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Schizophrenia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

A person with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between what is true and what isn't. Schizophrenia affects how they think, feel, and behave. Additionally, they may have difficulty communicating, motivating, and interacting with others. A person with schizophrenia may need to receive lifelong treatment because it may interfere with their ability to function in daily life.

Causes of Schizophrenia

The exact causes of schizophrenia are not known, but researchers believe that a combination of genetic, environmental, and brain factors may play a role. Some possible causes include:

• Genetic factors: Schizophrenia tends to run in families, but not everyone who has a relative with schizophrenia will develop the disorder. Certain genes may increase the risk of schizophrenia, but they are not the only factor.

• Environmental factors: Exposure to certain factors during pregnancy or early childhood may increase the risk of schizophrenia. These factors include infections, malnutrition, stress, trauma, or substance abuse.

• Brain factors: People with schizophrenia may have abnormal brain structure or function, such as differences in the size or activity of certain brain regions. These differences may affect how the brain processes information and regulates emotions, thoughts, and perceptions.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia can cause a wide range of symptoms, which can vary in severity and frequency. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Delusions: These are false beliefs that are not based on reality, such as thinking that someone is trying to harm or control you, that you have special powers or abilities, or that a major catastrophe is about to happen.

• Hallucinations: These are sensory experiences that are not based on reality, such as hearing voices, seeing things, or feeling sensations that are not there.

• Disorganized thinking and speech: This refers to having trouble organizing your thoughts and expressing them clearly. You may have difficulty following a conversation, answering questions, or staying on topic. You may also use words or phrases that do not make sense, or repeat the same words over and over.

• Abnormal behavior: This refers to acting in ways that are inappropriate, bizarre, or unpredictable. You may have trouble completing tasks, following rules, or maintaining personal hygiene. You may also show signs of agitation, aggression, or catatonia (a state of reduced movement and responsiveness).

• Negative symptoms: These are symptoms that reflect a loss or reduction of normal functions, such as emotion, motivation, or social interaction. You may appear to have no interest or pleasure in anything, avoid contact with others, or have a flat or blunted affect (showing little or no emotion).

Diagnosis of Schizophrenia

There is no single test that can diagnose schizophrenia. A mental health professional will usually conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which may include:

• Medical history: This involves asking about your personal and family history of mental and physical health, as well as any medications, substances, or other factors that may affect your condition.

• Psychiatric assessment: This involves asking about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as assessing your mood, cognition, and functioning.

• Physical examination: This involves checking your vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature, as well as looking for any signs of illness or injury that may explain your symptoms.

• Laboratory tests: These may include blood tests, urine tests, or brain imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scan, to rule out any medical conditions that may cause or worsen your symptoms.

• Diagnostic criteria: To diagnose schizophrenia, a mental health professional will use the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the standard reference for mental disorders. According to the DSM-5, you must have at least two of the following symptoms for at least six months, with at least one of them being delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech:

  • Delusions

  • Hallucinations

  • Disorganized speech

  • Disorganized or catatonic behavior

  • Negative symptoms

You must also have significant impairment in your social, occupational, or other areas of functioning, and your symptoms cannot be better explained by another mental or medical condition, or by substance use.

Treatment of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic and often disabling condition that requires long-term treatment. As part of treatment, the person with schizophrenia and his or her family are treated to reduce symptoms, prevent relapses, and improve quality of life. The main types of treatment include:

• A common treatment method for schizophrenia is antipsychotics, which reduce the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, including delusions and hallucinations. Antipsychotics can be taken orally, as a liquid, or as an injection. It is important to monitor the dosage and response regularly, since they can cause weight gain, diabetes, high cholesterol, movement disorders, or sedation. To treat other symptoms or co-occurring conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety, some people may also need other medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antianxiety drugs.

• The purpose of psychotherapy is to help you understand your condition, cope with your symptoms, and improve your communication and social skills by talking to a mental health professional. Schizophrenia can be treated in many ways, whether it's individually, in a group, or with your family. Some examples include:

  • You can also reduce your distress and anxiety with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) by identifying and challenging your negative thoughts and beliefs, and replacing them with more realistic, positive ones.

  • As part of family therapy, you can work with your family member to improve communication, relationships, and support. Family therapy can also help your family learn more about schizophrenia, how to recognize and prevent relapses, and how to deal with stress.

  • Training in social skills can help you develop the skills needed to interact with others in various situations, including making friends, having conversations, and finding a job. Training in social skills can also improve your self-esteem and self-confidence.

• Rehabilitation: This involves helping you achieve your personal and professional goals, such as going to school, finding a job, or living independently. Rehabilitation can include various services and programs, such as:

  • Educational support: This helps you continue or resume your education, such as completing high school, college, or vocational training. Educational support can also help you improve your academic skills, such as reading, writing, or math.

  • Vocational support: This helps you find and keep a job that matches your interests, abilities, and needs. Vocational support can also help you improve your work skills, such as time management, problem-solving, or teamwork.

  • Residential support: This helps you find and maintain a suitable and safe place to live, such as a group home, a supported apartment, or a family home. Residential support can also help you learn and practice the skills you need to live independently, such as cooking, cleaning, or budgeting.

• Self-help: This involves taking an active role in your own recovery, such as:

  • Learning more about schizophrenia and its treatment, and staying informed about the latest research and developments.

  • Following your treatment plan and taking your medications as prescribed, and reporting any side effects or concerns to your healthcare provider.

  • Seeking and accepting support from your family, friends, or peers, and joining a support group or a self-help organization, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or the Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA).

  • Taking care of your physical health, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.

  • Taking care of your mental health, such as managing your stress, practicing relaxation techniques, engaging in enjoyable activities, and expressing your feelings and needs.

Prevention of Schizophrenia

There is no sure way to prevent schizophrenia, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk or delay its onset, such as:

• If you or someone you know is at high risk for schizophrenia, such as having a family history, experiencing trauma, or using drugs, you should seek early help. Getting early intervention can improve schizophrenia outcome and prognosis, as well as prevent further complications.

• Limiting or avoiding the use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, which can worsen schizophrenia symptoms, interfere with medications, or trigger psychotic episodes.

• The stressors that trigger or worsen schizophrenia symptoms, such as conflicts, changes, or losses, can be reduced or managed. Stress, trauma, or other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, can also be managed or handled by professionals.