The symptoms of schizophrenia can be scary and confusing. But it’s important to seek help if you think you or someone you know has them.
A doctor can diagnose schizophrenia based on your or your loved one’s description of the symptoms and how they affect their life, including work and relationships. Symptoms must last for at least a month to be diagnosed.
People with schizophrenia often experience negative symptoms like apathy or lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy. These symptoms can make it hard to work or go to school, and they can interfere with relationships. They can also lead to substance use problems, depression or suicidal thoughts. Symptoms may come and go, but the earlier you get treatment, the better your chances of recovery.
There is no cure for schizophrenia, but medication and psychotherapy can help manage symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe antipsychotic medications to reduce delusions and hallucinations. They may also prescribe other medicines to treat side effects of these medicines, such as tremors. Talk therapy methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be helpful. This type of therapy can teach you to recognize and challenge negative beliefs that lead to your symptoms.
CBT can help you learn to live with and manage your schizophrenia. It teaches you skills that can improve your ability to communicate and interact with others. It can also help you learn to deal with stress and identify early warning signs that your illness is getting worse.
The most effective treatments for schizophrenia include both medicine and psychotherapy. It is important to take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Even when you feel better, keep taking your medications so that they can prevent a return of symptoms.
If someone you know has severe symptoms, consider whether they could be in danger of hurting themselves or others. If they are, contact your local mental health agency or police department immediately. They may need to be hospitalized for involuntary psychiatric commitment, although laws vary by state.
Some symptoms of schizophrenia, such as apathy and lack of motivation, can be treated with long-term psychotherapy. Combined with antipsychotic medicine, this can improve your quality of life and increase your chances of recovering from the condition. Other psychotherapy techniques can also be beneficial, such as family therapy and social skills training. You can also benefit from self-help groups for people with schizophrenia and support from friends and family members.
Symptoms of schizophrenia can be difficult to diagnose because they are so different from normal behaviour and there is no specific physical test for the condition. Psychiatrists make the diagnosis based on a person’s symptoms and their behaviour over time. They may also consider whether other medical problems or recreational drugs could be the cause. Getting an early diagnosis is important because it improves the chances of controlling psychotic episodes, reducing the need for hospital treatment and ultimately recovering from the illness.
The first step in the diagnostic process is to take a detailed family and personal history and ask about your or your loved one’s symptoms. The doctor will then perform a physical exam and order blood tests or brain imaging studies to rule out other causes of your symptoms, such as a low red blood cell count (anemia), a viral infection, or alcohol or drug intoxication.
A variety of medications can be used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia. These are sometimes referred to as antipsychotics. Medications can help reduce hallucinations and delusions, and they can help stabilize your mood, which is often very unstable in people with schizophrenia. They can also improve your ability to learn, think clearly and communicate with others.
In some people, schizophrenia can appear suddenly and without warning. But in most people, there are subtle warning signs and a gradual decline in functioning long before the first serious episode. People with early onset schizophrenia can seem eccentric or unmotivated; they may start to isolate themselves and behave oddly, say strange things and forget about everyday tasks, like eating, showering and paying attention at work or school.
Family therapy is an important part of treatment for people with schizophreniform disorder, as it can teach them how to cope with their symptoms and build healthy relationships. It can also help friends and family deal with their distress and support their loved ones. In addition, educational programs can teach friends and family how to recognize early warning signs and support their loved ones more effectively. These programs are often available at public mental health services and through private psychiatrists and psychologists.
People who have a serious episode of schizophrenia will sometimes need to be cared for in hospital, especially if they are at risk of harming themselves or others. This can be done either voluntarily or involuntarily depending on the situation and health professionals’ views. The aim is to provide people with the support and care they need to get better and avoid future crises. This may include short-term stays in a crisis residential unit or hostel, day care centre or hospital psychiatric ward. Your care co-ordinator will plan aftercare so that when you are discharged from hospital you have a safe place to go and the names and numbers of professionals who can help in a crisis.
Medication can be an important part of treatment for schizophrenia, as it helps to reduce some of the most distressing symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. It can also help to improve cognitive functioning, which is affected in people with schizophrenia, as well as increase energy levels and improve sleep quality. The type of medication prescribed will be tailored to the person’s unique circumstances, as some medications may interact with other medical conditions or have side effects.
Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, can also be helpful for a person with schizophrenia. It can help them learn coping skills, understand and manage their symptoms, and develop personal goals for themselves. Different types of psychotherapy can be used, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches people coping mechanisms for their schizophrenia and works with them to develop a strategy for managing their symptoms. Another approach is supportive psychotherapy, which helps the family to understand the illness and offer practical support.
