Schizophrenia (SZ) is a chronic mental disorder and a complex, heterogeneous, and disabling psychiatric disorder that affects a person's ability to feel, think and behave clearly and impedes cognitive skills and perceptual, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
Schizophrenia is characterized by psychosis, delusions, hallucinations, distorted thoughts and other cognitive difficulties. It usually appears in late adolescence or early adulthood and can often be a lifelong struggle.
There are different types of schizophrenia, including: Paranoid, hebephrenic, catatonic, undifferentiated, residual, and unspecified.
What is Schizophrenia: Types, Warning Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors,
and Complications
What is Schizophrenia?
The key facts about
cognitive symptoms
Read more: Schizophrenia: Diagnosis and Treatment
Schizophrenia is characterized by psychosis, delusions, hallucinations, distorted thoughts and other cognitive difficulties. It usually appears in late adolescence or early adulthood and can often be a lifelong struggle.
There are different types of schizophrenia, including: Paranoid, hebephrenic, catatonic, undifferentiated, residual, and unspecified.
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| Symptoms of schizophrenia. |
What is Schizophrenia: Types, Warning Signs, Symptoms, Risk Factors,
and Complications
Introduction:
Schizophrenia
is a severe mental disorder that generally requires lifelong treatment. It
normally occurs in early adulthood or late adolescence in which
a person suffers from abnormal changes in thinking, feelings, emotions, and
behaviors.
It is possible that psychosis, which means a person's separation from reality, is one of his symptoms.
Schizophrenia can also lead to a combination of hallucinations, delusions, disturbed thoughts and many cognitive difficulties that impair daily functioning and can often cause a lifelong conflict and disability. In the past, Dissociative identity disorder (DID) was often misdiagnosed as schizophrenia.
In this article, we will discuss what schizophrenia is, types, symptoms, causes, and complications of schizophrenia.
It is possible that psychosis, which means a person's separation from reality, is one of his symptoms.
Schizophrenia can also lead to a combination of hallucinations, delusions, disturbed thoughts and many cognitive difficulties that impair daily functioning and can often cause a lifelong conflict and disability. In the past, Dissociative identity disorder (DID) was often misdiagnosed as schizophrenia.
In this article, we will discuss what schizophrenia is, types, symptoms, causes, and complications of schizophrenia.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia
is a chronic psychological disorder that
adversely affects the thinking and behaviors of the patient, increases the
tension, negatively impacts on the social cohesion, causes poor memory, and
leads to mental disorientation.
It is usually associated with psychotic symptoms, such as hearing sounds, delusions, hallucinations, distorted thinking or emotional and behavioral disorders which result in poor daily performance.
It is usually associated with psychotic symptoms, such as hearing sounds, delusions, hallucinations, distorted thinking or emotional and behavioral disorders which result in poor daily performance.
Schizophrenia
can also be expressed as a set of brain changes associated with increased
dopamine activity.
There are other hypotheses which say that high levels of serotonin or norepinephrine also cause schizophrenia and create a problem in relationships between the patient and the surroundings.
There are other hypotheses which say that high levels of serotonin or norepinephrine also cause schizophrenia and create a problem in relationships between the patient and the surroundings.
Schizophrenia
usually occurs between the ages of 16 and 30, and in men, signs appear at a
young age compared to women.
In many cases, it develops so slowly that the person generally does not know that they had been suffering from it for many ages.
However, in other cases, this can happen suddenly and develop quickly.
In many cases, it develops so slowly that the person generally does not know that they had been suffering from it for many ages.
However, in other cases, this can happen suddenly and develop quickly.
Types of Schizophrenia
•
Catatonic schizophrenia: This is a serious psychological or neurological condition in
which two types of behaviors are usually displayed: stupor (a state close to unconsciousness) and
motor rigidity.
This type may occur in the form of hyperactivity, total rejection of anything, non-interaction with the surroundings, weird behavior and inability to speak, respond or even move.
This type may occur in the form of hyperactivity, total rejection of anything, non-interaction with the surroundings, weird behavior and inability to speak, respond or even move.
•
Disorganized Schizophrenia: It is also known
as “Hebephrenia” and it is one of the five subtypes of schizophrenia that is
considered to be an extreme emotional expression of the disorder syndrome,
which is envisaged for one aspect of the three-factor model of symptoms in
schizophrenia.
Other factors include disturbances in reality (involving confusion, hallucinations, and delusions) and psychomotor poverty (lack of spontaneous movement, and lack of speech, etc).
Other factors include disturbances in reality (involving confusion, hallucinations, and delusions) and psychomotor poverty (lack of spontaneous movement, and lack of speech, etc).
