Schizophrenia

 

Can Schizophrenia be Cured?

Summary

A mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thoughts, speech and behavior.

Causes: 

The actual causes of schizophrenia are not fully understood. The causes may include genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms: 

The symptoms of schizophrenia may vary depending on the individual and it usually includes delusions, hallucinations and thought disturbances

Diagnosis: 

Schizophrenia is diagnosed by the characteristic clinical picture. There is no diagnostic test available for schizophrenia. Doctors study the genetic and developmental background of the patient and changes in mental state before the onset of illness.

Facts

Treatable by a medical professional

Diagnosed by medical professional

Often requires lab test or imaging

Common for ages 18-35

More common in males 

Family history may increase likelihood 

Urgent medical attention recommended in severe cases

The condition can promote suicidal ideation

Know More

Schizophrenia may sometimes be classified into five types:

• Paranoid schizophrenia: Patients experience delusions and auditory hallucinations. They believe that they are being watched, spied upon, or plotted against.

• Disorganized schizophrenia: This type is characterized by auditory or visual hallucinations. Although hallucinations can occur in any sensory form, hearing voices is most common.

• Catatonic schizophrenia: Strange motor activity is a characteristic of this type. Patients may exhibit immobility, peculiar postures and excessive purposeless movements.

• Undifferentiated schizophrenia: Patients experience schizophrenic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. Patients fail to meet criteria for other types of schizophrenia.

• Residual schizophrenia: Patients are already diagnosed and may not suffer from the characteristic symptoms. They still exhibit eccentric behavior, disorganized speech, lack of emotions and lack of motivation.

Other types include:

Hebephrenic Schizophrenia - Silly laughter and mood with disorganized thoughts, speech and behavior

Simple Schizophrenia - Characterized by more negative symptoms.

Symptoms

COMMON

The symptoms of Schizophrenia may vary depending on the individual and they usually include:

Delusion

Hallucinations and illusions

Disordered thinking

Disordered behavior

Flat affect- lack of emotional expression

Agitation

Inappropriate reactions

Phobia

Lack of pleasure or interest in activities

Lack of motivation to do anything

Decreased speech output

Causes

COMMON

The actual causes of schizophrenia are not fully understood. There are many factors that normally contribute to the onset of schizophrenia

Brain chemistry:

Abnormal functioning of neurotransmitters such as dopamine can cause schizophrenia.

Heredity:

Schizophrenia tends to run in families. If a parent has the disorder, the offsprings are susceptible to the disease.

Abnormality in the brain:

Abnormalities such as shrinkage in brain, or circuitry dysfunction can cause schizophrenia.

Complications during pregnancy and birth:

Chances of a child getting Schizophrenia are increased by infection or malnutrition during pregnancy and complications during birth such as brain injury.

Diagnosis

COMMON

Schizophrenia is diagnosed by the characteristic clinical picture. There is no diagnostic test available for schizophrenia. Doctors study the genetic and developmental background of the patient and changes in mental state before the onset of illness.

Blood test

It is important to test blood samples to rule out the use of street drugs as these may also cause similar symptoms.

Urine test

To rule out the use of street drugs.

CT scan

The test is suggested to identify the changes due to schizophrenia and to rule out other neurological disorders.

Treatments

The treatment includes medications and psychotherapy.

Prevention

There are no definite preventive measures. However, early identification and treatment helps to control the symptoms.