Other treatments that can be used to help people with schizophrenia and their loved ones cope with the condition are stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga. It is also a good idea to keep people with schizophrenia away from drugs and alcohol as these can cause or worsen their symptoms. People with schizophrenia should also try to maintain a healthy diet and get enough physical activity.
People often don’t realize they have schizophrenia until they’re well into it. The disorder unfolds slowly, starting in the brain’s frontal lobe, then moves into the limbic system (the part that controls emotions and memory). Early signs include hearing faint whispers or hissing or seeing flashes of light or shadows on the periphery. Psychiatrists call this stage the prodromal phase of schizophrenia. The earlier symptoms are detected and treated, the better a person’s outlook is.
Mental health programs aimed at prevention are beginning to take shape. One program developed in California involves teens who are at risk for or in the first stages of schizophrenia. The goal is to use drugs that can prevent a psychotic episode and reduce its severity when it does happen. It also helps families understand the illness and learn how to better support their loved ones.
The best way to help someone who has schizophrenia is to encourage them to follow their treatment plan and participate in therapy sessions. They should also stay away from drugs and alcohol, and get enough sleep. Stress can trigger a relapse, so it’s important to find ways to manage it.
Studies have shown that family psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural therapy and integrated interventions are effective in reducing relapse in patients with schizophrenia. However, there is still some variability in the results of these trials.
Many people with schizophrenia feel isolated because of their illness. They can benefit from joining a support group for people with the same condition, and they should seek out relationships that are healthy and nourishing. They should also learn to recognize and cope with their own symptoms, like hearing voices or feeling restless or anxious. They should also strive to set goals for themselves that do not center on their illness.
It is important to keep in mind that most people with schizophrenia are not violent, and even when they do act aggressively or erratically, it’s typically because of their fear or belief that others are trying to harm them. People with the disease should be surrounded by people who care about them, and they should make sure to check in with their doctor regularly.
If you have schizophrenia, your thoughts may jump from one topic to another and the words you use may seem jumbled. This is called disorganized thinking or speech, also known as word salad.
You may feel unusually suspicious or emotional or lack interest in your work and hobbies. It’s important to talk with a health professional as soon as you start to notice symptoms.
Delusions are fixed, false beliefs that are held despite evidence to the contrary. They may be unshakeable and irrational, and they’re often out of keeping with the person’s mood state or cultural or social background. Persecutory delusions, where the person believes they’re being harmed or harassed by another person or group, are common in schizophrenia.
The onset of schizophrenia symptoms typically starts between the ages of 16 and 30. For most people, their first episode of schizophrenia is followed by remission (a period without symptoms). Symptoms can return at any time, though they typically come on slowly.
Some people with schizophrenia don’t realize that their symptoms are due to a mental illness and therefore don’t seek treatment. Others might avoid friends and family or isolate at home. They may not eat or care for themselves properly, and they might start using drugs, alcohol or prescription medications to try to ease their symptoms.
People with schizophrenia can seem eccentric, emotionless and detached to those around them. They might not make eye contact, stop smiling or laugh and speak in a flat voice with little emotion. They might also spend a lot of time sitting or lying down, not moving their bodies and seem very unmotivated. Their behavior can be difficult to understand, and they might say strange or inappropriate things.
They may experience depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. They can lose interest in activities they used to enjoy and have trouble sleeping. They might also have changes in appetite and weight. Some people with schizophrenia have difficulty learning or concentrating in school.
It’s important for people with schizophrenia to take their medication exactly as prescribed by their doctor. They need to do this even if they feel better. This will help keep their symptoms under control, so they can live a full and happy life. It’s also important to get involved in new, healthy activities that will help them find skills and meet other people. These might include working, volunteering and getting exercise. Research shows that people with schizophrenia are at greater risk for other health problems like heart disease, diabetes and obesity. They may also have a lower life expectancy than the general population.
Hallucinations are sounds, images or sensations that appear to be real but are not. They can feel comforting or frightening. They may come and go in waves. Sometimes they are combined with delusions (strong, fixed false beliefs). Examples of hallucinations include hearing voices, seeing or feeling things that others don’t perceive, or smelling or tasting things that are not there. They often go hand-in-hand with delusions and can be considered a form of psychosis.
They also go along with changes in thinking and difficulty concentrating. People can have illogical thoughts, respond to questions with unrelated answers, or jump from one topic to another incoherently. They may use neologisms, which are made-up words that only mean something to them.
