Schizophrenia is typically diagnosed in the late teen years to the early thirties and tends to emerge earlier in males late adolescence — early twenties than females early twenties — early thirties. A diagnosis of schizophrenia often follows the first episode of psychosis , when individuals first display symptoms of schizophrenia. Gradual changes in thinking, mood, and social functioning often begin before the first episode of psychosis, usually starting in mid-adolescence.
Schizophrenia can occur in younger children, but it is rare for it to occur before late adolescence. Psychotic symptoms include altered perceptions e. People with psychotic symptoms may lose a shared sense of reality and experience themselves and the world in a distorted way.
Specifically, individuals typically experience:. Negative symptoms include loss of motivation, disinterest or lack of enjoyment in daily activities, social withdrawal, difficulty showing emotions, and difficulty functioning normally. Specifically, individuals typically have:. Cognitive symptoms include problems in attention, concentration, and memory.
For some individuals, the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia are subtle, but for others, they are more prominent and interfere with activities like following conversations, learning new things, or remembering appointments. Genetics: Schizophrenia sometimes runs in families. However, it is important to know that just because someone in a family has schizophrenia, it does not mean that other members of the family will have it as well. Genetic studies strongly suggest that many different genes increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, but that no single gene causes the disorder by itself.
It is not yet possible to use genetic information to predict who will develop schizophrenia. Environmental factors that may be involved include living in poverty, stressful surroundings, and exposure to viruses or nutritional problems before birth. Brain structure and function: Scientists think that differences in brain structure, function, and interactions among chemical messengers called neurotransmitters may contribute to the development of schizophrenia.
For example, differences in the volumes of specific components of the brain, in the way regions of the brain are connected and work together, and in neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, are found in people with schizophrenia. Differences in brain connections and brain circuits seen in people with schizophrenia may begin developing before birth.
Changes to the brain that occur during puberty may trigger psychotic episodes in people who are vulnerable due to genetics, environmental exposures, or the types of brain differences mentioned above.
The causes of schizophrenia are complex and are not fully understood, so current treatments focus on managing symptoms and solving problems related to day to day functioning.
Treatments include:. Antipsychotic medications can help reduce the intensity and frequency of psychotic symptoms. They are usually taken daily in pill or liquid forms. Some antipsychotic medications are given as injections once or twice a month, which some individuals find to be more convenient than daily oral doses. Patients whose symptoms do not improve with standard antipsychotic medication typically receive clozapine.
Many people taking antipsychotic medications have side effects such as weight gain, dry mouth, restlessness, and drowsiness when they start taking these medications. Some of these side effects subside over time, but others may persist, which may cause some people to consider stopping their antipsychotic medication.
Suddenly stopping medication can be dangerous and it can make schizophrenia symptoms worse. For many people living with schizophrenia family support is particularly important to their health and well-being. It is also essential for families to be informed and supported themselves. Optimism is important and patients, family members and mental health professionals need to be mindful that many patients have a favorable course of illness, that challenges can often be addressed, and that patients have many personal strengths that must be recognized and supported.
View More. Psychosis refers to a set of symptoms characterized by a loss of touch with reality due to a disruption in the way that the brain processes information. Delusions are fixed false beliefs held despite clear or reasonable evidence that they are not true. Persecutory or paranoid delusions, when a person believes they are being harmed or harassed by another person or group, are the most common. Hallucinations are the experience of hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or feeling things that are not there.
They are vivid and clear with an impression similar to normal perceptions. For example, the person may switch from one topic to another or respond with an unrelated topic in conversation. The symptoms are severe enough to cause substantial problems with normal communication. Disorganized or abnormal motor behavior are movements that can range from childlike silliness to unpredictable agitation or can manifest as repeated movements without purpose. When the behavior is severe, it can cause problems in the performance of activities of daily life.
It includes catatonia, when a person appears as if in a daze with little movement or response to the surrounding environment.
Negative symptoms refer to what is abnormally lacking or absent in the person with a psychotic disorder. Examples include impaired emotional expression, decreased speech output, reduced desire to have social contact or to engage in daily activities, and decreased experience of pleasure. I agree. Schizophrenia What Is Schizophrenia? Symptoms Symptoms When the disease is active, it can be characterized by episodes in which the person is unable to distinguish between real and unreal experiences.
Symptoms fall into three major categories: Positive symptoms: those abnormally present Hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things that do not exist, paranoia and exaggerated or distorted perceptions, beliefs and behaviors.
Negative symptoms: those abnormally absent A loss or a decrease in the ability to initiate plans, speak, express emotion or find pleasure. Disorganized symptoms: Confused and disordered thinking and speech, trouble with logical thinking and sometimes bizarre behavior or abnormal movements.
Treatment Though there is no cure for schizophrenia, many patients do well with minimal symptoms. People with schizophrenia often lack awareness that their difficulties stem from a mental disorder that requires medical attention. So it often falls to family or friends to get them help. If you think someone you know may have symptoms of schizophrenia, talk to him or her about your concerns. Although you can't force someone to seek professional help, you can offer encouragement and support and help your loved one find a qualified doctor or mental health professional.
If your loved one poses a danger to self or others or can't provide his or her own food, clothing, or shelter, you may need to call or other emergency responders for help so that your loved one can be evaluated by a mental health professional.
In some cases, emergency hospitalization may be needed. Laws on involuntary commitment for mental health treatment vary by state. You can contact community mental health agencies or police departments in your area for details. Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common among people with schizophrenia.
If you have a loved one who is in danger of attempting suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure someone stays with that person. Call or your local emergency number immediately.
Or, if you think you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room. It's not known what causes schizophrenia, but researchers believe that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environment contributes to development of the disorder.
