Schizophrenia Disorder
Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health disorder commonly identified in early adulthood. The problem is usually diagnosed after the first episode of psychosis. Men typically begin showing symptoms in their late teens or early 20s. Women, however, are diagnosed in their early 20s through the early 30s.
About 0.32%
of the world’s population lives with Schizophrenia.
1 in 222
people will develop Schizophrenia in their lifetime.
80%
Patients show significant improvement with early, continuous treatment and rehabilitation.
50–60%
Treatment gap in India — many patients still don’t receive proper psychiatric care.
Introduction
A key factor in this timing is brain development. The prefrontal cortex— the region responsible for maintaining memory, planning and judgement—continues maturing until the age of 25. Once this part is fully developed, the brain large;y establishes how it processes information. A normal human being’s response to a situation also depends on the maturity of this part.
However, external factors like trauma, exposure to prolonged stress and substance use at an early age interfere with the developmental process. This increases the likelihood of getting schizophrenia. Read on to learn more about schizophrenia, its causes and how a person can lead a normal life by managing its symptoms independently.
Understanding Schizophrenia
When schizophrenia is in an active state, patients experience delusions, hallucinations and disorganised speech. Clarity of thinking is poor and patients suffer from low levels of motivation. However, with proper treatment, patients feel better and the frequency of episodes in the future is reduced.
The complexity of the disorder often contributes to widespread myths. The literal meaning of the word is “split mind”. However, it is not the same as multiple personality or split personality. Patients suffering from schizophrenia are no more violent than anyone else. In fact, they are more prone to getting harmed rather than causing harm.
Patients may have to face multiple hospitalisations due to a lack of awareness and poor diagnosis. However, with timely medical intervention, patients can lead a normal life with their family.
Causes of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia likely results from a combination of genetic vulnerability and psychosocial stressors. Although there is no one particular cause identified for schizophrenia, the ailment is generally associated with impairment in occupational, educational, familial and social factors. Heavy cannabis use further increases the risk and influences the disorder’s onset and progression.
Glutamate Dysfunction and Dopamine Dysfunction
Glutamate dysfunction reduces the activity of NMDA (N-Methyl-D-Aspartate) receptors. Patients suffer from disrupted communication between brain cells. This lack of communication contributes to cognitive problems and negative symptoms.
Abnormal glutamate signalling can trigger dopamine overactivity, creating a vicious cycle. This neurotransmitter disruption affects perception, motivation and overall brain circuitry. This forms a wide biological base for schizophrenia’s wide range of symptoms.
Symptoms and Signs of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia involves significant distortions in how reality is perceived. This leads to altered thinking patterns, emotions and behaviour. Patients also suffer from:
- Hallucination is the most prominent symptom. It includes hearing or seeing things that do not normally exist.
- Persistent delusions
- Hold on to false beliefs despite evidence
- False sense of influence or control
- Disorganised thinking
- Unpredictable behaviour
- Deficits in word fluency
- Lack of initiative to make life better
Patients are not able to see or perceive reality in its true sense. They have a continuous feeling that their thoughts are being consistently influenced by external factors. They have emotionally inappropriate thoughts that impair their daily functioning.
Negative Symptoms:
- Limited emotional expressions.
- Social withdrawal because of false preconceived notions.
- Lack of interest in hobbies.
- Change in the speed of movements.
- Patients are agitated and maintain unusual postures.
Disorganised symptoms experienced by patients include:
- Persistent cognitive difficulties including problems with memory and attention span
- Using illogical speech and exhibiting unpredictable behaviour.
Schizophrenia usually emerges during early adulthood. The symptoms must persist for 6 months to meet the diagnostic criteria. Men generally develop symptoms in their late teens or early 20s. Women, on the other hand, tend to show signs slightly later in life. Mild symptoms might be exhibited beforehand but are difficult to identify in childhood.
Effects of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia can cause disabling psychosis and impair functioning of a person. Patients suffer from social, personal and occupational problems as they are not able to manage their ailment in their lives. Patients often face stigma and discrimination, yet effective treatments exist.
Schizophrenia affects how a person’s thought process words, and how he or she conducts himself. During psychotic episodes, patients lose touch with reality making it emotionally taxing for the rest of the family. As the condition progresses, people start noticing changes in the actions governed by thinking patterns. Daily functioning like self-care and relationships often becomes challenging.
Depression is also common among patients with schizophrenia. With proper treatment, symptoms worsen gradually or stop progressing completely.
How to help patients when they experience an episode?
Someone who is suffering from schizophrenia can have an episode at any point in time. Here are a few tips for patients and their family members to prevent worsening of an attack:
- People around a patient must stay calm and speak gently. By speaking slowly and using short sentences, loved ones can control the episode of a patient.
