushing and dressing among others.

The other types of schizophrenia are:

- Catatonic

- Residual

- Undifferentiated

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of the disorder may involve collecting information about the mental health of the individual, family, medical, social/ cultural and psychological evaluation. A laboratory examination may also be performed that involve lab tests. These tests may include:

- Complete blood count (CBC)

- Screening for drugs and alcohol

- Imaging (MRI and CTs) of the brain

Treatment

Long term treatment of the disorder may involve the use of antipsychotics, which have been shown to be the most effective form of treatment. They achieve their function through balancing neurotransmitters within the brain. However, they can cause a number of side effects such as tremors and weight gain among others. In addition to medication, the individual will also need the presence and guidance of understanding family members to get better.

For more information about Schizophrenia symptoms and treatment please visit the list of mental disorders page.

 

Author: Dr. Tali Shenfield

Image Credit:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/giuliasphotography/6336754888/

About Tali Shenfield

Dr. Tali Shenfield holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Toronto and is a licensed school and clinical psychologist. She has taught at the University of Toronto and has worked at institutions including the Hospital for Sick Children, Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, TDSB, and YCDSB. Dr. Shenfield is the Founder and Clinical Director of Advanced Psychology Services.

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