• Paranoid schizophrenia: In this condition,
the impact
of biological and genetic factors is less than the impact of
the environment; it is mainly characterized
by positive symptoms of schizophrenia, which include hallucinations, confusion,
and delusions.
These debilitating signs generally blur the line between what is real and what is not, and the personality is integrated with blurred foresight which makes it difficult for a person to live a specific life.
These debilitating signs generally blur the line between what is real and what is not, and the personality is integrated with blurred foresight which makes it difficult for a person to live a specific life.
•
Residual schizophrenia: It is a type of schizophrenia where a person often
shows the negative symptoms such as irrational thinking, unfamiliar knowledge,
emotional inconsistency, showing social withdrawal and extreme behavior, having
a lack of interest in the daily activity, being unable to shower, wear clothes,
and make food for one's self.
•
Undifferentiated schizophrenia: This is a classification of
non-specific schizophrenia used when a person shows behaviors commensurate with
two or more other subtypes of schizophrenia, including symptoms such as
hallucinations, delusions.
In this condition, the patient may exhibit very irregularity in sensation, speech, and behavior, and his feelings are superficial and immature.
In this condition, the patient may exhibit very irregularity in sensation, speech, and behavior, and his feelings are superficial and immature.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
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Common Symptoms of schizophrenia |
The Most Common Symptoms
of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is associated with a
range of psychological, behavioral and emotional changes.
Signs and symptoms can vary in severity and type - but they usually include delusions, hallucinations, or asymmetrical talk - as they reflect poor functional ability.
Some of which are present permanently in the affected individuals.
Signs and symptoms can vary in severity and type - but they usually include delusions, hallucinations, or asymmetrical talk - as they reflect poor functional ability.
Some of which are present permanently in the affected individuals.
Clear symptoms may appear in some
patients, but some patients do not show clear symptoms of schizophrenia, they
commonly may look fine until they start to tell what they are really thinking.
Schizophrenia not only affects the
patient, but its effects can reach far ahead – society, friends, and family
members are also affected.
Symptoms of schizophrenia can vary,
depending on the condition of a person; they are commonly classified into 4
major categories:
1. Positive symptoms: They
are also known as psychotic symptoms. For example, behaviors or feelings that
are not usually found, such as the belief that what other people are saying is
not true (delusions) and seeing, smelling, hearing, tasting or feeling
something that other people do not experience (hallucinations).
2. Negative symptoms: They
refer to those elements which are taken away from the person. For example,
poverty of speech and thought, the absence of facial expressions, reduced
social drive, loss of motivation, blunting of effect, lack of social interest,
and inattention to cognitive input, apathy, and anhedonia.
3. Emotional symptoms: They
are usually considered as negative symptoms. Emotions are complex systems
that have evolved through human evolutionary history so that organisms can be
prepared to work in response to many environmental challenges and stimuli.
Thus, in most circumstances, emotions serve many interpersonal activities and a number of important differences.
Compared with controls, patients with flat affect were severely impaired on the facial expressions processing tasks, one that is to identify the emotions of happiness and sadness and another who needs to differentiate between the intensity within these emotions.
Thus, in most circumstances, emotions serve many interpersonal activities and a number of important differences.
Compared with controls, patients with flat affect were severely impaired on the facial expressions processing tasks, one that is to identify the emotions of happiness and sadness and another who needs to differentiate between the intensity within these emotions.
4. Cognitive symptoms: They generally
affect the thoughts process of a person. They can be positive or negative
symptoms, for example, disorganized thinking, slow thinking, difficulty
understanding, difficulty expressing thoughts, difficulty integrating feelings,
thoughts and behavior, poor memory and poor
concentration.
The symptoms of schizophrenia
usually begin in men from the early twenties to the middle.
In women, symptoms usually begin in the late twenties.
Diagnosis of children with schizophrenia is rare and is uncommon in people over the age of 45. Positive, negative and cognitive symptoms are separately classified into a number of categories.
In women, symptoms usually begin in the late twenties.
Diagnosis of children with schizophrenia is rare and is uncommon in people over the age of 45. Positive, negative and cognitive symptoms are separately classified into a number of categories.
Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Delusions: They
are strongly held erroneous assumptions or false beliefs due to incorrect
interpretations of perceptions, grandeur or experiences and/or exaggerations or
distortions of reasoning.
The delusions of being watched or followed by others are very common symptoms; as such beliefs send special messages directly to a person’s mind.
The patient can feel that other people are trying to control them remotely or can think that they have extraordinary abilities and powers.
