Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Individuals with schizophrenia often seem like they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for both them and their loved ones. Schizophrenia is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment and can be disabling.
Symptoms
- Delusions (false beliefs that are not based on reality)
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that don't exist)
- Disorganized thinking and speech
- Extremely disorganized or abnormal motor behavior
- Negative symptoms, such as reduced emotional expression or lack of motivation
- Social withdrawal and difficulty functioning in daily life
- Difficulty concentrating and remembering things
Causes
- Genetics: A family history of schizophrenia increases the risk
- Brain structure and chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate
- Environmental factors: Trauma, abuse, and prenatal exposure to infections
Treatment
Schizophrenia is typically managed with antipsychotic medications that help control symptoms by affecting brain chemicals like dopamine. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), helps individuals manage symptoms, build coping skills, and improve functioning. Long-term treatment is necessary, and support from family and community services is crucial.