- Patients must be given space to acknowledge their feelings without agreeing with hallucinations.
- Patients must not be argued against. They must be given some time to express their feelings.
- People around such patients must validate their feelings. Try to understand their distress by remaining neutral. Let them explain their feelings factually.
- Grounding techniques in such circumstances can be very helpful. For instance, asking them to immerse their face in cold water to slow their heart rate helps in reducing the frequency of panic attacks.
- Guided breathing helps patients. Encouraging slow and diaphragmatic breathing is particularly helpful in reducing stress.
- Certain times, patients need something to redirect their focus. Carrying a stress ball or playdough helps relieve tension.
- Make sure that these patients do not isolate themselves. Loneliness can be detrimental to them, affect their quality of life and deteriorate their standard of living.
- Encourage them to create small and achievable goals. Simpler goals are achievable which give the patients some energy and motivate them to do better.
- Assign simple tasks to patients so that they manage their own responsibilities. This ensures self-improvement and is helpful in confidence-building.
Treatment of Schizophrenia
Before confirming schizophrenia, a psychiatrist must perform a detailed medical and psychiatric evaluation. The aim is to rule out drug use, any pre-existing neurological condition or any other medical problem.
A recovery-oriented approach is adopted by therapists at Calida Rehab Centre. Here is how a patient suffering from schizophrenia is treated:
- Antipsychotics are effective for controlling symptoms of schizophrenia. These medicines target serotonin receptors and dopamine levels. Doctors adjust doses as needed but additional medication is also prescribed to improve the symptoms.
- Family Intervention and Individual Therapy have also proven to be effective. Patients and their families are able to detect signs early on. Regular sessions help develop coping strategies that reduce the frequency of episodes.
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation helps a patient enhance communication and improve daily interactions. The aim is to promote their independence and make their routine functioning in various circumstances better. They are encouraged to take care of themselves and relieve stress.
Although there is no particular treatment for schizophrenia, ongoing research seems promising enough to produce safer treatments. Genetic studies, behavioural research and brain-imaging techniques will help medical boards all over the world to understand the illness properly.
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Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our treatment programs, admission process, and what to expect during your recovery journey
Can a person suffering from schizophrenia live a normal life?
Yes. Patients suffering from schizophrenia can lead a normal life. However, they must be consistent with their therapies and take their medication properly. A strong support system at home is essential. Certain precautions like no consumption of alcohol or drugs are a must. Patients must remain mindful of their actions and avoid triggers, if any.
How does a person with schizophrenia act?
Patients suffering from schizophrenia are on guard at all times. They continuously worry about other people’s motives and hear voices now and again. They find it difficult to concentrate and are always fearful or suspicious about everything. They are not comfortable in social settings as they have a disorganised thought pattern which makes it difficult to process actions.
How to calm a schizophrenic patient when he or she suffers from an episode outside the rehab centre?
The best way to calm a schizophrenic patient is to create a calm environment. There should be no loud noises to distract the patient. Deep breathing, avoiding eye contact and making the sit helps control the situation. Make sure that you do not argue with the patient but tell him or her to describe the symptoms clearly and calmly. Give them some room to rest but do not leave them alone.
What is the best treatment for schizophrenia?
A combination of therapies and medication works best. Patients must be diagnosed thoroughly to learn about any previously co-existing comorbidities. A complete psychological and physiological analysis is essential. Therapists then prescribe medication and administer therapies like family intervention, individual therapy and offer psychological rehabilitation for the best result.
What are the initial signs and symptoms exhibited by patients with schizophrenia?
Persistent delusions, holding on to false beliefs despite evidence and having a disorganised thought pattern are signs exhibited by schizophrenia.
Patients have a false sense of influence or control and a disorganised thinking pattern which disrupts their life. Their unpredictable behaviour and poor speech fluency are other prominent symptoms.
Experts Who Will Guide Your Recovery
Dr. Prashant Dasud
Designation: M.D. (Psychiatry)
Experience: 14+
Illnesses:
Depression & Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders, OCD, Drug & Alcohol Addiction, Sleep Disorders
Geriatric Mental Health Issues
Dr. Santosh Pawar
Designation: M.D. (Radiodiagnosis)
Experience: 12+
Illnesses:
CT / MRI, Dementia & Memory Disorder, Neuro-radiological Evaluation, pine & Nerve Imaging,Head Injury & Neurological, Diagnostic Support for Mental Health
Dr. Neha Shetty
Designation: M.D. (Psychiatry)
Experience: 11+
Illnesses:
Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia & Psychosis, OCD, Drug Addiction,Mental Health Issues