Unlike delusions, hallucinations are experienced as very real by the person who experiences them. It’s important for friends and family to understand this and be supportive, especially when they are not distressing or scary. They should not try to dissuade the person or discourage them from getting treatment. If the hallucinations are very distressing or frightening, call 911 or the local emergency number or text TALK to 741741 and stay with them until help arrives. They should make sure the area is calm and quiet to reduce the possibility of injury or harm. It’s also important to get help if they talk about hurting themselves or others. People with schizophrenia are much more likely to die from suicide than those without the illness.
The causes of hallucinations are not fully understood, but they seem to be associated with abnormalities in brain chemistry and structure. They may be caused by certain neurological conditions, vision loss, some medications, and high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
People with schizophrenia often have symptoms that begin during early adolescence or young adulthood. The disorder can be triggered by a stressful life event or due to genetic predisposition. It can also be influenced by the way a person developed before they were born, including complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, malnutrition or vitamin deficiency, and obstetric trauma. Research has shown that certain genes increase a person’s risk for developing schizophrenia.
Some people with schizophrenia have trouble getting a good night’s sleep. This can make it hard to function during the day and take care of yourself. It can also affect your mood and emotions, making it harder to cope with stress. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about it. They can help you find ways to improve your sleep habits and may prescribe medicine.
You might have hallucinations or delusions that cause you to think differently about the world. You might be paranoid or believe that other people are out to get you. You might be worried all the time or have trouble making decisions. You might lose interest in things you used to enjoy or have trouble moving your body. These are called negative symptoms and can be less serious than the positive ones, but they can still have a big impact on your life.
It’s not always clear what causes schizophrenia. But researchers think a combination of factors, including genetics and brain chemistry, might lead to it. They also think problems with certain naturally occurring chemicals in the brain may play a role. Imaging tests have shown that people with schizophrenia have differences in the structure and functioning of their brains.
If you have schizophrenia, it’s important to follow your treatment plan. Medications can help you stay more stable and improve your quality of life. Talk therapy and support services can also help. It’s best to find a mental health professional who specializes in treating schizophrenia or related disorders.
Insomnia is a common problem that can have many causes. It can be caused by a medical condition, like fibromyalgia or chronic pain syndrome; alcohol and caffeine use; shift work; poor sleep habits; or a stressful life event. It’s also a sign of some mental illnesses, such as anxiety or depression.
There is no one test to diagnose schizophrenia. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They will also do a mental health history. They may order lab or imaging tests to see if you have any other conditions.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of anxiety, don’t ignore them. While light anxiety is common in everyone and can be triggered by many things, the mental disorder schizophrenia causes much more serious problems. It can result in a variety of warning symptoms, including delusions and disturbances of sensory perceptions. It can also cause disorganized thinking and speech, such as putting together meaningless words that make no sense, or “word salad.”
Hallucinations are sounds, smells, tastes, or sensations that you perceive but are not real. These usually happen in all five senses but are most often auditory, such as hearing voices. People with schizophrenia also may experience paranoia, which is a feeling of fear or suspicion that others are plotting against you.
People with schizophrenic symptoms may behave oddly and show little interest in hobbies or activities, and their performance at work or school can decline. They may neglect their appearance and seem withdrawn from family or friends. They may make unusual statements and jokes or show little emotion.
Symptoms of schizophrenia can come and go, but they usually get worse over time. You can take steps to help your loved one manage their symptoms by learning about the disease and getting treatment early. It’s important to educate yourself about schizophrenia and its symptoms so that you can help your loved one follow their treatment plan.
A person with schizophrenia can be very dangerous if they don’t get the care they need. It’s important to call for help if they talk about hurting themselves or others or if they start acting strangely.
There are medications, called antipsychotics, that can reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia and help you live a normal life. They can be taken in pill form, syrup, or injections (called depot). The type of medication you are prescribed depends on your symptoms and needs. Your doctor should explain your options and discuss the benefits and side effects of each medication with you. Then you and your caregiver can decide which one is right for you. Some people have trouble staying on their medication, so they must be given at regular intervals in a safe way.
Schizophrenia is not curable, but it can be managed and symptoms can be reduced with medication, psychotherapy and support services. Taking your medicine as prescribed is important to prevent relapse.
Antipsychotic medications can have unpleasant side effects such as drowsiness or lack of energy. It is important to discuss these with your psychiatrist or mental health professional.
