About Schizophrenia

We have all heard the term, “Schizophrenia”, but few of us really know about this illness. Schizophrenia is a very challenging disorder, where it becomes difficult for people to distinguish between reality and what is unreal. A person who is suffering from this illness, goes through a heap of emotions, without even being able to understand those emotions. Also, it becomes more of a difficult task for the caretaker of that person, to really understand what is happening.

Thus, to fully understand what the illness about is, below are few warning signs for the illness:

1. Social Withdrawal and Depression
2. Suspicion and Hostility with extreme reactions towards criticism
3. Un-healthy living and personal hygiene being deteriorated.
4. Mostly and expressionless and flat gaze
5. Inability to express any kind of emotion or sudden expressions of laughter or crying
6. Insomnia or Hypersomnia with forgetfulness and not being able to concentrate
7. Speaking very odd or irrational statements. Thus, using strange words or statements.

These signs can occur from numerous mental health issues, but it is important to heed onto these warning signs. Hence, if any of the above signs are shown, please visit a mental health professional immediately.

Once we are aware of the warning signs of schizophrenia, it is also important to know and understand the symptoms.

Thus, below are the symptoms of Schizophrenia:

Broadly speaking, there are five types of symptoms which are included in schizophrenia. Delusion, Hallucination, Disorganized Behaviour, Disorganized Speech and the “Negative” Symptoms. All these symptoms vary from person to person. Thus, it is not important the person will show all the symptoms. Also, these symptoms can evolve or change over time.

1. Delusion:

It is a firm “idea” inside a person’s head despite clear evidence that it is not true. Over 90% of people who are suffering from Schizophrenia reflect this symptom. Below are types of delusions a person can have:

1. Persecution: In this, the person believes that someone is out to harm them. The person will have bizarre thoughts and ideas about what is going to happen.
2. Reference: In this, the person believes that people are always trying to refer to them. Even when the person sees a billboard or a TV advertisement, the person will believe it is about them only.
3. Grandeur: In this, the person has a strong belief that they are a very strong, powerful and famous person. The person can believe that they are Krishna or any other godly figure. Also, sometimes the person can believe that they have superhuman abilities.
4. Control: In this, the person believes that their thoughts are being controlled by someone else. The most common beliefs in control are, thought broadcasting, thought insertion or thought withdrawal.

2. Hallucination:

When a person is hallucinating, they are able to feel, hear, smell or even see sensations which are not real. Thus, it is only in their mind. Mostly, what people hallucinate are about person’s who they know. Also, these voices or sensations will be critical, vulgar or abusive. Hallucinations can occur from any of the five senses, i.e., auditory, visual, touch, olfactory, or taste. These Hallucinations can tend to be worse when the person is left alone.

3. Disorganized Speech:

People suffering from Schizophrenia have difficulty in concentrating and maintain a single chain of thought. Thus, making them jump from one sentence to the other very quickly, or not making sense when they are speaking. Thus, below are few common signs of disorganized speech:

1. Loose Association: The person will constantly shift from one topic to another, without any connection with the previous topic.
2. Neologism: They will make up words or sentences which will have only meaning for them.
3. Perseveration: They will keep repeating sentences or statements again and again. Hence, they will say the same thing over and over again.
4. Clang: They will start using meaningless rhymes. For example, You are met with get to shed Ned with the head.

4. Disorganized Behaviour:

People who are suffering from Schizophrenia are unable to take care of themselves. Thus, they do not have any goal-directed behaviour and are unable to work with anyone else. Disorganized behaviour can appear as:

1. Unable to do daily work
2. Inappropriate emotional response or unpredictable emotional response
3. Will show behaviour which is bizarre. Thus, a behaviour without any purpose.
4. Unable to control their inhibitions and impulses.

5. “Negative” Symptoms:

Negative symptoms are those behaviours which a normal person exhibits but, a person suffering from schizophrenia is unable to show. These behaviours can include:

1. Lack of Expressions of Emotions: They will not show any emotions on their face. Moreover, they will have a very flat voice and lack eye contact. Thus, having a blank face.
2. Lack of Interest: The person will start losing interests in activities they used to like. Also, they will be unable to self-care and will not be able to motivate themselves. Along with, people being unable to motivate them.
3. Losing interest in their surroundings: They will start losing as well as caring about their environment. Thus, leading to a complete social withdrawal.
4. Difficulty in Speech and Other Abnormalities: They will have one monotone when speaking to someone. Also, they will not be able to answer or connect to the replies they are giving.

It is still unknown why Schizophrenia happens, it includes environmental as well as genetic causes. But, it is very important to receive proper treatment as soon as possible. It is a common myth that schizophrenia cannot be treated. But, it can be cured. Hence, if you or someone you know is suffering from Schizophrenia, then please consult a professional immediately.

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