Knowing about Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental
disorder in which people perceive reality in abnormal manner. People suffering from Schizophrenia might have
hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered behavior that impairs their
daily functioning.
Causes
Although
the causes schizophrenia is unknown, researchers believe that this condition might
occur due to mixture of genetics, brain chemistry and environmental factors which
might contribute to the development of the disorder.
According
to Mayo Clinic, problems with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including
neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate may contribute to
schizophrenia.
Symptoms
·
Delusions:
People suffering from Schizophrenia
might not be able to differentiate between their beliefs and reality. They might
believe that certain things are meant for them or happened to them, when in
reality the things which they believed that happened to them, did not actually
occur or happen.
For example: One may think that a person is love with
him/her. They might also believe that they are being harassed; certain gestures
or a big problem might occur. They might also believe that they have
exceptional ability or fame etc.
·
Hallucinations:
People suffering from Schizophrenia usually
see or hear things that don't exist. According to mayo clinic, hallucinations
can be in any of the senses, but hearing voices is the most common
hallucination.
·
Disorganized Speech:
Schizophrenia may involve
impairment in communication skills of the people where people who are having
this disorder might give answers to the questions which may be partially or
completely unrelated.
Disorganized speech may include putting
together meaningless words that can't be comprehended easily by a normal person.
·
Abnormal behavior:
Schizophrenic people behavior might
range from childlike silliness to unpredictable agitation. People suffering from this condition have
difficulty to focus on their goals due to which they are not able to perform
their tasks easily.
of response, useless and excessive movement etc.
Symptoms of this disorder might vary in intensities where some symptoms
of this disorder might always be present.
The symptoms of schizophrenia in men typically start in the early to
mid-20s. Women tend to develop these symptoms typically in the late 20s. Children
and the people above the age of 45 are rarely diagnosed with schizophrenia.
How to help someone who may have Schizophrenia?
If you think someone you know may have symptoms of schizophrenia, try to
observe them and understand their concerns. As a well-wisher, you can encourage
and support your loved one who is suffering from this disorder by recommending
them to find a qualified doctor or mental health professional.
If your loved one harms himself or herself or others, if he or she can’t
support himself or herself in terms of food, clothing, or shelter, etc, you may
call 911 or other emergency numbers for help. Your loved one then will be
evaluated by a mental health professional and would get appropriate help on time.
According to Mayo clinic, in some cases, hospitalization might
be required. You can contact community mental health agencies or police
departments in your area for details.
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