Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disease characterized by changes in the functioning of the mind that cause disorders of thought and emotions, changes in behavior, in addition to loss of sense of reality and critical judgment.
Although more common between the ages of 15 and 35, schizophrenia can occur at any age and usually manifests in different types, such as paranoid, catatonic, hebefrenonic or undifferentiated, for example, that they have symptoms ranging from hallucinations, delusions, antisocials. loss of motivation or changes in memory.
- Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population.
- And although it does not cure.
- It can be controlled well with antipsychotic drugs.
- Such as risperidone.
- Quetiapine or clozapine.
- For example.
- Guided by the psychiatrist.
- In addition to other therapies.
- Such as psychotherapy.
- And occupational therapy.
- As a way to help the patient rehabilitate and reintegrate into family and society.
Several symptoms are present in a person with schizophrenia, which can vary depending on each person and the type of schizophrenia they develop, and include so-called positive (starting to appear), negative (which were normal but cease to be). occur.) cognitive (difficulty processing information).
The main ones are
Schizophrenia may appear suddenly, in a few days or gradually, with changes that appear gradually over months or even years. The first symptoms are usually noticed by family or close friends, who notice that the person is more suspicious, confused, disorganized, or distant.
To confirm schizophrenia, the psychiatrist will evaluate all signs and symptoms the person presents and, if necessary, order tests such as CT scans or skull MRI to rule out other conditions that may cause psychiatric symptoms, such as brain tumors. or dementia, for example. Example.
Traditionally, schizophrenia can be classified into different types, depending on the person’s main symptoms. However, according to DSM V, which categorizes several mental disorders, several subtypes are no longer considered, as according to several studies, there are no differences in the evolution and treatment of each subtype.
However, the classic classification includes the presence of these types:
This is the most common type, in which delusions and hallucinations predominate, especially when listening to voices, and behavioral changes, such as agitation, agitation, are also common. Learn more about paranoid schizophrenia.
It is characterized by the presence of a catatonism, in which the person does not react adequately to the environment, with slow movements or paralysis of the body, in which one can remain in the same position for hours or even days, speak slowly or not. talk, repeat words or phrases that someone just said, as well as repeat strange movements, winced or look.
It is a less common and more difficult type of schizophrenia to treat, with risk of complications such as malnutrition or self-harm, for example.
Disorganized thinking predominates, with meaningless discourses out of context, as well as the presence of negative symptoms, such as disinterest, social isolation and loss of the ability to carry out everyday activities.
Occurs when there are symptoms of schizophrenia, however, the person does not match the types mentioned.
It’s a chronic form of the disease. This occurs when the criteria for schizophrenia have appeared in the past, but are not currently active, however, negative symptoms such as slowness, social isolation, lack of initiative or affection, decreased facial expression or lack of personal care, for example.
The exact cause of what causes schizophrenia is still unknown, however, its development is known to be influenced both by genetics, because there is more risk within the same family than by environmental factors, which may include drug use. such as marijuana, viral infections, elderly parents at the time of pregnancy, malnutrition during pregnancy, complications of childbirth, negative psychological experiences or physical or sexual abuse.
Treatment of schizophrenia is guided by the psychiatrist, with antipsychotic medications such as risperidone, quetiapine, olanzapine or clozapine, for example, which help control mainly positive symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions or behavioral changes.
Other anxiolytic medications, such as diazepam, or mood stabilizers, such as carbamazepine, may be used to relieve symptoms in cases of restlessness or anxiety, in addition to antidepressants, such as sertraline, may be indicated in case of depression.
In addition, psychotherapy and occupational therapy are necessary to contribute to better rehabilitation and reintegration of the patient to social life. Referral and monitoring of the family by social and community support teams are also important measures to improve the effectiveness of treatment.
Childhood schizophrenia is called early schizophrenia because it is not common in children. It has the same symptoms and types as schizophrenia in adults, but usually has a more progressive onset, often difficult to define when it occurs.
Changes in thinking are more common, with disorganized ideas, delusions, hallucinations, and difficult social contacts. Treatment is done with the child psychiatrist, using medicines such as haloperidol, risperidone or olanzapine, for example, and psychotherapy, occupational therapy and family counseling are also important.