Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that affects how individuals perceive reality, often leading to hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Early intervention and proper treatment can significantly reduce symptoms, allowing those affected to lead more stable and fulfilling lives.

Individuals with schizophrenia experience at least two of the following symptoms for a duration of six months or more. One of these symptoms must include hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech. Hearing a voice that consistently comments on your thoughts and actions, or voices that converse with each other, is sufficient for a diagnosis.

There may have been periods when symptoms were absent, but the initial symptom appeared at least six months ago and persisted for around a month.

Schizophrenia is a spectrum disorder that encompasses several subtypes, including:

• Catatonic
• Disorganized
• Paranoid
• Residual
• Undifferentiated

These distort your perception of reality, altering how you think, feel, and behave. Schizophrenia is a form of psychosis, meaning that what appears real to you may not actually be real. You might experience:

• Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t actually present.
• Delusions: Strongly held but incorrect beliefs, such as thinking you have superhuman abilities, are a famous figure or religious leader, or that others are plotting against you.
• Disorganized speech: Speaking in a difficult way for others to understand, using jumbled words or sentences.
• Unusual behavior: Engaging in odd or repetitive actions, like constantly walking in circles, writing non-stop, or remaining completely still and silent for extended periods.
• Withdrawal and apathy: Lacking emotion, motivation, or interest in everyday activities, appearing detached or lifeless.

Associated Conditions
Schizophrenia is distinguished from other related disorders primarily by the duration of symptoms and the presence or absence of mood disorder signs.

• Schizophreniform Disorder: Symptoms last for at least one month but less than six months. Many individuals with this condition eventually develop schizophrenia, making schizophreniform disorder often an early stage of schizophrenia. However, the symptoms may resolve independently for about one-third of those affected.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: This condition involves a combination of psychotic symptoms alongside mood disturbances, such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. Individuals may experience episodes of depression or fluctuations between extremely high energy or irritability and very low energy. For a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, psychotic symptoms must sometimes occur, even when mood symptoms are not present. This is a rare, serious, and lifelong illness.

Schizophrenia Treatment Approach

• Antipsychotics: Treatment typically involves first-generation and second-generation antipsychotic medications.
• Mood Stabilizers: Medications such as Lithium (Lithobid), Divalproex (Depakote), Lamotrigine (Lamictal), and Carbamazepine (Tegretol) are often used.
• Antidepressants: Most types of antidepressants can also be part of the treatment plan.
• Psychosocial Interventions: These include Family Psycho-social Education, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), and participation in outpatient support groups/programs.
• Substance Abuse Treatment: Given that many individuals with schizophrenia also struggle with substance abuse, addressing these issues is crucial.
• Skills and Therapy: Social skills training, supported employment, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and weight management are important components.

The expected progression for individuals with schizophrenia largely depends on the level of support and treatment they receive.