Schizophrenia is a complex illness with a wide range of symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions and disorganized speech. These symptoms are caused by changes in the brain, which cause miscommunication between nerve cells. Medications can help control these changes, and reduce the severity of the psychotic episodes. Some medications can even prevent relapses. However, it is important to remember that medication alone does not cure schizophrenia. Psychosocial treatment is also essential to a person’s recovery.
Antipsychotic medications are the mainstay of schizophrenia treatment, and are usually prescribed by a psychiatrist. A patient may need to try several different medications and doses before finding one that relieves their symptoms and has the least side effects. It is important to take your medication daily. A doctor may recommend setting up a daily routine, such as after brushing teeth or at a certain mealtime to make it easier to remember to take your medication. A doctor may also recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which uses small electrical currents to calm the brain and ease symptoms.
Psychosocial treatments are often used in combination with antipsychotic medications, and are designed to help people cope with their symptoms and live as independently as possible. These include types of psychotherapy, job training, and support groups. Family therapy can also help loved ones learn to understand the disorder and provide emotional support.
Medications can cause some side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. It is important to tell your doctor if you experience any of these side effects, so they can adjust your dosage or prescribe a different medication. Some people with schizophrenia are resistant to the effectiveness of medication, and have what is called treatment-resistant schizophrenia. If your loved one doesn’t respond to two or more antipsychotic medications, there are other treatment options, such as ECT and long-acting injectables.
If you have a severe episode of psychosis, you may need to be admitted to hospital involuntarily under the Mental Health Act (2007). This is only done when there is a significant risk to yourself or others. The community mental health team will plan aftercare to ensure that you are safe at home and can access the care you need quickly in the future. You can also write an advance statement, which gives your family and friends instructions about how you want to be cared for in the event of a crisis.
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that can interfere with a person’s ability to work, care for themselves and develop relationships. However, treatment is available and can help manage symptoms. Treatment can also improve a person’s quality of life and reduce the impact of schizophrenia on their family, friends and community. People with schizophrenia may have some periods when they experience a relapse or their symptoms become worse, but most can recover from the illness and lead productive lives.
Medication is often the first line of treatment for schizophrenia, and it can have a significant effect on improving some symptoms. Medication for schizophrenia can include antipsychotic drugs and other medications used to treat conditions like depression or anxiety. These medications can be long-term and require monitoring by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Psychotherapy or talking therapy can be used to help someone with schizophrenia manage their condition and live a fulfilling life. Several different types of psychotherapy for schizophrenia are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps people identify their thoughts and beliefs that cause them distress, and learn to replace these with more realistic and helpful ones. It can also be used to address problems that occur alongside schizophrenia, such as apathy or lack of interest in activities.
It is important to educate yourself and your loved ones about schizophrenia. This will encourage you to stick to your treatment plan and can help others be more supportive. In addition, it is important to find a therapist who specialises in schizophrenia. You can get a referral from your doctor or healthcare provider, or ask for a recommendation from friends and family members.
Assertive community treatment (ACT) programs are recovery-focused and provide a range of services, including psychotherapy, medication management, case management and employment and education support. ACT is most effective when delivered early in the course of an episode of schizophrenia, before symptoms become severe. It can be delivered in a person’s home, a residential facility or a day care centre.
When someone is diagnosed with schizophrenia, they may feel isolated or depressed. This can lead to a lack of motivation, which can make it difficult to get better. If this happens, it is important to get help from a healthcare professional. This can include a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker. They can assess the person’s needs and prescribe medication if necessary. They can also offer advice and support.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be helpful for people with schizophrenia. It is a type of talk therapy that can help people learn to change their negative thinking and improve their overall quality of life. This is usually offered by GPs or by community mental health teams (CMHT).
Family therapy is also helpful for people with schizophrenia. It is aimed at supporting the whole family, and can help them deal with problems such as coping with symptoms. It can also help the person with schizophrenia develop a sense of self-worth. Family therapy can be conducted by a GP or a therapist.
A therapist can teach the person with schizophrenia relaxation techniques and stress management strategies. They can also help them find ways to cope with symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. They can also help the person with schizophrenia find a job and get into education. They can also provide assistance with obtaining affordable housing and transportation.
Many people with schizophrenia struggle to keep jobs, and are more likely to suffer from relapses if they do not get adequate treatment. They often experience difficulties at work, home and in their personal relationships. It is therefore important to seek help early and continue with treatment as recommended.
