Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe disorder of the mind. It affects about 0.5- 1% of the population. Symptoms usually emerge during the ages 18-30 years. Anyone can be affected-both men and women, rich and poor, literate and illiterate are equally affected. It is seen all over the world. It is also known as the greatest disabler of yputh.
How do professionals identify Schizophrenia?Professionals identify schizophrenia with the help of detailed history of the problems and with thorough assessment of the affected person. The doctor will ask detailed questions which will help to make a diagnosis of schizophrenia. If necessary, psychological assessment may also be recommended. There is no laboratory or radiological investigations that can help identify or rule out disorder.
How does Schizophrenia present?There are many behaviors exhibited by the patient that indicates the presence of schizophrenia. It can appear gradually or abruptly. These are changes that can be noted in the person's behavioys which are associated with the person's feelings or thoughts. Some of the symptomps may often be an exaggeration of the patients's own personality, prior to diagnosis. Symptoms differ from person to person. This can depends on factors like individual's personality, socio-cultural background, life stressors and family history of schizophrenia.
Example A scientifically inclined person may talk about computer microchip in the brain, while others would talk about black magic affecting the brain.
Symptoms can present differently over time. Some symptoms may subside and new ones can appear.
Mood symptoms
Persons with schizophrenia appear fearful their own safety and that of their own safety and that of their loved ones. This can be in response to delusions hallucinations. Anxiety about furture, finances, work and family situations is often reported. Low mood or depression is also seen.
Suicide:Suicide is a common occurrence with schizophrenia. At least 10% of people with schizophrenia attempt suicide in their lifetime. This may be a response to hallucinations, delusions, co-existing depression or often as a result of family criticisms, social pressures. Some may also find it hard to come to terms with the illness and its effects on their lives leading to despondency, hopelessness which can also contribute to self-harm. At times, patients have been noted to physically harm themselves like cutting themselves, taking an overdose, mutilaings genitalia etc.
Harming others:These behaviors may appear to have no apparent reason. However, They usually are in response to hallucinations and delusions. Expectations, demands, criticisms from family and others can also provoke this behavior. The individual can be abusive, hostile or assaultive. It is however not as common as what is believed.
