Schizophrenia
Description
Approximately 2.5 million Americans suffer from schizophrenia. An individual with schizophrenia has difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is imaginary. This often manifests in socially unresponsive and withdrawn behavior, including trouble with normal emotional expression in social settings. While the illness may develop over months or years, symptoms also may appear suddenly — usually between the ages of 15 and 25 and often earlier in males than females. It may come and go in cycles. After the first onset of symptoms, treatment lasting 2-4 years is typical.
Symptoms
Some of the following behaviors and attitudes will be present:
- False or delusional ideas, such as feeling constantly watched or imagining that he or she is famous
- Hallucinations and imaginary voices that give commands or make comments. Less common, the individual may see, feel, taste or smell something that does not exist
- Disordered thinking and speech, moving from topic to topic without apparent logic. The individual sometimes makes up words.
- Social withdrawal, limited speaking
- Extreme apathy, lack of drive or ambition
- Lack of emotional response
- Cognitive dysfunction — difficulties with attention, memory, problem-solving, organizing thoughts
Causes
The possible causes most widely accepted by scientists are:
- Genetics
Schizophrenia tends to run in families. Symptoms generally appear when the body undergoes hormonal and physical change, such as during puberty and early adulthood - Viral infections and immune disorders
Symptoms may appear when a chemical imbalance results from the individual's genetic predisposition combined with stress from disease or environmental cause. Viral infections and/or highly stressful experiences may precede the appearance of symptoms. - Brain chemistry
Persons with schizophrenia show an imbalance of the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that allow the brain to send messages. Chemical imbalance can cause the individual to react dramatically to sensory stimuli. Problems with sounds, sights, smells and tastes can lead to hallucinations or delusions.
Types
- Paranoid schizophrenia
A person is extremely suspicious, acts in a grandiose manner, believes s/he is persecuted, or experiences a combination of these emotions or behaviors. - Disorganized schizophrenia
The individual is often incoherent and exhibits disorganized behavior, but may not have delusions. - Catatonic schizophrenia
The person is withdrawn, mute, negativistic, and sometimes assumes very unusual postures. - Residual schizophrenia
Although no longer experiencing delusions or hallucinations, the individual has little motivation or interest in life. These symptoms can be the most devastating.
Treatment
No cure for schizophrenia has been discovered. With proper treatment, many people lead productive and fulfilling lives. Early treatment-ideally as early as the first episode-can mean a higher remission rate and a better long-term outcome.
Pharmacological therapy is the first step. Two types of medications are currently prescribed: conventional antipsychotics; and the new generation of antipsychotic medications, introduced in the 1990s, which are called atypical antipsychotics. Conventional antipsychotics effectively control symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and confusion. Side effects are common with these drugs. Atypical antipsychotics are as effective as the older medications but with fewer, less intense side effects. As with all medication, these should not be taken without close professional supervision.
Schizophrenia is usually a lifelong disease, and most people diagnosed with the illness take medication for the rest of their lives.
In addition to medication, it is important for the person suffering from schizophrenia to have structure and routine. Group and individual therapies can help both the clients and family members better understand the illness and share their coping challenges. Treatment can help individuals regain the confidence to take care of themselves and experience a positive life.
