Schizophrenia - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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People with schizophrenia often neglect basic hygiene and need help with everyday activities. People with other mental disorders, such as severe depression. Visions and hallucinations of smell, taste or being touched can also happen, but these are less common. People with schizophrenia vary widely in their behavior as they struggle with an illness beyond their control. Psychotherapy may be beneficial in the treatment of schizophrenia. Behavioral techniques, such as social skills training, can be used in a therapeutic setting, or in the patient's natural environment to promote social and occupational functioning. Cognitive behavioral therapy may focus on the direct reduction of the symptoms, or on related aspects, such as issues of self-esteem , social functioning, and insight. Antipsychotic medications help bring biochemical imbalances closer to normal. Supported housing, vocational rehabilitation, and other community support programs may be essential to their community tenure.

Causes of Schizophrenia

Common Causes and Risk factors of Schizophrenia

• Biological factors.
• Psychological factors.
• Social factors.
• Heart disease.
• Infection.
• Birth complications.
• Head injury.

Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Common Sign and Symptoms of Schizophrenia

• Hallucinations.
• Extreme apathy.
• Sleep problems
• Social isolation.
• Unusual emotional reactions.
• Diminished motivation.
• Blunted emotional expression.

Treatment for Schizophrenia

Common Treatment for Schizophrenia

• Family therapy can significantly decrease relapse rates for the schizophrenic family member.
• Group therapy, combined with drugs, produces somewhat better results than drug treatment alone, particularly with schizophrenic outpatients.
• Antipsychotic medications help to normalize the biochemical imbalances that cause schizophrenia.
• Traditional antipsychotics effectively control the hallucinations, delusions, and confusion of schizophrenia.
• Vocational and social rehabilitation (learning new skills for independent living, if possible)
• Support groups (meeting with others who live with this disorder, to reduce isolation and improve coping skills)