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Schizophrenia is a serious brain disorder which affects how a
person thinks, feels and acts. It is a disease that makes it
difficult for a person to tell the difference between real and
imagined experiences, to think logical, to express normal emotional
responses or to behave normally in social situations.
Schizophrenia can be draining on both the person with
schizophrenia and their families. People with schizophrenia often
have difficulty functioning in society, at work and in school.
Family members may have to help out financially and make sure that
medication is taken as prescribed.
No cure for schizophrenia has been discovered, but with proper
treatment, many people with this illness can lead productive and
fulfilling lives.
Schizophrenia - Who's Likely to
Suffer From It?
- Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the world population. In the
United States about 2.5 million people have this disease.
- Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 15 and 35, but
often appear earlier in males than females.
- Schizophrenia is NOT a'split personality.'
- Schizophrenia is NOT caused by bad parenting.
- Schizophrenia is NOT caused by personal weakness.
What Causes
Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a complex and puzzling disease. There are
several theories about the cause of this disease: genetics
(heredity); imbalance in the brain's chemistry; complications
during pregnancy and/or birth. However, it is not clear if one or
all of these theories are a factor in causing the disease.
Genetics (Heredity). Scientists recognize that the disorder
tends to run in families and that a person inherits a tendency to
develop the disease. Schizophrenia may be triggered by
environmental events, such as viral infections or highly stressful
situations or a combination of both. Similar to other genetically -
related illnesses, schizophrenia appears when the body undergoes
hormonal and physical changes, like those that occur during puberty
in the teen and young adult years.
Chemistry. Genetics help to determine how the brain uses certain
chemicals. People with schizophrenia have a chemical imbalance
which means they are either very sensitive to or produce too much
of a brain chemical called dopamine. Dopamine, which is a
neurotransmitter, allows nerve cells in the brain to send messages
to each other. The imbalance of this chemical affects the way a
person's brain reacts to stimuli$$$which explains why a person with
schizophrenia may be overwhelmed by sensory information (loud music
or bright lights) which other people can easily handle. This
problem in processing different sounds, sights, smells and tastes
can also lead to hallucinations or delusions.
Complications during pregnancy and birth. Some researchers
suspect a viral infection, improper nutrition during pregnancy, or
birth complications may increase the chances of a person developing
schizophrenia.
What are the Different Types of
Schizophrenia?
- Paranoid schizophrenia - a person feels extremely suspicious,
persecuted, grandiose, or experiences a combination of these
emotions.
- Disorganized schizophrenia - a person is often incoherent but
may not have delusions.
- Catatonic schizophrenia a person is withdrawn, mute, negative
and often assumes very unusual postures.
- Residual schizophrenia - a person is no longer delusional or
hallucinating, but has no motivation or interest in life. These
symptoms can be most devastating.
What are the Symptoms of
Schizophrenia?
The appearance of symptoms varies from person to person;
symptoms may develop slowly over months or years, or may appear
very abruptly.
- Initial symptoms, which usually appear gradually, may include
mild feelings of tension, inability to sleep or concentrate, or
loss of interest in school, work and friends. As the disease
becomes worse the individual may experience more disabling and
bizarre symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations or disordered
speech and thoughts.
- Schizophrenia may appear in cycles known as relapse or
remission. During times of relapse, the person suffering from
schizophrenia may experience one or all of the following
symptoms:
- Delusions - false ideas. For example, individuals may believe
that someone is spying on him or her, or that they are someone
famous.
- Hallucinations - imaginary voices which give commands or
comments to the individual. It is less common for the person to
think he or she sees, feels, tastes, or smells something which
really doesn't exist.
- Disordered thinking - moving from one topic to another, but
making no sense. Individuals may make up their own words or
sounds.
- During periods of remission, psychotic symptoms may lessen,
although some symptoms such as social withdrawals inappropriate or
blunted emotions and extreme apathy, may persist.
What Treatments are Available
for Schizophrenia?
If you suspect someone you know is experiencing symptoms of
schizophrenia, encourage them to see a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists
are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of mental
illnesses. They can diagnose schizophrenia and have the authority
to prescribe medications.
The psychiatrist will thoroughly interview the person to
identify the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia: to date. however,
there are no chemical tests for schizophrenia.
- Antipsychotic Drugs. Schizophrenia is usually a lifelong
disease. Most people with this illness will probably take
medication for the rest of their lives, as do patients with
diabetes or high blood pressure. Antipsychotic medications help to
normalize the biochemical imbalances that cause schizophrenia. They
are also important in reducing the likelihood of relapse. Like all
medications, however, antipsychotic drugs should be taken onlv
under close supervision of a psychiatrist or other physician. There
are two major types of antipsychotics, traditional and new
antipsychotics.
- Traditional Antipsychotics these drugs effectively control the
hallucinations, delusions, and confusion of schizophrenia. Side
effects are common to many medications, including those for
schizophrenia. Traditional antipsychotics have side effects which
may be mild, to serious; some only occurring at high doses.
- Side effects for antipsychotics may cause a patient to stop
taking them. However, it is important to talk with your doctor
before making any changes in medication since many side effects can
be controlled. Be sure to weigh the risks against the potential
benefits that antipsychotic drugs can provide.
- Mild side effects: dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation,
drowsiness and dizziness. These side affects usually disappear a
few weeks after the person starts treatment.
- More serious side effects: trouble with muscle control, muscle
spasms or cramps in the head and neck, fidgeting or pacing, tremors
and shuffling of the feet (much like those affecting people with
Parkinson's disease).
- Side effects due to prolonged use of traditional antipsychotic
medications: facial ticks, thrusting and rolling of the tongue. lip
licking, panting and grimacing.
- New Antipsychotics New medications are effective in treating a
broader range of symptoms of schizophrenia, and have fewer side
effects than traditional antipsychotics.
- Counseling and Rehabilitation People with schizophrenia often
have a difficult time performing ordinary life skills such as
cooking and personal grooming as well as communicating with others
in the family and at world.
- Rehabilitation can help a person regain the confidence to take
care of themselves and live a fuller life. Different forms of
"talk" therapy, both individual and group, can help both the
patient and familx members to better understand the illness and
share their coping problems.
Coping Guidelines for the
Family:
- Establish a daily routine for the patient to follow.
- Help the patient stay on the medication.
- Keep the lines of communication open about problems or fears
the patient may have.
- Understand that caring for the patient can be emotionally and
physically exhausting. Take time for yourself.
- Keep your communications simple and brief when speaking with
the patient.
- Be patient and calm.
- Ask for help if you need it; join a support group.
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