Schizophrenia

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a disorder that affects about 1% of the population and affects a persons ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. It can also affect someones ability to distinguish what reality is, leading their imagination to feel like reality. Schizophrenia does not have to do with personality disorders, and most people with schizophrenia do not possess violent tendencies.

What are the causes of schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia can be passed down by genetics. It can also be caused by environmental triggers; being exposed to certain viral infections before birth results in a higher chance of getting Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia can also be seen in the brain. Certain spaces in the brain have larger ventricles. Additionally, the parts of the brain dealing with memory have smaller medial temporal lobes, and there are fewer connections between brain cells.

What are the Symptoms of Schizophrenia?

Delusions and Hallucinations: false beliefs and illusions brought on by the mind that are not reality. These delusions are thought to be real, when in fact they are not. Hallucinations may also affect someone and lead them to see or hear things that do not exist

Disorganized Thinking: Speech patterns are jumbled, and it is hard for someone to piece together their words while trying to talk.

Abnormal Motor Behavior: This can be also confused for Bipolar tendencies but it is common for people with schizophrenia to exhibit childlike silliness then unpredictable agitation.

Negative Symptoms: you may have a reduced or lack of ability to function normally like suicidal thoughts and the behavior

Associated with: Speech patterns are jumbled, and it is hard for someone to piece together their words while trying to talk.

Symptoms in Teens

Symptoms in Teens include withdrawing from friends and family, drops in academic performance at school, trouble sleeping, a depressed mood, and lack of motivation. Other symptoms include delusions and visual hallucinations.

Are There Different Types of Schizophrenia?

Paranoid: Associated with Delusions and paranoia of thoughts & ideas

Catatonic: Affects someone during thir low points most and ends up making them appear to move very little and often does not respond to instructions

Schizoaffective Disorder:A psychiatric condition that ends up making the person go through various highs and lows, and can imitate bipolar tendencies.

Childhood: Early-onset Schizophrenia which is rare and severe form of mental disorder. They will usually tend to act more like a child, and have child like actions, button later on might go through rage fits.

Are There Any Treatments for Schizophrenia?

Medications: Medications can be prescribed but they have to contact professional support. see our zipcode assitant to find help near you!

Hospitalization: Some schizophrenics require hospitalization, BUT it is not as common as you would think. It is very possible for them to live normal lives. For the low points it is recommended to be hospitalized so that they will not be in any danger to themselves.

Electroconvulsive Therapy: small electric currents passed through the brain which triggers a brief seizure. It helps balance chemicals in the brain to provide relief for mental illnesses

Psychosocial Interventions: Rehabilitation for schizophrenics that help them live normal lives later on: helping them find a job ETC.

Individual therapy:helps to normalize thought patterns and learning to cope with stress & identify early warning signs

Social Skills Training:helps to improve communication and social interactions for schizophrenics

Family Therapy:provides support and education dealing with Schizophrenia to loved ones

How to help someone with Schizophrenia?

DO'S	Don'ts
Be willing to offer encouragement and support when needed	Do Not make fun of or belittle the beliefs.
Call for help or find help by finding a qualified doctor or mental health professional	Do Not play along with the bizarre behavior
Watch out for signs like ritualistic obsessions, less sleep, and suspicion	Do Not overreact,scream, and panic. Doing those will agitate the person
Stay positive and encourage help	Do Not threaten
Supportive: help them by viewing their perspective and be in their situa	Do Not be unsupportive because people who suffer OCD needs help and they can change slowly.

CITATIONS

http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/guide/what-causes-schizophrenia

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/dxc-20253198

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/192770.php

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/schizophrenia