Definition
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder. It difficult for a person to tell the difference between real and unreal experiences, to think logically, to have normal emotional responses to others, and to behave normally in social situations.
Symptoms
Catatonic type:
- Motor disturbances
- Stupor
- Negativism
- Rigidity
- Agitation
- Inability to take care of personal needs
- Decreased sensitivity to painful stimulus
Paranoid type:
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Definition
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder. It difficult for a person to tell the difference between real and unreal experiences, to think logically, to have normal emotional responses to others, and to behave normally in social situations.
Symptoms
Catatonic type:
- Motor disturbances
- Stupor
- Negativism
- Rigidity
- Agitation
- Inability to take care of personal needs
- Decreased sensitivity to painful stimulus
Paranoid type:
- Delusional thoughts of persecution or of a grandiose nature
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Violence
- Argumentativeness
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Causes
Schizophrenia is a complex and puzzling illness. Even the experts in the field are not exactly sure what causes it. Some doctors think that the brain may not be able to process information correctly.
Genetic factors appear to play a role, as people who have family members with schizophrenia may be more likely to get the disease themselves. Some researchers believe that events in a person's environment may trigger schizophrenia. For example, problems during intrauterine development (infection) and birth may increase the risk for developing schizophrenia later in life.
Psychological and social factors may also play some role in its development. However, the level of social and familial support appears to influence the course of illness and may be protective against relapse.
There are 5 recognized types of schizophrenia: catatonic, ...
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Treatment
During an acute episode of schizophrenia, hospitalization is often required to promote safety, and to provide for the person's basic needs such as food, rest, and hygiene.
Antipsychotic or neuroleptic medications work by changing the balances of chemicals in the brain and are used to control the symptoms of the illness. These medications are effective, but are also associated with side effects that may discourage a patient from taking them regularly. However, many of these side effects can be addressed, and should not prevent people from seeking treatment for this serious condition.
Common side effects from traditional antipsychotics may include sedation and weight gain. Other side effects are known as extrapyramidal symptoms (muscle contractions, problems of movement and ...
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Possible Complications
- Noncompliance with medication will frequently lead to a relapse of symptoms.
- Physical illness occurs at high rates among people with schizophrenia due to psychiatric treatment itself (side effects from medication) and living conditions associated with chronic disability. These may go undetected because of poor access to medical care and because of difficulties communicating with health care providers.
- Persons with schizophrenia have a high risk of developing a coexisting substance abuse problem, and use of alcohol or other drugs increases the risk of relapse.
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Outlook (Prognosis)
There are many different potential outcomes of schizophrenia. Most people with schizophrenia find that their symptoms improve with medication, and some achieve substantial control of the symptoms over time. However, others experience functional disability and are at risk for repeated acute episodes, particularly during the early stages of the illness.
Supported housing, vocational rehabilitation, and other community support programs may be essential to their community tenure. People with the most severe forms of this disorder may remain too disabled to live independently, requiring group homes or other long-term, structured living environments.
Prevention
The best way to prevent relapses is to continue to take the prescribed medication. Because side effects are one of the most important reasons why people with schizophrenia stop taking their medication, it is very important to find the medication that controls symptoms without causing side effects. Always talk to your doctor about any adjustments in your medications, or your wish to discontinue them
Exams and Tests
Because other diseases can also cause symptoms of psychosis, psychiatrists should make the final diagnosis. The diagnosis is made based on a thorough psychiatric interview of the person and family members. As yet, there are no defining medical tests for schizophrenia. The following factors may suggest a schizophrenia diagnosis, but do not confirm it:
- Developmental background
- Genetic and family history
- Changes from level of functioning prior to illness
- Course of illness and duration of symptoms
- Response to pharmacological therapy
CT scans of the head and other imaging techniques may identify some changes associated with schizophrenia in the research literature and may rule out other neurophysiological ...
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References
Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:115-124.
Marx J. Rosens Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:1541-1548.
