Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder that can drastically impact an individual's ability to think clearly, make decisions, manage emotions, and retain social connections. People with schizophrenia frequently experience delusions and hallucinations, hear voices that others cannot hear, lose contact with reality, and display a decline in their ability to communicate with others.
Scientists believe that the disorder can be caused by various factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and brain chemistry. A few factors increase the likeliness of developing schizophrenia including family history of schizophrenia, complications during pregnancy or birth, substance abuse, and severe stress.
The paramount symptom of schizophrenia is psychosis, which can involve delusions or hallucinations. Delusions typically include paranoid ideas or false beliefs about the person's relationship to the world around them. They may believe they are being watched or followed, they may think that they have been chosen for a mission or that their thoughts are being manipulated by outside forces.
On the other hand, patients with schizophrenia hear voices in their head that no one else can hear. These voices may offer them advice or conversation, or they may issue mandates to the person with schizophrenia, ultimately making them act prematurely in the world or isolate themselves further from others.
Schizophrenia is usually diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood when the onset of symptoms is more common. A qualified mental health specialist or care provider is capable of conducting diagnostic tests, including physical and psychological assessments, to determine whether a person has schizophrenia.
There are several ways to treat schizophrenia once diagnosed. Among these is antipsychotic treatment, which is the most effective method of controlling psychosis. Additionally, psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy or occupational and vocational rehabilitation are also recommended, depending on the individual's needs.
Moreover, support of family and peers can be helpful in managing the symptoms of schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia can have difficulty communicating with others or experiencing a sense of community. Therefore, being surrounded by people who are open to listen or understand can provide a means of support and empathy.
In conclusion, schizophrenia is a debilitating disorder that can severely affect an individual's life. Effective treatment and comprehensive care planning for the individual afflicted can prove useful in managing the severity of symptoms of the disorder. Awareness of the disorder and effective support strategies are critical to providing care to individuals who suffer from it, especially given that early treatment and medication management have shown positive effects.