What is Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia refers to both a single ailment and a group of conditions classified as psychotic disorders. These are situations in which a person feels a “disconnection” from reality. These disconnections might manifest themselves in a variety of ways.
None of the schizophrenia conditions include multiple personas.
Schizophrenia and psychosis are two concepts that are closely related, although they also differ significantly.
- Psychosis is a collection of symptoms characterised by a dissociation from reality and the environment surrounding you. Other physical diseases and mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder, can cause psychosis.
- Schizophrenia: This is a spectrum or group of illnesses characterised by psychotic symptoms.
Types of Schizophrenia
Paranoid Schizophrenia
This is the most commonly represented schizophrenia type in the mainstream, and it is most probably what individuals visualize when they think of schizophrenia.
Delusions (fixed, incorrect ideas that contradict reality) are a defining feature of paranoid schizophrenia. Hallucinations are very prevalent, particularly auditory (“hearing voices”).
Hebephrenic Schizophrenia
Hebephrenic schizophrenia, often known as disorganised schizophrenia, is characterised by disorganised speech and behaviour.
Residual Schizophrenia
A person suffering with residual schizophrenia does not have noticeable delusions, hallucinations, incoherent speech, or severely disorganised or catatonic behaviour at the moment. They do exhibit negative symptoms and/or two or more diagnostic signs of schizophrenia, although they are milder, such as strange ideas or unexpected perceptual experiences.
Catatonic Schizophrenia
A person with catatonic schizophrenia fits the criteria for schizophrenia and additionally shows catatonic symptoms. Catatonia is characterised by either increased movement (excited catatonia) or diminished movement (retarded catatonia).
Undifferentiated Schizophrenia
Undifferentiated schizophrenia is characterised by symptoms that are consistent with a diagnosis of schizophrenia but don’t provide a broader picture of a paranoid, catatonic, or disorganised kind.
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder combines characteristics of schizophrenia with those of a mood illness, such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.
Brief Psychotic Disorder
A brief psychotic disorder is characterised by a quick onset of psychotic behaviour. It only lasts about a month. After that, the person is completely cured. Nevertheless, an additional psychotic episode is probable in the future.
Schizophreniform Disorder
Schizophreniform disease is characterised by the symptoms of schizophrenia but lasts fewer than six months.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
People with schizotypal personality disorder have odd behavior, speech patterns, thoughts, and perceptions. Other people often describe them as strange or eccentric.
Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Paranoid Schizophrenia
- Speech that is disorganised
- Behavior that is disorganised or catatonic
- Effects that are flat or unsuitable
- Obsession with one or more delusions
- Hearing hallucinations
Hebephrenic Schizophrenia
- Have trouble doing everyday duties such as personal hygiene and self-care
- Have mismatched or improper emotional reactions to the circumstance
- Have communication difficulties
- Misapply words or arrange them incorrectly Have difficulty thinking clearly and responding properly
- Display neologism (the use of nonsense words or making up words)
- Move fast between ideas that have no logical links.
- Things are forgotten or misplaced.
- Pace yourself or walk in circles.
- Have difficulties comprehending everyday events
- Answer questions in an unconnected manner.
- Find it tough to accomplish activities or reach objectives when you keep doing the same things again and over?
- Inadequate impulse control
- Make no visual contact.
- Display infantile mannerisms
- Socially isolate
Residual Schizophrenia
- Diminished impact (difficulty expressing emotions, diminished facial expressions and expressive gestures)
- Strange beliefs
- Perceptions that are unusual
- Social isolation
Catatonic Schizophrenia
- Catalepsy: characterised by muscular stiffness and a lack of reaction to external stimuli.
- Waxy flexibility: Limbs remain abnormally long in the posture in which they are put by another.
- Stupor: the inability to respond to most stimuli.
- Excessive motor activity: Seemingly meaningless action that is unaffected by external inputs.
- Extreme negativism: a seemingly unmotivated opposition to all directions or the keeping of a stiff posture in the face of attempts to move you.
- Mutism: the absence of speaking.
- Posturing: defined as the voluntary adopting of incorrect or unusual postures.
- Movements that are stereotyped: Rocking is an example of an involuntary, repeated bodily activity.
- Prominent grimacing: Distorting one’s face to convey pain, contempt, or disapproval.
- Echolalia: the act of repeating what others have spoken.
- Echopraxia: Imitating the motions of others.
Undifferentiated Schizophrenia
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Perceptions, beliefs, and behaviours that are exaggerated or distorted
- Speech that is unusual or disorderly
- Agitation
- Personal hygiene is neglected.
- Social isolation
- Excessive or insufficient sleep
- Making plans is difficult.
- Emotional issues and emotional expressiveness
- Problems with logical reasoning
- Strange conduct
- Unusual motions
Schizoaffective Disorder
- Psychosis
- Depression
- Mania
Causes of Schizophrenia
The precise origin of schizophrenia is unknown. However, schizophrenia, like cancer and diabetes, is a genuine illness with a biological foundation. Investigators have discovered a variety of factors that appear to increase one’s risk of developing schizophrenia, including:
- Genetics: Schizophrenia can be transmitted through families, which indicates that a higher risk of schizophrenia may be handed down from parents to their offspring.
- Biochemical Factors: Individuals suffering from schizophrenia may be unable to manage brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which govern particular routes, or “circuits,” of neurons that impact thought and behaviour.
- Brain abnormality: Studies have revealed that persons with schizophrenia have aberrant brain structure. This, however, does not apply to all persons suffering from schizophrenia. It can impact persons who do not have the condition.
- Environmental Factors: Viral infections, exposure to drugs such as marijuana, or very stressful events may precipitate schizophrenia in persons whose genes predispose them to the illness. Schizophrenia is more likely to manifest while the body is through hormonal and physical changes, such as those seen during adolescence and early adulthood.
Treatment of Schizophrenia
- Psychological treatment (talking therapy) assists you in living with schizophrenia while maintaining the highest possible quality of life. A healthy working connection with your doctor or other therapist is required for psychological treatment to be effective. You must be able to trust them and be optimistic about your recovery. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and family psychoeducation are all types of psychological treatment for schizophrenia.
- Electroconvulsive Therapy: ECT is a therapy that is both safe and effective. When the symptoms of schizophrenia are severe, it can be beneficial.If your doctor recommends ECT as a treatment for you, he or she should explain how it works and answer any of your concerns. You should be provided documentation on what will occur, how you will feel, and your legal rights.
