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Schizophrenia is a mental illness that can lead to delusions that aren't grounded in reality as well as interruptions in thought processes. An estimated 2.8 million adults experience this mental health disorder.
Despite its rarity, schizophrenia is one of the top 15 primary causes of disability worldwide. The average potential life loss for those with the illness is estimated to be 28.5 years.
Schizophrenia: Symptoms & Causes
People with the condition may display modest signs known as prodromal symptoms before the ailment becomes a full-blown disorder. Early manifestations include borderline narcissism, borderline anger, mistrust, agitation, aggression, inappropriate emotional responses, and overall discontent.
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Because they clearly differ from a person's typical behavior, some signs may be simpler to spot. Positive or negative symptoms of the mental disorder are frequently categorized. You might think of these symptoms as either increasing (positive) or decreasing certain behaviors (negative).
Positive symptoms, for instance, frequently include hallucinations or delusions, which are symptoms that not everyone will experience. Negative symptoms, such as feeling emotionless, interfere with regular emotions, actions, and abilities.
This condition, like many other mental health illnesses, is likely to have a number of complicated and varied causes. Previous studies have revealed that anomalies in the anatomy of the brain may be a significant factor. It has also been proposed that some symptoms can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain.
A more recent study in 2020 discovered decreased quantities of a protein in brain scans of individuals. This protein is present in the synapses between neurons. Planning-related brain areas were impacted by this. To properly comprehend this connection, further investigation is required. They also used rats in some of their studies.
Schizophrenia: Myths & Facts
There are a number of myths and misconceptions surrounding schizophrenia, just like there are for the majority of mental illnesses. The stigma attached to the condition severely harms people's social standing, making them a source of shame or disgrace. Here, we discuss some myths to help you distinguish fact from fantasy:
1) Patients Can't Work
Media outlets occasionally present people with mental health illnesses as being outside of society or as being unable to perform daily tasks like keeping a job.
This myth may still exist because many people have never interacted with or known somebody who has schizophrenia. This does not imply that they are isolated from society, though. Individuals who benefit from therapy are frequently able to work and live independently.
2) Patients should be Admitted
There was a period when those suffering from mental illness were sent to psychiatric hospitals or even jail. Yet, as knowledge about this illness has increased, fewer people must be admitted to long-term mental health facilities. The majority of those with schizophrenia are able to live at home or in supported housing in the neighborhood.
3) Have Lower Intellectual Capabilities
According to studies, people have more difficulty performing well on cognitive tests that measure learning, memory, and attention. Nonetheless, that does not imply that they lack intelligence.
Several brilliant and creative individuals throughout history have struggled with schizophrenia, including John Nash, the Nobel Prize–winning mathematician, and Russian ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky. Furthermore, researchers have found a gene that links creativity and intelligence to mental illnesses.
4) Have Numerous Personalities
This is one of the most common misconceptions about schizophrenia that people have. According to a survey on this topic performed by an American charity, 64% of people think schizophrenia and multiple personalities have the same condition.
There is no dual personality in a person. Instead, he or she is delusional or has been detached from reality. Multiple personality disorders are a distinct condition from schizophrenia.
5) Patients are Hazardous and Violent
Individuals with this condition do not behave more violently than the general population when their illness is managed with medication and psychosocial therapies.
The psychotic killer is frequently a character in movies and television shows. In actuality, that is not the case. Although people occasionally display unpredictable behavior, the majority of them are not aggressive, especially if they are receiving treatment. While people do engage in violent behavior, they typically also have other disorders, such as substance misuse or behavioral issues from their early years.
How is Schizophrenia Treated?
Although there is no universally accepted method of treatment, early detection and therapy can help keep the symptoms under control before they worsen and lead to more significant problems. Several symptoms can be relieved by these remedies. The following are some of the most successful treatments:
- Pharmaceuticals like antipsychotic medications
- Therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy or group therapy
- Self-help techniques
- Psychological counselling
It is possible to involuntarily commit a patient to a hospital and hold them there for an evaluation period that typically lasts three to seven days if they pose a risk to themselves or others and refuse to seek treatment. To extend an involuntary commitment, a court order is necessary.
Although schizophrenia has been portrayed in the media as a violent illness, the majority of those who have it are not violent.
It is common for people to act or think in ways that mimic the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as being excessively worried, speaking incoherently, having trouble thinking clearly, etc. This does not, however, imply that they have the disorder.
Contrarily, individuals may behave normally despite having hallucinations or delusions. If adequate care is not provided and patients cease to take their medications, their behavior may revert to atypical ways.
If you see a loved one exhibiting symptoms of schizophrenia, you need to discuss your worries with them. You can calmly encourage them to get professional assistance and offer them support during their treatment and post-treatment care.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
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