If you have a friend or family member with schizophrenia, you can help them by making it easier for them to see their doctor. If they are resistant to going, you can encourage them by offering to go with them and describing how the appointment will benefit them. You can also suggest that they focus on a specific symptom that is causing them difficulty, such as insomnia or low energy levels.
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness, but it’s more treatable than ever before. Many people recover completely. Others live with a reduced set of symptoms that come and go. Treatment includes medication, psychotherapy and family support.
The main medications used to treat schizophrenia are antipsychotics, which help control symptoms. They work by affecting the brain neurotransmitter dopamine. Your psychiatrist may try different drugs and doses to find the one that works best for you. Some people with schizophrenia also need to take other medications to manage their symptoms, such as tremors or anxiety.
Talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you learn to recognise and challenge unhelpful thoughts. They can also teach you coping and problem-solving skills. They can improve your ability to function in everyday life and achieve personal goals, such as completing school or work. They’re more effective when they’re combined with antipsychotic medications.
If a person’s symptoms become very severe and they pose a risk to themselves or others, they may be admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act (2007). This is called a compulsory admission. An independent panel will regularly review the person’s case and progress. When they feel the person is no longer a danger to themselves or others, they’ll be discharged from hospital.
Some people with schizophrenia may benefit from family therapy, which helps the whole family understand and cope with the condition. Your GP or care co-ordinator can refer you to a therapist who specialises in this type of therapy.
You can help someone with schizophrenia by encouraging them to stick to their treatment plan and to see their healthcare team as often as they need to. You can also encourage them to stay focused on their goals. Education about the disorder can also help friends and family members understand it better and be more compassionate. You can also help them stay motivated by reminding them that managing schizophrenia is a long process with ups and downs. But it’s important to keep going because treatment can work. It’s not uncommon for people with schizophrenia to have a few weeks of ‘no symptoms’ after starting treatment, before the medication kicks in.
Schizophrenia isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” illness. It’s a spectrum and symptoms may fluctuate in intensity over time.
Many people who have schizophrenia lack insight and don’t realize they need medical care. Family and friends can gently encourage them to seek treatment.
Medications are the most common treatments for schizophrenia. They include antipsychotics (usually atypical, which have less side effects) and mood stabilizers.
Some people with schizophrenia get delusions, which are false beliefs that aren’t based on fact. They may think they’re Napoleon or the president of the United States, or that other people are trying to harm them. They might also believe they have special abilities that others don’t have. In some cases, these delusions are so strong that they cause a person to act out.
Other symptoms of delusions include jumbled speech and unclear thinking. For example, you might speak quickly or mix up words, which can make it hard for other people to understand what you’re saying. You might change topics or start talking about something completely different without warning, and you may forget what you’ve just told someone. This is called rapid-shifting or tangential thinking.
Delusions can also lead to paranoia, which is the feeling that other people are out to get you. People with paranoid schizophrenia often hear voices or other sounds and see things that aren’t there. These feelings can cause anxiety and a decrease in productivity at work or school.
In more severe cases of schizophrenia, a person might become agitated and hostile toward other people. They might also seem emotionally flat or detached from other people and be unable to express joy, anger, or sadness. They may not be able to hold a job or maintain friendships, and their family members might notice that they aren’t acting like themselves.
Another symptom of schizophrenia is emotional withdrawal. This is when a person stops caring about their appearance or hobbies, and they become uninterested in friends or activities. They might even stop going to work. This can lead to a lack of income and loss of a sense of purpose in life.
Some people with schizophrenia also have catatonia, which is extreme movement or a lack of movement. This can be difficult for other people to understand, and they might find the behavior strange or inappropriate. They might also mimic other people’s speech and movements. Medications can help people with schizophrenia reduce their symptoms. There are two types of antipsychotics: atypical (newer forms of meds with fewer side effects) and typical (first generation meds that tend to have more side effects). Some doctors also prescribe mood stabilizers to treat depression, which can occur in people with schizophrenia.
When someone with schizophrenia experiences hallucinations, they feel, taste, see or hear things that are not real. This is the opposite of delusions, which focus on misbeliefs. Hallucinations can be auditory — like hearing voices or music — or they may be olfactory (like the sense of smell), visual, or tactile.
Often, the symptoms of schizophrenia cause people to withdraw socially and to isolate from friends and family members. This makes them look eccentric and emotionless to those around them. They may stop speaking and lose interest in hobbies, work, or school activities. They are likely to change the way they dress and eat. Their sleep patterns may become erratic. They can also become irritable, easily angered, or hostile and display odd movements and body language.
