Introduction

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 your 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 to diagnose schizophrenia.

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

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

The exact cause of schizophrenia is not known. 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.

Cause of Schizophrenia

Although there is extensive research going on to unearth the exact cause 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 a significant cause of schizophrenia.

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.

Schizophrenia Symptom

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

If the disease is left to progress you will start to suffer multiple psychiatric illnesses known under a common term called psychosis.

These schizophrenia symptoms are often temporary with different durations and can appear any time:

Delusions

People with schizophrenia have false perceptions about themselves. They may feel they are people with great powers or are very important. These feelings can get converted to a firm belief. They may also harbor negative self perceptions.

Hallucinations

Hallucinations are very common in people with schizophrenia. You can have unreal experiences, most often related to your ears, such as hearing sounds that do not exist.

You can have unreal experiences through any of your five senses including touch, sight, sound, taste and smell. Most patients who diagnose schizophrenia are found to suffer from some level of hallucination.

Unsuitable Reactions

This is often a sudden reaction to something which does not warrant such an action. You may get violent at something that is normal like someone wishing you.

Loss of Appetite

You can experience less taste in the foods you take. This can create a loss of interest in food as it starts feeling less tasty or even tasteless and the task of eating gets less pleasurable.

Schizophrenia Treatment

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. Treatments are chosen according to the symptoms. Medications 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 schizophrenia treatment.

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 it is important to diagnose schizophrenia, it is also important to look out for the 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 for effective and long lasting schizophrenia treatment.