Description

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that affects how people think, feel and behave. This can result in a mixture of hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and behavior. The hallucinations consist of seeing things or hearing voices that are not observed by others. Delusions involve the signing of beliefs about things that are not true. People with schizophrenia may seem to lose touch with reality, which can make everyday life quite hard.

People with schizophrenia require lifelong treatment. This includes medication, psychotherapy and helps in learning how to manage activities of daily living.

Because many people with schizophrenia do not know that you have a mental health condition and can't believe they need treatment, many research studies have examined the results of untreated psychosis. People who have psychosis that is not treated often have more severe symptoms, more than the stay in a hospital for the poorest of thinking and processing skills, and social outcomes, injury, and even death. On the other hand, early treatment often helps to control the symptoms before serious complications, making the long-term prognosis better.

Symptoms

Schizophrenia is a series of problems in the way people think, feel and behave. Symptoms may include:

  • Delusions. This is when people believe things that are not real or true. For example, people with schizophrenia might think that you are being harmed or bullied when they are not. You might think that you are the target of certain gestures or comments when they are not. They may think that you're very famous, or have a great ability when this is not the case. Or they could feel that a major disaster is about to happen when this is not true. The majority of people with schizophrenia have delusions.
  • Hallucinations. These usually involve seeing or hearing things that other people don't see. For people with schizophrenia, these things seem real. Hallucinations can occur with any of the senses, but hearing voices is the most common.
  • Disorganized speech and thinking. Disorganized speech causes disorganized thinking. It can be difficult for people with schizophrenia to talk with other people. The responses of people with schizophrenia, giving to questions may not be related to what is being asked of you. Or questions can't be answered fully. Rarely, speech may include putting together words that are not related in a way that cannot be understood. Sometimes this is called word salad.
  • Very disorganized, or unusual behavior of the engine. This can manifest itself in several forms, from the child of stupidity to be agitated for no reason. Behavior is not focused on a goal, so it is difficult to do the tasks. People with schizophrenia may not want to follow the instructions. Can move in ways that are not typical and are not appropriate for the social environment. Or may not move or respond at all.
  • The negative symptoms. People with schizophrenia may not be able to function in the way he could before his illness began. For example, they can't swim, make eye contact or show emotions. They may speak in a monotonous voice and not be able to feel pleasure. Also, they may lose interest in daily activities, socially withdrawn, and have a hard time planning for the future.

The symptoms can vary in type and how severe they are. Sometimes, the symptoms may improve or worsen. Some of the symptoms may be present at all times.

People with schizophrenia is usually diagnosed in the late teens to early 30s. In men, the symptoms of schizophrenia usually begin in late adolescence to the early 20s. In women, the symptoms usually begin in the late 20s and early 30s. There is also a group of people — usually women — who are diagnosed later in life. It is not uncommon for children to be diagnosed with schizophrenia.

The symptoms in adolescents

The symptoms of schizophrenia in adolescents as in adults, but the condition may be more difficult to identify. That is because some of the early symptoms of schizophrenia — those that occur before the hallucinations, delusions and disorganization — are commonly seen in many adolescents, such as:

  • Away from friends and family.
  • Not doing well in school.
  • Having problems sleeping.
  • Feeling irritable or depressed.
  • Lack of motivation.

Also, the use of recreational drugs, such as marijuana, stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamines, or hallucinogens, which can cause similar symptoms. In comparison with adults with schizophrenia, adolescents with the condition may be less likely to have delusions and more likely to have hallucinations.

When to see a doctor

People with schizophrenia often don't know that they have a mental illness that requires medical attention. As a result, the family or friends, often need to get help.

Help someone who might have schizophrenia

If the people that you know has symptoms of schizophrenia, talk with them about their concerns. While you cannot force them to seek help, you can offer encouragement and support. You can also help to find a health professional or mental health professional.

If people are a danger to themselves or others, or that they have no food, clothing or housing, you need to call 911 in the united states and / or other emergency personnel to help. A mental health professional should assess.

Some people may need an emergency in a hospital. Laws about the treatment of mental health against the will of a person vary from state to state. You can contact the community mental health agencies or police departments in your area to get more information.

Suicidal thoughts and behavior

Thoughts of suicide and attempts are much higher than the average in people with schizophrenia. If a person is in danger of suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure someone stays with that person. In contact with a direct line of suicide. In the united states, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or the use of the lifeline Chat. The services are free and confidential. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the united states has a Spanish language of the phone line in 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).

The proper treatment of schizophrenia may reduce the risk of suicide.

Causes

There is No known cause of schizophrenia. But researchers believe a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and the environment may play a role.

Changes in certain naturally brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate, may play a role in schizophrenia. Neuroimaging studies show changes in the structure of the brain and the central nervous system of people with schizophrenia. Although researchers still have not been able to apply these results to the new treatments, the results show that schizophrenia is a brain disease.

