What is schizophrenia? Can it be cured?

Abstract:

It is a severe, chronic mental disorder that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
Although schizophrenia is not as common as other mental disorders, the symptoms can be very damaging.
It affects men and women more or less equally; However, it may appear earlier in males.
The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown; But the condition is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
The earlier schizophrenia is treated, the better.

Definition of schizophrenia:

It is a severe, chronic mental disorder that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with it may hear voices that are not there, or they may think that other people are trying to harm them. Doctors often describe it as a form of psychosis, meaning that a person may not always be able to distinguish their own thoughts from those that are actually occurring.

the reason:

The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown; But most experts believe that the condition is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain situations (eg, stressful life events, misuse of medications) can also trigger this condition.

Most vulnerable groups:

Research has shown that schizophrenia affects men and women fairly equally. However, it may appear earlier in males.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of schizophrenia are usually classified into:
Positive symptoms: any change in behavior or thoughts (eg: hallucinations, delusions).
Negative symptoms: People seem to be withdrawing from the world around them at the time, not paying attention to daily social interactions, and often appearing devoid of emotion.

Positive symptoms:

hallucinations: where he sees, hears, smells, tastes, or feels things that are not outside his mind; Where hearing voices is the most common. The hallucinations are also very real to the person experiencing them, even though the people around them cannot hear the sounds or experience the sensations.
Delusions: a belief that the patient believes with complete conviction, even if it is based on a false, strange, or unrealistic view (such as being bullied or persecuted), that may affect the way a person behaves, and delusions can start suddenly or may develop over the course of weeks or months.
Disorganized thoughts (thought disturbance): Difficulty concentrating and moving from one thought to another.
Changes in behavior and thoughts: A person's behavior may become more confused and unpredictable, and some people describe their thoughts as being controlled by someone else, that their thoughts are not their thoughts, or that their thoughts have been implanted in their minds by someone else.

Negative symptoms:

Often, negative symptoms of schizophrenia can appear several years before a person experiences their first acute episode of schizophrenia:
The person becomes socially withdrawn and increasingly disinterested in their appearance and personal hygiene.
Loss of interest and motivation in life and activities.
Lack of concentration, unwillingness to leave the house and changes in sleep patterns.
Feeling uncomfortable with people or feeling like there is nothing to be said.
Often, negative symptoms of schizophrenia can lead to relationship problems with friends and family.

When should you see a doctor?

If you notice symptoms of schizophrenia, see a general practitioner as soon as possible.

Complications:

If left untreated, it can lead to serious problems that affect every area of ​​life:
Inability to work independently.
Abuse of alcohol or other drugs.
Medication side effects: tardive dyskinesia.
Suicide, suicide attempts, thoughts about suicide.
violent behaviour.

Diagnosis:

There is no single test for schizophrenia, and the condition is usually diagnosed after evaluation by a mental health professional. Where symptoms are asked and verified that they are not due to other causes (eg drug use).
It can usually be diagnosed if:
The patient had one or more of the following symptoms most of the time for a month (eg: delusions, hallucinations, hearing voices, incoherent speech, or previous negative symptoms).
Symptoms had a significant effect on the ability to work, study, or perform daily tasks.
All other possible causes, such as substance abuse or bipolar disorder, were excluded.

treatment:

There is no cure for schizophrenia; But it can be treated and managed in several ways:
pharmaceutical
Psychotherapy (eg: cognitive behavioral therapy, assertive community therapy, supportive therapy).
Self-management and education strategies.
common questions:
Does schizophrenia make a person dangerous?
Schizophrenia is rarely serious, and any violent behavior is usually caused by drugs or alcohol, and there is rarely violent behavior compared to the effects of alcohol and drugs in our society. People with schizophrenia are also more likely to be harmed by people than to be harmed by anyone.

Does the patient end up with schizophrenia homelessness or live in hospitals?

No, most people with schizophrenia live with their families, in group homes, or on their own.

wrong concepts:

Schizophrenia means multiple personalities?
Truth: Schizophrenia does not mean split personality or multiple personalities; But it is a brain disorder that causes some symptoms (such as: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, difficulty thinking).