In paranoid schizophrenia, people feel extreme suspicion and persecution. They might believe that others are conspiring against them, that they have special powers, or that they are famous people. They can even hear nonexistent sounds, such as whistling or hissing. They are also more likely to experience command hallucinations, where they hear voices ordering them to do something.
Disorganized schizophrenia includes some of the negative symptoms of other types of schizophrenia but is characterized by disorganized thoughts and less severe hallucinations and delusions. Those who have this type of schizophrenia are more likely to have hallucinations and delusions in their childhood or teenage years.
Catatonic schizophrenia was once a separate subtype of schizophrenia, but is now considered part of the general schizophrenic disorder. It is characterized by periods of time when a person with schizophrenia stops talking or moves in strange and unusual ways. It is often triggered by menopause in women and can be linked to certain medications, especially those used for epilepsy.
Residual schizophrenia is the least severe type of schizophrenia and describes people who have a history of positive schizophrenia symptoms but no longer have them or have only a few lingering negative ones. These lingering negative symptoms can include a lack of motivation, difficulty paying attention and remembering, slowed thinking, poor concentration, emotional withdrawal and anhedonia (inability to find pleasure in life), and speech reduction or incoherence.
Symptoms of schizophrenia that decrease a person’s ability to function and socialize are called negative symptoms. They can include a flat or dull voice, emotional expressions that don’t match what they are hearing or seeing around them, and a lack of motivation to socialize, work or take care of daily needs such as eating or showering.
Negative symptoms can also include difficulty remembering things, getting distracted easily or moving through a task that they have been assigned to do. Some people with schizophrenia may also have anosognosia, which is a term that means they lack awareness of having the disease and therefore don’t seek treatment for it.
Another old-school way that psychiatrists used to divide up types of schizophrenia was by categorizing it based on the type of hallucinations a person experienced. For example, some people have delusions of a nonexistent substance they can’t smell or taste and hear voices that don’t exist. Others have visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations that can be frightening or upsetting for those who experience them.
Other schizophrenics are more prone to experiences of unusual movements and strange rituals. Some people have a disorganized type of schizophrenia that features more confusion and illogical thinking, while still others experience less vivid delusions or hallucinations than those who fall into the other categories.
Finally, some people have catatonic schizophrenia, which is very rare. In this condition, someone has periods of intense movement or extreme rigidity in the limbs and head (catatonic excitement), or no movement at all (catatonic stupor). During these episodes, they may remain in uncontrollable body positions and make odd facial expressions for long periods of time.
Although the idea of different types of schizophrenia has been largely abandoned in favor of a more holistic approach to mental illness, knowing what type of schizophrenia you or your loved one is experiencing can help you understand what to expect from treatment and how to best support them. It can also be helpful to talk about how schizophrenia has affected their life and your relationship with them so that you are all on the same page in terms of expectations for treatment.
A person with schizophrenia may have trouble thinking clearly or organizing his thoughts. He may also experience an emotional flatness or a lack of motivation. People with cognitive issues or disorganized thinking can struggle to find a job or maintain relationships, and they may have trouble remembering things or completing simple tasks. They may also have trouble understanding other people’s words or ideas. This type of symptom is sometimes referred to as anosognosia, or a lack of insight.
A doctor will evaluate a person for schizophrenia by asking questions about his symptoms and his history. A physical exam and blood tests may be done to rule out other health problems. Because there is no single lab test for schizophrenia, a diagnosis requires that a person have two or more positive or negative symptoms over six months. In addition, the health care professional must be convinced that the symptoms are not caused by another medical problem or substance abuse.
Research has shown that genetic factors are important in schizophrenia, but there are many other possible causes. Environment and life experiences play a role as well, including poverty or dangerous surroundings, living with an alcoholic parent, exposure to viruses or malnutrition during pregnancy, or complications at birth (like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia). There are also changes in brain structure and function that may cause schizophrenia.
Some people with schizophrenia are able to manage their symptoms and lead normal lives. However, others have a more severe illness that may be very hard to treat. If a loved one with schizophrenia acts irrationally, has a plan to hurt himself or other people, or seems to be at risk of not having enough to eat, seek help immediately. In some countries, the law allows a family member to ask for involuntary treatment for a loved one who poses a danger to themselves or others.
Several types of medications are available to treat schizophrenia. These are called antipsychotics and work in different ways to calm the activity in certain areas of the brain. Some are pills that need to be taken daily, but there are long-acting injectables for those who can’t or won’t take medicine by mouth.