Is schizophrenia a problem?

Akande Q Schizophrenia is a challenging disorder that makes it difficult to distinguish between what is real or unreal, think clearly, manage emotions, relate to others, and function normally. Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects the way a person acts, thinks, and sees the world. People with schizophrenia have an altered perception of reality, […]

Akande Q

Schizophrenia is a challenging disorder that makes it difficult to distinguish between what is real or unreal, think clearly, manage emotions, relate to others, and function normally. Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects the way a person acts, thinks, and sees the world. People with schizophrenia have an altered perception of reality, often a significant loss of contact with reality. They may see or hear things that don’t exist, speak in strange or confusing ways, believe that others are trying to harm them, or feel like they’re being constantly watched. Most cases of schizophrenia appear in the late teen or early adulthood. However, schizophrenia can appear for the first time during ones mid-age or even later.
Signs
In some people, schizophrenia appears suddenly and without warning. But for most, it comes on slowly, with subtle warning signs and a gradual decline in organ functions long before the first severe episode.
1.    Social withdrawal
2.    Hostility or suspiciousness
3.    Deterioration of personal hygiene
4.    Flat, expressionless gaze
5.    Inability to cry or express joy
6.    Inappropriate laughter or crying
7.    Depression
8.    Oversleeping or insomnia
9.    Odd or irrational statements
10.    Forgetful; unable to concentrate
11.    Extreme reaction to criticism
12.    Strange use of words or way of speaking
There are five symptoms of schizophrenia: delusions, hallucinations, disorganised speech, disorganised behaviour, and the so-called “negative” symptoms. However, the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia vary dramatically from person to person, both in pattern and severity. Not every person with schizophrenia will have all the symptoms, and the symptoms of schizophrenia may also change over time.
A delusion is a firmly-held idea that a person has despite clear and obvious evidence that it isn’t true. Delusions are extremely common in schizophrenia, occurring in more than 90% of those who have the disorder. Often, these delusions involve illogical or bizarre ideas or fantasies.
Hallucinations are sounds or other sensations experienced as real when they exist only in the person’s mind. While hallucinations can involve any of the five senses, auditory hallucinations (e.g. hearing voices or some other sound) are most common in schizophrenia. Visual hallucinations are also relatively common.
Common signs of disorganized speech in schizophrenia include: Loose associations – Rapidly shifting from topic to topic, with no connection between one thought and the next. Neologisms – Made-up words or phrases that only have meaning to the patient. Perseveration – Repetition of words and statements; saying the same thing over and over. Clang – Meaningless use of rhyming words (“I said the bread and read the shed and fed Ned at the head”).
The so-called “negative” symptoms of schizophrenia refer to the absence of normal behaviours found in healthy individuals. Common negative symptoms of schizophrenia include:
1.    Lack of emotional expression
2.    Lack of interest or enthusiasm
3.    Seeming lack of interest in the world
4.    Speech difficulties and abnormalities
The causes of schizophrenia are not fully known. However, it appears that schizophrenia usually results from a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors.
Schizophrenia has a strong hereditary component. Individuals with first-degree relative (parent or sibling) who has schizophrenia have a 10 percent chance of developing the disorder, as opposed to the 1 percent chance of the general population.
As for the environmental factors involved, more and more research points to stress, either during pregnancy or at a later stage of development. High levels of stress are believed to trigger schizophrenia by increasing the body’s production of the hormone cortisol.
Effects
1.    Relationship problems.
2.    Disruption to normal daily activities.
3.     Alcohol and drug abuse.
4.     Increased suicide risk.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of schizophrenia is made based on a full psychiatric evaluation, medical history, physical exam, and lab tests.