The delusions of being watched or followed by others are very common symptoms; as such beliefs send special messages directly to a person’s mind.
The patient can feel that other people are trying to control them remotely or can think that they have extraordinary abilities and powers.
Hallucinations: They are
exaggerations or perversions of perception in any senses, although auditory
hallucinations are the most common symptoms followed by visual hallucinations.
The hearing voices are more common than things like seeing, tasting, feeling or smelling that are not there; However, people suffering from schizophrenia can experience a wide range of hallucinations.
The hearing voices are more common than things like seeing, tasting, feeling or smelling that are not there; However, people suffering from schizophrenia can experience a wide range of hallucinations.
Disorganized speech/thinking: This
is also called "thought disorder"; it is a major aspect of
schizophrenia.
The person can jump from one topic to another without any logical reason. Following the speaker can be difficult, erratic or irregular.
Disorganized thinking is usually done on the basis of the person’s speech.
Therefore, loosely associated or incompatible speech largely interrupts effective communication which is used by DSM-IV as an indicator of thought disorder.
The person can jump from one topic to another without any logical reason. Following the speaker can be difficult, erratic or irregular.
Disorganized thinking is usually done on the basis of the person’s speech.
Therefore, loosely associated or incompatible speech largely interrupts effective communication which is used by DSM-IV as an indicator of thought disorder.
Gross disorganized behavior: It
includes difficulty in target-directed behaviors which can lead to difficulties
in daily life activities), unpredictable movement, discomfort, silliness,
social disruption, or strange behavior towards the audience.
Their purposelessness and aimlessness distinguish them from unusual behavior inspired by the beliefs of delusion.
Their purposelessness and aimlessness distinguish them from unusual behavior inspired by the beliefs of delusion.
Catatonic behavior: It is
characterized by a significant reduction in immediate response to the
surrounding environment; sometimes it takes the form of stagnant, motionless
and obviously absurd, aimless extra motor activity or rigid, rude or bizarre
posture.
Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Affective flattening: It is a
decrease in the scope and intensity of emotional expression, including body
language, facial expressions, eye contact, and tone of voice.
Poor expression of emotions: In this
situation, responses to sad or happy occasions can be inappropriate, lacking or
missing.
Alogia: also known
as speech poverty, it is a reduction of speech productivity and fluency. It is
considered to reflect blocking
thoughts or slowing ideas, and often shows short empty responses to
questions.
Avolition: also known
as lack of motivation; it is an inability to start and sustain goal-oriented
behavior; it is often mistakenly thought to be unclear.
In this case, the patient loses the drive. Daily procedures, such as washing and cooking, are usually neglected.
For examples, the patient is no longer interested in meeting with friends, going out and performing tasks that he used to show enthusiasm for, no longer cares much about anything, sitting at home for long hours a day and doing nothing.
In this case, the patient loses the drive. Daily procedures, such as washing and cooking, are usually neglected.
For examples, the patient is no longer interested in meeting with friends, going out and performing tasks that he used to show enthusiasm for, no longer cares much about anything, sitting at home for long hours a day and doing nothing.
Social withdrawal: when a
person with schizophrenia wants to be alone and withdraws socially, it is often
due to their belief that someone will harm them.
Unawareness of illness: A
number of patients seem to be realistic for hallucinations and delusions, many
of them cannot believe that they are really suffering from sickness and
illness.
They can refuse to take medicines, for example, for fear that drug may be poisoned or for fear of side effects.
They can refuse to take medicines, for example, for fear that drug may be poisoned or for fear of side effects.
Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Cognitive difficulties: They
affect the person’s ability to focus, remember things, organize his life and
plan ahead.
Communication becomes more difficult in these conditions. In general, the degree of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia is more serious than bipolar or mood disorder and includes more cognitive areas.
The weakness of perception in schizophrenia is less closely associated with the degree of psychological symptoms, as well as the more “trait-like” and less "state-like”.
Communication becomes more difficult in these conditions. In general, the degree of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia is more serious than bipolar or mood disorder and includes more cognitive areas.
The weakness of perception in schizophrenia is less closely associated with the degree of psychological symptoms, as well as the more “trait-like” and less "state-like”.
The key facts about
cognitive symptoms
Social / Occupational dysfunction: For an important part of the time
after the beginning of disturbance and unrest, one or more major areas of
functioning such as interpersonal relation, work, or self-care, are clearly
below the level attained before the beginning.
Failure to get the expected level of academic, interpersonal or professional achievement can badly hurt childhood or adolescence.
Failure to get the expected level of academic, interpersonal or professional achievement can badly hurt childhood or adolescence.
