Schizophrenia - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that has been recognized throughout recorded history. The first signs of schizophrenia typically emerge in the teenage years or early twenties. It is a form of psychosis, which is an impairment of thinking in which the interpretation of reality is abnormal. It is uncommon in children and is hard to recognize in its early phases. The term schizophrenia literally means split mind; however, many people still believe incorrectly that the condition causes a split personality (which is an uncommon problem involving dissociation). The cause of schizophrenia is still unclear. People with schizophrenia may hear voices other people don't hear or they may believe that others are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. Certain psychotic disorders such as bipolar disorder in a manic phase and delusive disorder share some of the positive symptoms of schizophrenia but can have distinctly different courses and prognosis.

Schizophrenia can be caused by schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, drug abuse and other factors. It is not caused by childhood experiences, poor parenting or lack of willpower, nor are the symptoms identical for each person. The behavior of children with schizophrenia may change slowly over time. It affects approximately one percent of the world's population, making it the most common psychosis. Available treatments can relieve many of the disorder's symptoms, but most people who have schizophrenia must cope with some residual symptoms as long as they live. A person with schizophrenia does not have a "split personality," and almost all people with schizophrenia are not dangerous or violent towards others when they are receiving treatment.

Causes of Schizophrenia

The common causes and risk factor's of Schizophrenia include the following:

The exect causes of schizophrenia are not known.

Genetic factors.

Chemical or subtle structural abnormalities in the brain.

Biological and environmental factors.

A Family history of Schizophrenia.

Psychological and social factors.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Some sign and symptoms related to Schizophrenia are as follows:

Loss of appetite.

The sense of being controlled by outside forces.

Delusions.

Incoherence (not understandable)

Regressive behavior.

Diminishment of the self.

Inability to take care of personal needs.

Violence.

Argumentativeness.

Lack of pleasure in everyday life.

Treatment of Schizophrenia

Here is list of the methods for treating Schizophrenia:

People who experience acute symptoms of schizophrenia may require intensive treatment including hospitalization.

Antipsychotic or neuroleptic medications (such as clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone and aripiprazole) work by changing the balances of chemicals in the brain and are used to control the symptoms of the illness.

Supportive and problem-focused forms of psychotherapy may be helpful for many individuals.

If people with schizophrenia become depressed, it may be necessary to add an antidepressant to their drug regimen.

Individual therapy: Cognitive therapy involves a therapist helping you learn ways of coping with stressful thoughts and situations to reduce your risk of a relapse.

Patients who lack family and social support may be helped by intensive case management programs that emphasize active outreach and linkage to a range of community support services.