Schizophrenia
Symptoms
Schizophrenia involves a
range of problems with thinking (cognition), behavior and emotions. Signs and
symptoms may vary, but usually involve delusions, hallucinations or
disorganized speech, and reflect an impaired ability to function. Symptoms may
include:
Delusions.
These are false beliefs that are not based in reality. For example, you think
that you're being harmed or harassed; certain gestures or comments are directed
at you; you have exceptional ability or fame; another person is in love with
you; or a major catastrophe is about to occur. Delusions occur in most people
with schizophrenia.
Hallucinations.
These usually involve seeing or hearing things that don't exist. Yet for the
person with schizophrenia, they have the full force and impact of a normal
experience. Hallucinations can be in any of the senses, but hearing voices is
the most common hallucination.
Disorganized thinking
(speech). Disorganized thinking is inferred from
disorganized speech. Effective communication can be impaired, and answers to
questions may be partially or completely unrelated. Rarely, speech may include
putting together meaningless words that can't be understood, sometimes known as
word salad.
Extremely
disorganized or abnormal motor behavior.
This may show in a number of ways, from childlike silliness to unpredictable
agitation. Behavior isn't focused on a goal, so it's hard to do tasks. Behavior
can include resistance to instructions, inappropriate or bizarre posture, a
complete lack of response, or useless and excessive movement.
Negative symptoms.
This category refers to reduced or lack of ability to function normally in
different situations. For example, the person may neglect personal hygiene or
appear to lack emotion (doesn't make eye contact, doesn't change facial expressions
or speaks in a monotone). Also, the person may lose interest in everyday
activities, socially withdraw or lack the ability to experience pleasure.
Symptoms can vary in type
and severity over time, with periods of worsening and remission of symptoms.
Some symptoms may always be present.
In men, schizophrenia
symptoms typically start in the early to mid-20s. In women, symptoms typically
begin in the late 20s. It's uncommon for children to be diagnosed with
schizophrenia and rare for those older than age 45.
Symptoms in teenagers
Schizophrenia symptoms in
teenagers are similar to those in adults, but the condition may be more
difficult to recognize. This may be in part because some of the early symptoms
of schizophrenia in teenagers are
common for typical development during teen years, such as:
Withdrawal from friends and
family
A drop in performance at
school
Trouble sleeping
Irritability or depressed
mood
Lack of motivation
Also, recreational substance
use, such as marijuana, methamphetamines or LSD, can sometimes cause similar
signs and symptoms.
Compared with schizophrenia
symptoms in adults, teens may be:
Less likely to have
delusions
More likely to have visual
hallucinations
When to see a doctor
People with schizophrenia
often lack awareness that their difficulties stem from a mental disorder that
requires medical attention. So it often falls to family or friends to get them
help.
Helping someone who
may have schizophrenia
If you think someone you
know may have symptoms of schizophrenia, talk to him or her about your
concerns. Although you can't force someone to seek professional help, you can
offer encouragement and support and help your loved one find a qualified doctor
or mental health professional.
If your loved one poses a
danger to self or others or can't provide his or her own food, clothing, or
shelter, you may need to call 911 or other emergency responders for help so
that your loved one can be evaluated by a mental health professional.
In some cases, emergency
hospitalization may be needed. Laws on involuntary commitment for mental health
treatment vary by state. You can contact community mental health agencies or
police departments in your area for details.
Suicidal thoughts and
behavior
Suicidal thoughts and
behavior are common among people with schizophrenia. If you have a loved one
who is in danger of attempting suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure
someone stays with that person. Call 911 or your local emergency number
immediately. Or, if you think you can do so safely, take the person to the
nearest hospital emergency room.
Causes
It's not known what causes
schizophrenia, but researchers believe that a combination of genetics, brain
chemistry and environment contributes to development of the disorder.
Problems with certain
naturally occurring brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called
dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia. Neuroimaging studies
show differences in the brain structure and central nervous system of people
with schizophrenia. While researchers aren't certain about the significance of
these changes, they indicate that schizophrenia is a brain disease.
Risk factors
Although the precise cause
of schizophrenia isn't known, certain factors seem to increase the risk of
developing or triggering schizophrenia, including:
Having a family history of
schizophrenia
Some pregnancy and birth
complications, such as malnutrition or exposure to toxins or viruses that may
impact brain development
Taking mind-altering
(psychoactive or psychotropic) drugs during teen years and young adulthood
Complications
Left untreated,
schizophrenia can result in severe problems that affect every area of life.
Complications that schizophrenia may cause or be associated with include:
Suicide, suicide attempts
and thoughts of suicide
Anxiety disorders and
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Depression
Abuse of alcohol or other
drugs, including nicotine
Inability to work or attend
school
Financial problems and
homelessness
Social isolation
Health and medical problems
Being victimized
Aggressive behavior,
although it's uncommon
Prevention
There's no sure way to
prevent schizophrenia but sticking with the treatment plan can help prevent
relapses or worsening of symptoms. In addition, researchers hope that learning
more about risk factors for schizophrenia may lead to earlier diagnosis and
treatment.
Jan Ricks Jennings, MHA,
LFACHE
Senior Consultant
Senior Management
Resources, LLC
JanJenningsBlog.Blogspot.com
724.733.0509 Office
412.913.0636 Cell
November 12, 2021
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