Affecting around 20 million people around the world according to the World Health Organization, Schizophrenia is a mental illness often characterized by psychosis, changes in behavior and mood, and difficulty expressing emotions properly. A few other important points to note about Schizophrenia, as stated by Mental Health America, is “Contrary to public perception, schizophrenia is not split personality or multiple personality. The vast majority of people with schizophrenia are not violent and do not pose a danger to others. Schizophrenia is not caused by childhood experiences, poor parenting or lack of willpower, nor are the symptoms identical for each person.”
Causes and Diagnosis:
Although the specific causes of Schizophrenia are still unknown, researchers have considered some potential causes to be genetics, the environment, brain chemistry, and substance use, based on the National Alliance on Mental Illness. In terms of genetics, a single mutation does not lead to Schizophrenia, but rather the interaction between various genes, as well as exposure to certain environmental factors, especially prior to birth, can increase risk of Schizophrenia. Individuals who have had a family history of Schizophrenia can also have increased risk, as suggested by the Mayo Clinic. Other risk factors include pregnancy and birth complications and taking certain drugs during youth. Specifically, NAMI expresses that evidence discusses the contribution of marijuana usage to risk of psychotic incidents. Additionally, some research indicates that complications with certain neurotransmitters, or chemicals in the brain, can disturb connection in neuronal networks, which can contribute to the development of Schizophrenia.
When considering diagnosis of Schizophrenia, individuals should recognize, “There's no single test for schizophrenia and the condition is usually diagnosed after assessment by a specialist in mental health. If you're concerned you may be developing symptoms of schizophrenia, see a GP as soon as possible. The earlier schizophrenia is treated, the better. The GP will ask about your symptoms and check they're not the result of other causes, such as recreational drug use,” as written by the United Kingdom National Health Service. To add on to this, healthcare providers can consider the patient’s symptoms and evaluate whether they comprise Schizophrenia after eliminating other possible conditions. Typically, NAMI explains, “To be diagnosed with schizophrenia, a person must have two or more of the following symptoms occurring persistently in the context of reduced functioning: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior, negative symptoms.”
Symptoms:
Schizophrenia is characterized by symptoms that affect cognition, behavior, and emotions. While the symptoms that each individual faces may vary depending on the severity of the case, common symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganization, and abnormal motor behavior.
Delusions include believing in false realities and oftentimes, individuals with schizophrenia think that they are being harmed, that they are famous, that a major event is about to occur, or that general expressions made by others are directed at them.
Hallucinations involve seeing or hearing things that are not actually there and for a schizophrenic individual, hearing voices is the most common experience.
Treatment:
The treatment for schizophrenia usually includes medication coupled with psychotherapy that will help the individual understand and manage the symptoms that may arise. Common types of psychotherapy used for schizophrenia treatment are individual psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and cognitive enhancement therapy.
Individual psychotherapy can help an individual manage their thoughts and behaviors by educating them on the effects of their illness and distinguishing the difference between realizing and delusions. This entails helping a schizophrenic individual manage everyday life while dealing with the possible symptoms that may hinder them.
Cognitive behavior therapy differs in individual psychotherapy in that it helps the individual change their thinking and behavior rather than helping them work with their unusual thoughts and actions. In these sessions, the trigger behind psychotic episodes can be identified.
Cognitive enhancement therapy, also known as cognitive remediation, helps individuals with schizophrenia adapt to society by training their social cues and triggers, improving their memory, and organizing their thoughts to better communicate ideas.
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