Risk factors

Although the cause of schizophrenia is not known, these factors seem to make the schizophrenia more likely to:

  • A family history of schizophrenia.
  • The experiences of life, such as living in poverty, stress or danger.
  • Some pregnancy and birth issues, such as not getting enough nutrition before or after the birth, low birth weight, or exposure to toxins or viruses before birth can affect the development of the brain.
  • Taking mind-altering — also called psychoactive or psychotropic drugs as a teenager or a young adult.

Complications

Left untreated, schizophrenia can lead to serious problems that affect every area of life.

The complications that schizophrenia may cause or be associated with include:

  • Suicide, suicide attempts and thoughts of suicide.
  • Anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as OCD.
  • Depression.
  • The misuse of alcohol or other drugs, including nicotine.
  • Not being able to work or attend school.
  • Money problems and a lack of housing.
  • The Social isolation.
  • Health and medical problems.
  • To be the victims.
  • Aggressive or violent behavior, despite the fact that people with schizophrenia are more likely to be mugged in place of aggression to others.

Prevention

There is No sure way to prevent schizophrenia. But stay with your treatment plan can help to prevent symptoms from returning or getting worse. The researchers hope to learn more about risk factors for schizophrenia can lead to an early diagnosis and the treatment.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of schizophrenia involves ruling out other mental health conditions and make sure that the symptoms are not due to substance abuse, medication or a medical condition.

To find a diagnosis of schizophrenia may include:

  • Physical exam. This may be done to rule out other problems that can cause similar symptoms and check for any related complications.
  • Tests and exams. These may include tests that help rule out conditions with similar symptoms, and screening for alcohol and drug use. A health professional may also request imaging studies, such as mri or a ct scan.
  • Mental health evaluation. A health professional or mental health professional checks the state of mind by observing how a person looks and behaves, and asking about their thoughts, moods, delusions, hallucinations, substance use, and the potential for violence, or suicide. This assessment includes the family and personal history.

Treatment

The life-long treatment with medications and psycho-social therapy can help manage schizophrenia, although there is no cure for it. These treatments are necessary, even when the symptoms ease. Some people may need to stay in the hospital during a crisis, if the symptoms are severe.

A psychiatrist with experience in the treatment of schizophrenia usually guides treatment. The team of treatment that may also include a psychologist, social worker, psychiatric nurse and case manager to coordinate care. The full-team approach may be available in clinics with expertise in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Medications

Medications are the main treatment of schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medications are the most prescribed medications. It is intended to control the symptoms, primarily affecting the brain receptors for different neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers. Most antipsychotic drugs act on receptors of dopamine and serotonin. A new antipsychotic drug, xanomeline and trospium chloride, affects the acetylcholine receptors.

The goal of treatment with antipsychotic medications to control the symptoms at the lowest dose possible. To get the desired result, a health professional or mental health professional, they can test different drugs and combinations of drugs and different doses, over time. Other medications can also help, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or anti-anxiety medications. It can take several weeks to see if the medicine helps the symptoms improve.

Because medications for schizophrenia can cause side effects, people with schizophrenia may not want to take them. A psychiatrist monitors for side effects and in some cases, it may order a blood test. Drug of choice can be guided to avoid certain unwanted side effects.

Ask your health care professional about the benefits and side effects of any medication that is prescribed. Antipsychotic drugs can be classified as first generation or second generation. The second generation of antipsychotic drugs may have fewer side effects related to muscle movements. This includes the tardive dyskinesia, which causes repetitive and involuntary movements, such as grimacing, eye blinking and other movements. Tardive dyskinesia is sometimes permanent.

The second-generation antipsychotics

The most recent, the second generation of medicines available in the form of a pill or capsule are:

  • Aripiprazole (Abilify).
  • Asenapine (Saphris).
  • Brexpiprazole (Rexulti).
  • Cariprazine (Vraylar).
  • Clozapine (Clozaril.
  • Iloperidone (Fanapt).
  • Lumateperone (Caplyta).
  • Lurasidone (Latuda).
  • Olanzapine (Zyprexa).
  • Paliperidone (Invega).
  • Quetiapine (Seroquel).
  • Risperidone (Risperdal).
  • Xanomeline and trospium chloride (Cobenfy).
  • Ziprasidone (Geodon).

The first generation of antipsychotics

The first generation of antipsychotics include:

  • Chlorpromazine.
  • Fluphenazine.
  • Haloperidol (Haldol).
  • Perphenazine (Trilafon).

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics

Some antipsychotic medications can be given as a long-acting injection into the muscle or under the skin. It is usually given every 2 to 4 weeks, but sometimes less often or with the greatest frequency. Ask your health professional for more information on the shots. They can be a good option for people who prefer less pills. Also, vaccines can help people to stay with their treatment plans.

