Schizophrenia

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is collection of brain disorders involving thought, behavior and social problems. It is a Greek word meaning ‘split mind’.

An affected individual is often detached from reality and may suffer from hallucinations (unreal experiences through five senses). In addition, he may also suffer from disorganized speech, thought or behavior.

Severe cases of schizophrenia can leave its patients with a range of disabilities including learning disabilities, social disabilities and in rare cases complete disability to perform majority of tasks.

People who are in their late teens or in late adulthood comprise a majority of those visiting clinics for a diagnosis.

Researchers are focusing on the role of neurotransmitters (chemicals responsible for communication between your nerve cells) in the role of development of schizophrenia.

Initial symptoms can include a loss of appetite, loss of sleep, loss of concentration, or a general loss of interest in normal tasks.

The exact causes of schizophrenia remain unknown. A majority of researchers believe that schizophrenia runs in families. But those who do not have any family history are also known to suffer from the disease.

Causes of Schizophrenia

Although there is extensive research going on to unearth causes of schizophrenia, scientists are yet to establish any solid answers.

Many experts believe that environment triggers together with a genetic link are to blame for causing schizophrenia.

It is also thought that neurotransmitters which send signals between different parts of your brain get disturbed to a degree in people with schizophrenia and contribute as significant schizophrenia causes.

With problems during pregnancy the child’s brain development and nervous system can be harmed with possible factors such as nutrition deficiency or a strong infection like a viral attack during pregnancy.

Researchers also say that schizophrenia cannot be caused by your actions, a weak character, unfavorable choices, or by the environment in which you were raised.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia makes your world appear changed in a strange way. Your sense of perception will alter and your experience of normal things and events gradually vanish.

This altered sense will take you away from reality, creating difficulties in the way you communicate with the outside world.

Schizophrenia symptoms differ from person to person. The onset of symptoms can be sudden and end abruptly, or be gradual and stay for quite a while.

Treatment for Schizophrenia

It is very important to diagnose schizophrenia in the early stages to avoid major complications in the future.

Your schizophrenia can be treated in a number of ways including medications, rehabilitation, family education and self-help groups.

Medications are a vital part of schizophrenia treatment. These are chosen as per the symptoms and are prescribed to reduce the psychotic symptoms.

These medications help control the ups and downs in the schizophrenic patient.  Side effects accompany a majority of the drugs used in treatment for schizophrenia.

Rehabilitation can include problem solving and job training along with other similar approaches.

Family education helps those caring for the patient at home to better understand the problems and issues associated with schizophrenia along with information about the disease.

While a diagnosis is important, you should also look at various options available for treating your disease.

Support groups including family members and peers along with advocacy groups can give good assistance and information to you related to schizophrenia.

All the above methods include a holistic approach that comprise as effective treatment for schizophrenia.