Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that affects how an individual thinks, feels, and behaves. It is characterized by delusions ,hallucinations, and a reduced ability to function in everyday life. Despite its prevalence and the fact that it’s been studied for centuries, there are still many misconceptions surrounding this complex illness. Let’s take a closer look at what schizophrenia is and how it affects those living with it.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
The most common symptoms of schizophrenia include disorganized thinking, delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not real), difficulty expressing emotions, and difficulty functioning in society. In some cases, people may also experience depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts as a result of their schizophrenia diagnosis.
Schizophrenia is divided into two types: positive symptoms (which involve exaggerated behaviors) and negative symptoms (which involve diminished behaviors). Positive symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking or speech, and agitated body movements. Negative symptoms include apathy (lack of emotion), social withdrawal, lack of motivation to participate in activities, difficulty focusing on tasks or conversations, and limited emotional expression.
What are the causes of Schizophrenia?
There is still much debate surrounding the causes of Schizophrenia and the most effective treatment options available, but research suggests that there are several contributing factors involved in its development.
Genetics
Many studies have suggested that genetics may play a role in developing Schizophrenia; however, it is important to note that this does not mean that it is an inherited disorder. Instead, genetic factors increase an individual’s risk of developing Schizophrenia if they are exposed to certain environmental triggers. For example, one study found that people with a family history of Schizophrenia were more likely to develop the disorder if they experienced childhood trauma or abuse.
Brain Abnormalities
Research has also identified several structural and functional brain abnormalities associated with schizophrenia, including changes in brain chemistry and activity levels of certain neurotransmitters (i.e., dopamine). For example, individuals with schizophrenia often have increased levels of dopamine in their brains which can lead to psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Additionally, MRI scans have revealed differences in the size and structure of some regions of the brain compared to those without schizophrenia. These differences are thought to contribute to cognitive impairments such as difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks for long periods of time.
Stressful Life Events
Stressful life events have been linked to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia due to their potential impact on psychological well-being and mental health functioning. Examples include experiencing physical or sexual abuse during childhood, experiencing a traumatic loss (e.g., death or divorce), or going through periods of extreme stress (e.g., military combat).
While there is no single cause for schizophrenia, these types of stressful life events may increase an individual’s risk for developing the disorder if they already possess a genetic predisposition or abnormal brain structure/chemistry associated with schizophrenia.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia can be difficult to diagnose since the signs can vary significantly from person to person. For example, some individuals may have obvious delusions while others may experience subtle changes in behavior or cognitive functioning. As such, doctors will usually conduct a thorough assessment to determine if someone fits the criteria for a diagnosis of schizophrenia. This process typically involves interviews with family members as well as physical exams and lab tests to rule out other causes for the individual’s symptoms.
Once diagnosed with schizophrenia treatment typically includes medication along with counseling sessions with a psychiatrist or psychologist. Medication helps control the psychotic symptoms while counseling helps individuals learn coping strategies for dealing with their illness on a day-to-day basis so that they can lead more productive lives. Additionally, support groups can be extremely helpful in providing people living with schizophrenia with additional sources of understanding and comfort during difficult times.
Schizophrenia is an incredibly complex disorder that affects over 21 million people worldwide each year. While its exact cause remains unknown there are treatments available that can help manage its symptoms so those living with it can lead fuller lives despite their diagnosis. By understanding what schizophrenia is and how it affects those who live with it we can better support our loved ones who suffer from this condition and ensure they receive the best possible care available to them.