Wednesday, June 6, 2018

What is Schizophrenia ?


Scizophrenia is a serious mental condition. The cause of Schizophrenia is still not very clear. The cause of this Disorder include genetics. It is seen that Schizophrenia runs in families. It is believed that Biology has a part to play in the development of the  disorder. Neurotransmitters dopamine , glutamate and serotonin is associated with the development of the disorder. It is also stated that Viral infections or Immune Disorders may be related to the development of Schizophrenia.








Symptoms of Schizophrenia 



mainly :  

1) Hallucinations - hearing people talking where actually it is not doing so.2)

2) Delusions - Persecution  thatsome trying to harm, trying to poison , someone watching , can steal the thoughts which one is thinking, camera installed in the room to keep a watch etc. Feeling of grandiosity

3) Speech - disorganized

4Behaviour - disorganized

other symptoms include : 
  • Not sleeping properly 
  • Diminished concentration 
  • Bizarre thought 
  • Lack of self care - not taking bath properly, not brushing teeth regularly, not changing clothes etc
  • Loss of interest or motivation to work / neglecting usual  responsibilities- work, school , domestic chores
  • Not wanting to go out of the house / trying to avoid social situations
  • Preoccupation with religion 
  • Flat affect - not responsive to current situation 

  • Social withdrawal - not wanting to interact with families and friends

DSM -V has added the term 'spectrum' to the title.

A Case of  Tim

Tim is an adolescent boy staying in a nuclear family in new York. He lives with his father and mother . She has an elder sister Carla who stays in New Jersey. She studies in a Management School . 
Tim is in standard xi. but lately he is loosing interest to study. Before he scored very high marks in most of the subjects.Her mother notices that he is not going to school regularly. He has some excuse or the other not to go to his school. He does not change his clothes as he should and skips his bath. he prefers to stay alone in his room.. His teacher complained in the last Parent Teacher Meeting that he does not do his homework, submits incomplete classwork and also very unmindful in class. In the last few tests he got poor marks in most of the subjects. He is having problem in falling off to sleep. He is awake all through the night at times.  His mother notices that he is talking to himself when he is in his room.He does not want to reveal to him he talks when asked.  


The onset of  Schizophrenia is around  adolescent time. So if any of your son / daughter is like TIm then you must consult a  Specialist. 

Here we find that :
a) Tim is becoming isolated, 
b) He is loosing interest in studies 
c) He is trying to avoid school and his friends 
d) He has problem in falling off to sleep.
e) Has difficulty in controlling his anger . Getting agitated for no apparent reason.
f) He is talking to himself ( which indicates he is  hearing voices )
g) His self care is deteriorating ( not taking bath properly, not changing clothes as he should)


Treatment 

Consult a specialist if the above symptoms are observed.

Psychotropic medications and Counselling are often used to treat the symptoms of Schizophrenia.


MYTHS about Schizophrenia 

1. Persons suffering from Schizophrenia are harmful or violent.



2. Schizophrenia is cauded by black magic 

3. Persons suffering from Schizophrenia can be cured without taking medicines, but with the help of saints /ayurvedic treatments / local healers .

4. Persons suffering from Schizophrenia should not be allowed to mingle with family / community .

5. Persons with Schizophrenia loses all capacity- becomes a burden .

6. People with Schizophrenia should be considered as non - functional. 


Facts of Schizophrenia 

1. Schizophrenia is a Chronic  mental disorder . More than 20 million people are affected by Schizophrenia worldwide.

2. In most cases Schizophrenia occurs in 15 to 35 years  of age though it may also appear later in late adulthood. 


3. Schizophrenia is treatable.

4. Treatment with medicines and Psychosocial support may help in symptom management. The anti psychotic medications help to weaken hallucinations and delusions ( if present ). 

5. With treatment person affected by Schizophrenia can recover significantly. The  treatment must include medicines and care at Community level with active family and peer, community support. 

6. People with Schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of violence by other members of family or community.



How can treatment help ? 

Earlier the  treatment starts , better is  the outlook ! 

Medication 

Antipsychotic Medications can help to weaken the hallucinations and delusions ( if any ). The medications also help the affected person to think more clearly , 

Like all other medicines , it may have side effects like  weight gain , constipation , dry mouth , drooling etc. In case of side effectes- the concerned doctor may be contacted. 

Psychological Treatment 

Many people suffering from Schizophrenia benefit from Cognitive Behaviour  Therapy. The therapy help the person to get away with negative thoughts and beliefs.  They can thereby have a better functioning . 
But Cognitive Behaviour  Therapy should be combined with Medicines. Only Cognitive Behaviour Therapy will not help but rather may lead to relapse ! 

Family, Peers  and Community Support

Apart from medicines, Psychological Treatment , family , peer and  Community support is very  important factor so far recovery is concerned. Here role of main Caregiver is important. Family members must shoulder responsibility to help the affected person to recover. they should not stay away or discriminate the person who is affected by Schizophrenia.
They should provide needed support to the person affected with schizophrenia to recover and to cope with the difficulties !