What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a severe and disabling mental health condition, that affects
how an individual thinks, feels, and behaves. Such individuals experience
psychosis, that is, a loss of contact with reality. Their ability to perceive
and respond to others becomes so disturbed that they may not be able to
complete daily chores at home, fulfill assigned duties at work or maintain
interpersonal relationships.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
The symptoms of schizophrenia can be grouped into three categories.
-
Positive symptoms – These are pathological additions to a
person’s behavior such as hallucinations (sensory distortions), delusions
(false beliefs), and thought disorders (dysfunctional ways of thinking).
-
Negative symptoms – These are pathological deficits or
characteristics lacking in an individual such as poverty of speech, blunted
affect (low emotional expression), loss of volition (lack of interest or
will in activities), and social withdrawal.
-
Psychomotor symptoms – These include bizarre movements such
as odd gestures and grimaces. Few individuals exhibit catatonia (immobility
and marked muscular rigidity), inappropriate affect, poor executive
functioning, and problems with attention and memory.
Diagnostic Criteria for Schizophrenia
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth
Edition (DSM 5), schizophrenia can be diagnosed if two or more of the
positive; negative or psychomotor symptoms are present for at least one month,
and the signs of the disorder have been present for at least six months along
with disruption in daily functioning in work; relationships; and self-care.
In the DSM 5, the categorization of schizophrenia follows a spectrum approach
and is classified under Schizophrenia Spectrum and other Psychotic Disorders.
The problems faced by patients can be divided into three phases: prodromal, active, and residual.
The prodromal phase is marked by visible deterioration in the
functioning and performance of the individual. The symptoms seen are peculiar
behaviors (such as talking to self), outbursts of anger, increased tension,
and restlessness.
This is followed by the active phase in which a psychotic
episode (consisting of either hallucination, delusion, or disorganized speech)
occurs.
The residual phase follows after the active phase and is
defined by the symptoms of the prodromal phase with the negative symptoms
being highly noticeable. The onset of schizophrenia occurs during adolescence
or early adulthood. Men and women are equally affected.
Course for Schizophrenia
The course of schizophrenia is varied, as few patients may experience only one
episode in their entire lifetime, while few others may have a minimal
impairment, and the rest of them may suffer chronically for the rest of their
lives.
A complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors is responsible
for the onset and development of schizophrenia.
Family, twin, and adoption studies support the theory that genetic factors
play a role in schizophrenia.
Biochemical and structural brain abnormalities caused due to poor nutrition,
fetal development, birth complications, immune reactions, and toxins also play
a major role. Environmental causes attributed to schizophrenia are
dysfunctional family interactions, stressful life events, substance abuse, and
unhealthy coping styles.
Treatments for Schizophrenia
Although there is no cure for schizophrenia, patients can successfully manage
the disorder and lead productive lives with proper treatment.
The main aim of treatment is to overcome acute psychotic episodes and prevent
future episodes. Hospitalization may become necessary in the active phases of
the disorder as the patient may pose a danger to themself or others.
A multifaceted approach to treatment is generally undertaken. While
antipsychotic medications are the primary method of treatment, psychotherapy
and specialized training are provided to cope with and manage the disorder.
Antipsychotic medicines help in relieving thought and perceptual disturbances,
and delaying relapses, thereby allowing the patient to gain insight, and
actively participate in psychotherapy to make changes in behavior.
The most helpful forms of psychotherapy are
cognitive behavior therapy
and
Family therapy
. Social skills training, psycho-education, and art therapy have also proven
to be useful in improving the level of patients’ role functioning.
Start your online counselling and
Online Therapy
journey with techniques such as
cognitive behavior therapy
with the best psychologist in India at HopeQure.
Online Counselling & Therapy
Get help for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues