Schizophrenia Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

It is important to know early about the cause, symptoms, and treatment of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that causes the sufferer to experience delusions, hallucinations, chaotic thoughts, and behavioral changes. This long-lasting condition is often interpreted as a mental disorder because the difficulty of the sufferer distinguishes between reality and the mind itself. Schizophrenia disease also can be affected by anyone both men and women. The age range of 15-35 years is the most vulnerable age to schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia Causes

The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown, but it is generally accepted that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may increase your risk of developing this disease. Here the other factors are suspected to have an effect on the formation of schizophrenia.

The imbalances level of serotonin and dopamine (a neurotransmitter substance that responsible for carrying messages between brain cells)
The abnormal shape of the brain structure and the central nervous system
Genetic that derived from the parent
Lack of oxygen and nutrition, exposed to toxins or viruses while still in the mother's womb
Born prematurely and born with a weight below normal
The increased activation of the immune system due to autoimmune diseases and inflammation
Drug abuse such as amphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana

Schizophrenia Symptoms

The symptoms of schizophrenia are classified into positive and negative symptoms. The changes in sleep patterns, unresponsiveness to the situation, and the tendency to isolate from others are the initial symptoms of schizophrenia. The following are the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Hallucinations. The Hallucinations refer to things that a patient may hear, see, smell or feel that only they can experience. The phenomenon of hallucinations is very real for the patient. A patient may also hear voices in his head that talk to him or to one another.
Delusions. It is a strong belief that is not based on logic or reality. Examples of delusions symptoms can vary such as feel watched, followed, or worried about being hurt by others.
Disorganized thoughts and speech. Patients difficult to concentrate and the communication may be impaired. So, they may speak in gibberish.
Abnormal physical behavior. Schizophrenics often exhibit odd behavior such as repeating the same movements again and stand still in the same position for hours.
Color symbolism. This is a unique symptom of schizophrenia refers to the idea that different colors convey different messages.

The Negative symptoms of schizophrenia illustrate the loss of certain traits and abilities that normally exist in normal people. When the patient is experiencing negative symptoms, he will look apathetic and flat emotionally. The following are the negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia.

Social withdrawal
Reductions in speech
Apathy
Loss of concentration
Changing of sleep pattern
Lethargy
Loss of interest and motivation in all aspects

Schizophrenia Treatment

Treating schizophrenia, the doctor will combine drugs and psychological therapy.

Treatment with Drugs

The usual medication prescribed is antipsychotics. Antipsychotics work by influencing neurotransmitters in the brain. This drug can decrease agitation and anxiety, reduce or prevent hallucinations and delusions, and help maintain the ability to think and remember. Antipsychotics are used in two ways by oral (generally pill form) and syringes. There are two types of antipsychotic drugs sold today. The first one is the typical antipsychotics which are first-generation of antipsychotic drugs developed in the 1950s.

Fluphenazine
Perphenazine
Chlorpromazine
Haloperidol
Loxapine
Thioridazine
Trifluoperazine

The second one is the atypical antipsychotics, which are second-generation drugs developed in the 1990s with the intention of giving off fewer side effects.

Clozapine
Ziprasidone
Quetiapine
Olanzapine
Risperidone
Aripiprazole
Paliperidone

The side effect in these two groups of antipsychotics is weight gain, constipation, drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and decreased sex drive. While the only side effects that exist in older generation antipsychotics are muscles are twitching, trembling body, and muscle spasm. The doctors also will advise caring in mental hospitals for hygiene, nutrition, rest needs, and patient safety is guaranteed.

Treatment by Psychological Therapy

After the symptoms of schizophrenia subside, the sufferers need psychological therapy along with continuing drug consumption. In psychological therapy, sufferers will be taught how to cope with stress and control their illness by identifying the signs of relapse. Moreover, the patients will be taught how to improve communication skills in order to interact socially. Psychological therapy is not only for patients but also to the patient's family on how to deal with schizophrenia.