Duration: Signs
of continued disturbance remain for at least 6 months. The symptoms of at least
1 month should be included in this 6-month period which meets criterion A and may
include residual symptoms.
During these residual periods, symptoms of disturbances can only be manifested by negative symptoms or two or more signs which are present in Criterion A (e.g., abnormal perceptual experience or odd beliefs).
During these residual periods, symptoms of disturbances can only be manifested by negative symptoms or two or more signs which are present in Criterion A (e.g., abnormal perceptual experience or odd beliefs).
General medical condition exclusion: Disturbances are not due to the
direct physical effects of a substance such as a medication or misuse of drug
or a general medical condition.
Mood or Schizoaffective disorder exclusion: Mood
disorder and schizoaffective disorder are denied with psychotic
characteristics because either (1) none of the major manic, depressive or mixed
episodes have concurrently been produced with active-phase symptoms. ; or (2)
If the mood-episode occurred during the symptoms of active-phase, then their
total duration is concise relative to the periods of active and residual
duration.
Relationship to a pervasive developmental disorder: If there is a history of the pervasive
developmental disorder or other autistic disorder, then the additional
diagnosis of schizophrenia occurs only when the prominent is present.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia in Adolescents
Symptoms of schizophrenia are similar in adolescents to adults,
but discrimination may be more difficult.
This can be partly because some of the early symptoms of schizophrenia in adolescents are common in normal growth such as:
This can be partly because some of the early symptoms of schizophrenia in adolescents are common in normal growth such as:
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Deterioration of school performance
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling depressed or anxious
- Lack of motivation
Compared to schizophrenia in adults, adolescents can be:
- Less likely to develop illusions
- More likely to suffer from visual hallucinations
Causes of Schizophrenia
The causes of schizophrenia are unknown, but researchers believe
that a range of genetic, environmental and other brain chemistry factors
contribute to the disorder.
The problems of certain chemicals in the brain that occur
naturally, including neurotransmitters
called dopamine and glutamate, can contribute to schizophrenia.
Neuroimaging studies show changes in the brain structure and central nervous system of people with schizophrenia.
The researchers note that schizophrenia in personality is a brain disease, although they are not sure of the importance of these changes.
Neuroimaging studies show changes in the brain structure and central nervous system of people with schizophrenia.
The researchers note that schizophrenia in personality is a brain disease, although they are not sure of the importance of these changes.
Risk factors
Although the exact cause of schizophrenia is not known, some
factors increase the risk of schizophrenia, including:
- The family history of schizophrenia
- Increased immune system activation, such as inflammation or autoimmune diseases
- Some complications during pregnancy and childbirth such as malnutrition and exposure to toxins and viruses that can affect brain growth
- Taking drugs that change mood (psychologically active) during adolescence and early puberty
Complications of schizophrenia
If schizophrenia is left untreated, it can lead to serious
problems affecting every area of your life. Complications that may be caused by
schizophrenia or may be associated with:
- Suicidal thoughts and feelings
- Anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Depression
- Misuse of alcohol or other drugs, including tobacco
- Inability to work or go to school
- Legal, financial and homeless problems
- Social isolation
- Medical and health problems
- Exposure to abuse
- Aggressive behavior, though uncommon
When to visit a doctor
People with schizophrenia are often unaware that the difficulties
they face are caused by a mental disorder that requires medical attention.
Most of family members or friends have to ask for help.
So if you think someone you know may have symptoms of schizophrenia, talk to him about the fears.
Although you cannot force someone to seek a specialist immediately, you can give them encouragement and support and help your loved ones find a qualified doctor or psychologist.
Most of family members or friends have to ask for help.
So if you think someone you know may have symptoms of schizophrenia, talk to him about the fears.
Although you cannot force someone to seek a specialist immediately, you can give them encouragement and support and help your loved ones find a qualified doctor or psychologist.
In some cases, a person may have to enter the hospital in an
emergency. The laws related to the compulsory appointments in the mental health
hospital are different from the state.
You can contact community mental health agencies or police stations in your area.
You can contact community mental health agencies or police stations in your area.
Read more: Schizophrenia: Diagnosis and Treatment
How To Prevent Schizophrenia
There is no sure way to prevent schizophrenia. However, early
treatment may help control symptoms before serious complications occur and may
help improve the long-term future situation.
Compliance with the treatment plan can help prevent relapse or
exacerbate symptoms of schizophrenia.
In addition, researchers hope that learning more about risk factors for schizophrenia may lead to diagnosis and treatment at the first sign accurately.
In addition, researchers hope that learning more about risk factors for schizophrenia may lead to diagnosis and treatment at the first sign accurately.