The common drugs that are available as vaccines include:

  • Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena, Abilify Asimtufii, Aristada).
  • Fluphenazine decanoate.
  • Haloperidol decanoate.
  • Paliperidone (Invega Sustenna, Invega Trinza, Invega Hafyera).
  • Risperidone (Risperdal Consta, Perseris, other).

Psychosocial interventions

Once symptoms improve, continue to take the medicine is important. It is also important to take part in the psychological and social or psychosocial treatments, including:

  • Individual therapy. Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, can help to improve the thinking patterns. Also, learn to deal with stress and to identify the early warning signs of relapse of the symptoms can help people manage their disease.
  • Training in social skills. This focuses on the communication and social interactions better, and do people with schizophrenia in a better position to take part in the daily activities.
  • The therapy of the family. During this therapy, the families learn to cope with schizophrenia. It also gives them support.
  • The vocational rehabilitation and supported employment. This advice focuses on helping people with schizophrenia to prepare for, find and keep jobs.

Most people with schizophrenia need support in daily life. Many communities have programs to help persons with schizophrenia to jobs, housing, self-help groups and crisis situations. A case manager or someone on the treatment team can help you find resources. With the right treatment, most people with schizophrenia can manage their disease.

The stay in the Hospital

During periods of crisis or in times of severe symptoms, people may need to stay in the hospital for your safety. A stay in a hospital it also makes sure to eat well, get enough sleep and bathe regularly.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ect)

Health care professionals may consider electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for adults with schizophrenia who do not respond to drug therapy. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure that is done with the medicine that puts you to sleep, so-called general anesthesia. While you sleep, small electrical current is passed through the brain, causing a therapeutic seizure that lasts 1 to 2 minutes. The TEC can also help people with depression.

Coping and support

Dealing with a mental illness as serious as schizophrenia can be difficult for people with the condition and their family and friends. Here are some steps that can help:

  • Build strong relationships with the members of your treatment team. Working closely with your healthcare provider, mental health professional and other members of the care team makes you better able to take part in, and benefit from treatment.
  • Learn about schizophrenia. Education about this condition can help you to understand how important it is to follow your treatment plan. Education can also help friends and family learn more about the condition and be more compassionate towards those who have it.
  • Get more sleep. If you are having sleep problems, lifestyle changes can help.
  • Stay focused on the objectives. The management of schizophrenia is an ongoing process. Maintain treatment goals in mind can help you stay motivated, to manage the condition and work toward their goals.
  • Do not use alcohol or drugs. The use of alcohol, nicotine and recreational drugs can make it difficult for the treatment of schizophrenia. But quitting can be difficult. Get the advice of your health care team about the best way to quit smoking.
  • Ask about the social services. These services may be able to help with affordable housing, transportation, and other daily activities.
  • Learn relaxation and stress management. Stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga or tai chi can help you and your loved ones.
  • Join a support group. Support groups can help you to reach out to others facing the same kind of challenges. Support groups also can help family members and friends of the cope.

Preparing for your appointment

If you are looking for help for a loved one with schizophrenia, you can start by watching this person from your family physician or other health care professional. But in some cases, when you call to schedule an appointment, you may be advised to see a specialist in mental health disorders, called a psychiatrist immediately.

What you can do

To prepare for the appointment, make a list of:

  • The symptoms of your loved one, including those that do not seem related to the quote.
  • Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • The drugs, vitamins, herbs and other supplements that your loved one is taking, including the dosage.
  • Questions to ask the health professionals.

Go with your loved one to the appointment. Doing so will help you to know what your loved one is facing and how you can help.

For schizophrenia, you can ask the healthcare provider to some basic questions, such as:

  • What can cause the symptoms or condition?
  • What are other possible causes of your symptoms or condition?
  • What kind of proof do you need?
  • Will my loved one affected by this condition for a long time?
  • What is the best treatment?
  • What are the options to the primary approach you're suggesting?
  • How can I help and support my loved one?
  • Do you have any brochures or other printed material I can have?
  • What sites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

The healthcare provider will probably ask you several questions. Preparation for some of these questions can help to make the discussion more useful. The questions may include:

  • What are the symptoms of your loved one and when did you first notice them?
  • Have another person on your loved one of the family has been diagnosed with schizophrenia?
  • Symptoms occur some of the time or all the time?
  • Has your loved one talked about suicide?
  • How well does your loved one do in daily life? Is your loved one to eat regularly, going to work or school, and bathing regularly?
  • Has your loved one has been diagnosed with other medical conditions?
  • What medications your loved one to take?

The health professional or mental health professional will ask more questions based on the answers, the symptoms and needs.

Symptoms and treatment of Schizophrenia