A patient’s guide to schizophrenia
know the basics on symptoms, causes, risk factors , complications and more .
Overview
Schizophrenia is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel and behave clearly. It usually appears in late adolescence or early adulthood.
It is characterized by delusions, hallucinations and other cognitive difficulties. It can often be a lifelong struggle.
what causes schizophrenia?
It is not known what causes schizophrenia, but a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environment contributes to the development of the disorder.
Risk factors of schizophrenia
Certain factors seem to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia including:
- having a family history of schizophrenia
- some pregnancy and birth complications such as malnutrition
- taking psychoactive drugs during teen years and young adulthood.
Symptoms
- delusion – a person displays false beliefs. He or she may feel others are attempting to control them remotely. Or may think he or she has extraordinary powers and abilities
- hallucinations – hearing voices is much more common than seeing, feeling, tasting or smelling things which are not there. People with schizophrenia experience a wide range of hallucinations
- thought disorder – a person may jump from one subject to another for no logical reason
- lack of motivation – one loses his or her drive . Daily activities such as cooking and washing are neglected
- poor of emotions – there is an inappropriate response to happy or sad occasion
- cognitive difficulties – a person’s ability to concentrate , recall things, plan ahead and organize life are affected
- social withdrawal.
Complications
Complications associated with schizophrenia include :
- suicide
- anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder
- depression
- alcohol abuse or other drugs including nicotine
- inability to work
- social isolation
- health problems
- financial problems
How can schizophrenia be prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent schizophrenia but sticking with treatment plan can prevent relapses or worsening of symptoms.
