Understanding the Signs and Treatment of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is commonly associated with violence and multiple or split personalities. There is little truth in either of these beliefs which have largely been generated by horror movies.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists say that schizophrenia is better described as a form of psychosis. The person loses touch with reality and may suffer hallucinations, delusions and depression.

What are the Symptoms of Schizophrenia?

Symptoms are commonly divided into positive and negative. Positive symptoms are things that happen in addition to normal experiences and include the following:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Disorganized thoughts

Negative symptoms reflect or indicate a loss or decrease in normal functioning and include the following:

• Lack of motivation
• Unsociable behavior
• Apathy
• Lack of emotion
• Depression
• Irritability

Substance abuse is a common side effect of schizophrenia; isolation/loneliness is also commonly seen in schizophrenics. Symptoms are often cyclical and in between times, the person can be stable emotionally and function well in society.

How is Schizophrenia Diagnosed?

There is no medical test for schizophrenia but a doctor may order some tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Schizophrenia is normally diagnosed after evaluating symptoms and behavior patterns. By this stage, the patient will probably have been referred to a psychiatrist who is better qualified to diagnose and manage schizophrenia.

It is commonly accepted that schizophrenia patients will exhibit a cluster of symptoms that are believed to be the result of complex changes in brain function.

What Treatments are Available for Schizophrenia

Before a person is treated, the psychiatrist will normally take a detailed case history that includes areas such as accommodation, finances, culture, family situation and health. Working from this basis, a treatment program will be worked out that encompasses medication, psychotherapy, education and practical support.

• Medication is essential in treating schizophrenia. Medications used to treat schizophrenia may include anti-psychotic drugs, anti-anxiety agents and mood stabilizers. These target the symptoms of schizophrenia and when used in conjunction with other treatments, there is a fairly good success rate and many patients see significant improvement.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches individuals coping strategies and management of symptoms. It has been proven effective in lessening depression and anxiety and also substance abuse.
• Education is undertaken in groups or individually. The person is taught about schizophrenia and the symptoms, treatment and support systems available.
• Practical support includes support groups where people discuss their condition and share information. While not treatments as such, these can be invaluable in helping people with schizophrenia to understand their condition.

Hospitalization and Schizophrenia

Where possible, a person with schizophrenia will be treated at home, but on occasion, may need hospitalization. The most common reasons include the following:

• The person needs to be away from stressful environments;
• There is a possibility of harming his or herself; and
• Extreme changes are made in terms of the patient's medication(s).

Schizophrenia can affect anyone and according to The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, one in 100 people are affected. It is not something to be ashamed of and with medical help and therapy, most sufferers can lead happy fulfilled lives.

Resources:

Schizophrenia by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, 2007,