What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, acts, expresses emotions, perceives reality and relates to others. Although Schizophrenia is not as common as other mental illnesses, it can be one of the most chronic and disabling.
Schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million people or 1 in 300 people worldwide. Studies have shown that the symptoms of Schizophrenia first appear in the teenage years or early 20s. Though Schizophrenia affects both men and women, the symptoms generally appear earlier in men than in women.
Like other mental health disorders, there are myths about Schizophrenia that can make it difficult for people to ask for help. About 64% of Americans believe the myth that people with Schizophrenia have multiple personalities. Another myth is that people with Schizophrenia are violent, but not every Schizophrenic acts violently.
Risk factors for Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic illness that people have to live with for the rest of their life. The exact causes of Schizophrenia are not clear, and many experts believe there is a genetic factor that can cause Schizophrenia. There are a few possible risk factors for Schizophrenia, including autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammation, or the family background of the disorder.
Symptoms that one has Schizophrenia
Before someone shows warning signs of Schizophrenia, they often go through what's known as the prodromal period. They may show symptoms like:
Unusual thoughts or actions
Withdrawing from social activities
Feeling depressed
Change in grades
Sleeping too much or too little
These symptoms are too general for someone to diagnose one is living with Schizophrenia. But these symptoms can act as warning signs that someone is living with Schizophrenia. The warning signs of Schizophrenia include:
Lack of personal hygiene
Hallucinations
Delusions
Depression
Social isolation
Unusual physical movements
A lot of these signs are also present in various mental disorders, so if patients consult an expert in mental health, the mental health expert will conduct a different diagnosis to confirm that other mental disorders aren't present.
Treating Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a condition that requires treatment throughout the patient's life. Although symptoms may lessen, patients should keep their treatment plans in place. When patients show extremely hazardous signs, they usually are admitted to residential treatment centers for a short duration. The management of medication is also important for patients who have Schizophrenia. The medications used to treat Schizophrenia include antipsychotics and antidepressants. Therapists can also aid patients suffering from this condition build stronger coping strategies.
If your loved one or someone you know is living with Schizophrenia, you can contact Boston Neurobehavioral Associates. The providers at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates offer integrative care for people with Schizophrenia. The team at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates provides different medications and therapies depending on the needs of patients. If someone exhibits symptoms of Schizophrenia, the exceptional team at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates that is now offering services in Rhode Island can help. You can book an appointment by visiting www.bostonneurobehavioral.com or by calling us.
