Schizophrenia : Causes, Risk factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, treatment, Prevention and complications

• Written : Auwal Chiroma M.D
• Contributed : Salma Musa M.D
• Medically Reviewed : Alkasim Muhd Ph.D
• Editor : Victoria Solomon (B.A English language)
• Published : Rabiu Rabiu (Dr. Cracker)

• What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between reality and what is not real. They may also have trouble with thinking clearly and making decisions.

Schizophrenia can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Delusions: False beliefs that are not based in reality, such as believing that you are being followed or that you have special powers.
• Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling things that are not there.
• Disorganized thinking: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and following conversations.
• Disorganized speech: Difficulty speaking clearly and staying on topic.
• Negative symptoms: Lack of motivation, emotions, and social interest.

• Types of Schizophrenia

There are five main types of schizophrenia:

• Paranoid schizophrenia: This is the most common type of schizophrenia. People with paranoid schizophrenia often have delusions and hallucinations. They may also be suspicious and distrustful of others.
• Disorganized schizophrenia: People with disorganized schizophrenia have difficulty thinking clearly and speaking coherently. They may also have disorganized behavior, such as dressing strangely or acting inappropriately.
• Catatonic schizophrenia: People with catatonic schizophrenia experience a range of motor symptoms, such as stupor, rigidity, and waxy flexibility. They may also have difficulty speaking and interacting with others.
• Undifferentiated schizophrenia: This type of schizophrenia is diagnosed when a person has symptoms of schizophrenia, but they do not fit neatly into any of the other categories.
• Residual schizophrenia: This type of schizophrenia is diagnosed when a person has had schizophrenia in the past, but they are currently only experiencing mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

• Who Does Schizophrenia Affect?

Schizophrenia can affect anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. However, it is more common in men than in women. Schizophrenia usually develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, but it can also develop in childhood or later in life.

• How Common is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the world's population. This means that about 76 million people worldwide have schizophrenia.

• What Are the Five Symptoms of Schizophrenia?

The five symptoms of schizophrenia are:

• Delusions: False beliefs that are not based in reality.
• Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling things that are not there.
• Disorganized thinking: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and following conversations.
• Disorganized speech: Difficulty speaking clearly and staying on topic.
• Negative symptoms: Lack of motivation, emotions, and social interest.

• What Causes Schizophrenia?

The exact cause of schizophrenia is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

• Genetic factors: Schizophrenia is more likely to occur in people with a family history of the disorder. This suggests that there is a genetic component to schizophrenia.
• Environmental factors: Researchers are still trying to identify the environmental factors that contribute to schizophrenia

 However, some possible factors include:

• Prenatal exposure to certain viruses or toxins
• Brain injuries
• Stress
• Drug use

• What Are the Risk Factors of Schizophrenia?

The following factors may increase a person's risk of developing schizophrenia:

• Family history: Having a family member with schizophrenia increases your risk of developing the disorder.
• Age: Schizophrenia usually develops in late adolescence or early adulthood.
• Sex: Schizophrenia is more common in men than in women.
• Certain medical conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as brain injuries and prenatal exposure to certain viruses or toxins, are at increased risk of developing schizophrenia
• Substance use: Drug use, particularly cannabis use, can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.

• Is Schizophrenia Genetic?

Yes, schizophrenia is thought to be a genetic disorder. However, it is important to note that not everyone with a family history of schizophrenia will develop the disorder

• How is Schizophrenia Diagnosed?

There is no single test for schizophrenia. Diagnosis is based on a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The evaluation will typically include:

• A physical exam
• A psychiatric interview
• Psychological tests

The mental health professional will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and family history. They will also observe your behavior and mental status.

To be diagnosed with schizophrenia, a person must meet the following criteria:

Experience at least two of the following symptoms for at least one month:

1.     Delusions
2.     Hallucinations
3.     Disorganized thinking
4.     Disorganized speech
5.     Negative symptoms

Have a significant impairment in social or occupational functioning

• What Tests Will Be Done to Diagnose This Condition?

In addition to a psychiatric evaluation, your doctor may order some tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. These tests may include:

1. Blood tests
2. Urine tests
3. Brain imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan

• Can Schizophrenia Be Cured?

There is no cure for schizophrenia. However, there are effective treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve a person's quality of life.

• How is Schizophrenia Treated?

The main treatment for schizophrenia is medication. Antipsychotic medications can help to reduce or eliminate delusions, hallucinations, and other symptoms of schizophrenia.

Other treatments for schizophrenia may include:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Case management
• Supported employment

• How Soon After Treatment Will I Feel Better?

Most people with schizophrenia will start to feel better within a few weeks of starting medication. However, it is important to continue taking medication as prescribed, even if you start to feel better. Stopping your medication too early can lead to a relapse of your symptoms.

• How Can I Reduce My Risk or Prevent This Condition?

There is no known way to prevent schizophrenia. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the disorder, such as:

• Avoiding drug use, especially cannabis use
• Getting treatment for early symptoms of schizophrenia

• Conclusion

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder, but it is important to remember that there is hope. With effective treatment, most people with schizophrenia can live productive and fulfilling lives.

• References

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2023). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.
2. National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Schizophrenia. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/
3. World Health Organization. (2022). Schizophrenia. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/mental_health/management/schizophrenia/en
4. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
5. Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance (SPAN) MentalHealth.gov