Definition
A mental health condition called schizophrenia affects a person’s behavior, cognition, and perceptions. Most sources define schizophrenia as an ongoing and acute neurological brain condition (Ganguly et al., 2018). Hallucinations and delusions most frequently characterize this condition.
Statistics
- Over 21 million individuals around the world suffer from schizophrenia spectrum disorders (Ganguly et al., 2018).
- Annually in the United States, an average of 40% of those who have the disorder go undiagnosed and not treated (Silverstein & Spaulding, 2017).
- Schizophrenia impacts almost 100,000 persons in the U.S. annually who are 18 years of age or older (Silverstein & Spaulding, 2017).
- In the U.S., around 1% of the entire population has been diagnosed with schizophrenia (Ganguly et al., 2018).
Deferential Diagnosis
Hallucinations, disordered speech or conduct, and deteriorated cognitive function are examples of delusions.
Red Flags
- A person had a family history of schizophrenia;
- Aged 18 and older;
- Uses medications that influence the brain, which usually involve psychoactive and psychotropic drugs;
- Experienced stress during pregnancy and the postpartum period (for women);
- Trauma in infancy and adolescence.
Signs and Symptoms
- Delusions. Patients often hold erroneous notions that are not supported by reality (Freudenreich, 2019). Most frequently, patients tend to believe certain details or facts that are not congruent with real life.
- Unorganized thoughts or speech. Chaotic speech implies disoriented thinking of the patient who cannot concentrate (Freudenreich, 2019). Responses to questions are often partially or entirely unrelated, which can hinder efficient communication.
- Aberrant or wildly disordered motor function. This may manifest in various forms, ranging from carelessness to irrational anger (Freudenreich, 2019).
- Hallucinations. Typically, this symptom entails hearing or observing nonexistent objects (Freudenreich, 2019). Having auditory hallucinations is the most frequent hallucination, though they can occur in any modality.
- Unfavorable signals. This describes a diminished or absent capacity to carry out routine tasks (Freudenreich, 2019). The individual may become disinterested in daily tasks, disengage from society, or be unable to enjoy themselves.
Examination Findings
Active symptoms like hallucinations or delusions, disordered pronunciation, inactive symptoms including a lifeless attitude or poor speaking, and cognitive deficits involving concentration, recollection, and executive function problems are characteristic features of schizophrenia (Freudenreich, 2019). In the lack of any condition that would more accurately describe the picture, a diagnosis of schizophrenia is made based on the existence of these symptoms for a minimum of six months in addition to social or functional impairment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Schizophrenia must be ruled out along with other mental illnesses, and substance misuse, drugs, or a physical ailment must not bring on its signs. Physical examination may be used to make the diagnosis of schizophrenia. This could be done to examine any associated consequences and ensure that no other issues might produce such symptoms (Silverstein & Spaulding, 2017). An additional method of diagnosis is a psychiatric examination. A physician or a psychiatrist determines a person’s mental state by examining their looks and behavior, as well as questioning emotions, attitudes, hallucinations, delusions, drug abuse, and the likelihood of aggression or suicidal behavior.
Although schizophrenia-related symptoms might fade with time, treatment is still necessary for life at any stage. The illness can be managed with medical care and psychosocial counseling. Hospital treatment may be necessary in certain situations when symptoms become severe (Silverstein & Spaulding, 2017).
Typically, a psychologist with experience in schizophrenia direct care (Silverstein & Spaulding, 2017). To oversee therapy, the medical team may include a psychiatrist, support worker, nurse practitioner, and occasionally a caseworker. The full-team strategy might be offered in facilities with experience treating schizophrenia.
References
Freudenreich, O. (2019). Psychotic disorders: A practical guide. Springer International Publishing.
Ganguly, P., Soliman, A., & Moustafa, A. A. (2018). Holistic management of schizophrenia symptoms using pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. Frontiers in Public Health, 6, 1-9.
Silverstein, S. M., & Spaulding, W. D. (2017). The schizophrenia spectrum. Hogrefe Publishing.