Problems with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia. Neuroimaging studies show differences in the brain structure and central nervous system of people with schizophrenia. While researchers aren't certain about the significance of these changes, they indicate that schizophrenia is a brain disease.
Although the precise cause of schizophrenia isn't known, certain factors seem to increase the risk of developing or triggering schizophrenia, including:. They encourage people all over the world to share ideas through their online community. You can also find information about hearing voices through their articles and resources. Email : info intervoiceonline. Donate Search Menu. About us About us. See our contacts page Looking to contact us?
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Schizophrenia This section covers what schizophrenia is, what the symptoms are and how you can get treatment. If you would like more advice or information you can contact our Advice and Information Service by clicking here. Download Schizophrenia factsheet. Share: Contact us:. Overview Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects the way you think.
It affects about 1 in every people. Schizophrenia may develop during early adulthood. Positive symptoms are when you experience things in addition to reality. Or believe things that other people do not. Negative symptoms are when you lose the ability to do something. For example, losing motivation to do things or becoming withdrawn. They often last longer than positive symptoms. There are many different causes. The main factors that can contribute towards the development of schizophrenia are believed to be genetics and the environment.
There are different types of treatment available for schizophrenia, such as medication and psychological treatments. Need more advice? If you need more advice or information you can contact our Advice and Information Service. Contact us Contact us. About What is schizophrenia?
You could be diagnosed with schizophrenia if you experience some of the following symptoms. What myths are there about schizophrenia? How is schizophrenia diagnosed? What are the symptoms of schizophrenia? The following are some examples of positive symptoms. You might hear voices sometimes or all of the time. For example, you may believe: that you are being followed by secret agents or members of the public, that people are out to get you or trying to kill you. This can be strangers or people you know, that something has been planted in your brain to monitor your thoughts, you have special powers, are on a special mission or in some cases that you are a god, or your food or water is being poisoned.
The following are some examples of negative symptoms. Cognitive impairment is when you have problems with: remembering things, learning new things, concentrating, making decisions. You can find more information about: Psychosis by clicking here.
Hearing voices by clicking here. What are the types of schizophrenia? Paranoid schizophrenia Common form of schizophrenia. Prominent hallucinations, particularly hallucinations where you hear voices or sounds. Prominent delusions. Speech and emotions may be unaffected. Hebephrenic schizophrenia Irresponsible and unpredictable behaviour. Prominent disorganised thoughts.
Problems with speech. Pranks, giggling and health complaints. Usually diagnosed in adolescents or young adults. Catatonic schizophrenia Rarer than other types. Unusual movements, often switching between being very active and very still.
You may not talk at all. Simple schizophrenia Negative symptoms are prominent early and get worse quickly. Positive symptoms are rare. Residual schizophrenia This type of schizophrenia is diagnosed in the later stages of schizophrenia. Cenesthopathic schizophrenia. This is where people experience unusual bodily sensations.
Schizophreniform disorder is a type of psychotic illness with symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia. But symptoms last for a short period. Unspecified schizophrenia Symptoms meet the general conditions for a diagnosis, but do not fit in to any of the above categories.
What causes schizophrenia? For example: Stress. Some people can develop the illness as a result of a stressful event, such as the death of a loved one or the loss of a job.
You are more likely to develop schizophrenia if you have a close relation with the illness. Brain damage. This is usually damage that has stopped your brain from growing normally when your mother was pregnant.
Or during birth. Drugs and alcohol. Research has shown that stronger forms of cannabis increase your risk of developing schizophrenia. A difficult childhood. If you were deprived, or abused, as a child this can increase your risk of developing a mental illness. Including schizophrenia. You can find more information about: Does mental illness run in families? Drugs, alcohol and mental health by clicking here.
Cannabis and mental health by clicking here. People who live with schizophrenia can respond to treatment differently. For every 5 people with schizophrenia: 1 will get better within 5 years of their first obvious symptoms. What medication should I be offered?
Your medication should be reviewed at least once a year. What type of psychosocial treatment will I be offered? Family intervention could be to, learn more about your symptoms, and improve communication among family members.
Family intervention could help you and your family to: learn more about your symptoms, understand what is happening to you, improve communication with each other, know how to support each other, think positively, become more independent, be able to solve problems with each other, know how to manage a crisis, and improve mental wellbeing. Early intervention teams Early intervention teams are specialist NHS services which provide treatment and support for people when they first experience psychosis and schizophrenia.
You can find more information about: Antipsychotics by clicking here. Talking treatments by clicking here. Medication — choice and managing problems by clicking here. What can I do to manage schizophrenia? Support groups You could join a support group. You can find out what is available in your area, or get help to set up your own support group if you follow this link: www. Peer support through the NHS Your doctor may offer you peer support. They should be able to offer advice and support with: side effects, recognising and coping with symptoms, what to do in a crisis, meeting other people who can support you, and recovery.
Self-management techniques Managing your condition on your own is called self-help. You can try some of the suggestions below to manage or cope with upsetting experiences. Speak to a supportive, friend, family member or someone else who has schizophrenia or has experienced psychosis.
Try relaxation techniques, mindfulness and breathing exercises. Do things that you find relaxing such as having a bath Try a complementary therapy such as meditation, massage, reflexology or aromatherapy. Stick to a sleep pattern, eat well and look after yourself. Set small goals such as going out for a small amount of time every day. Reward yourself when you achieve a goal. Do regular exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga or cycling.
Taking control of the voices If you hear voices, you could: talk back to them, distract yourself, or keep a diary. You can find out more about: Recovery by clicking here. Psychosis by clicking here. Complementary and alternative treatments by clicking here. What if I am not happy with my treatment?
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