Schizophrenia is one of the complex mental diseases characterized by inability to think, behave and to cope up with the activities in the surrounding world. Male sex is more commonly affected as compared to females. Mostly the onset of disease is in younger ages that are in early thirties. In India alone some five million people are suffering from schizophrenia.

 

Schizophrenia is one of the complex mental diseases characterized by inability to think, behave and to cope up with the activities in the surrounding world. Male sex is more commonly affected as compared to females. Mostly the onset of disease is in younger ages that are in early thirties. In India alone some five million people are suffering from schizophrenia. Previously it was believed to be a psychiatric disorder but now it has been proved that it is due to brain disorder in which increased dopaminergic activity is consistently found in the brain of schizophrenic patients. The word schizophrenia means “Split mind” but it is not same as that of split personality. Schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment but the symptoms are controllable most of the times and patients can enjoy healthy lives.

Signs and symptoms

• Memory disorders
• Difficulty paying attention
• Patient may develop disinterest in personal hygiene and he may refuse to bathe
• Patient may have lack of interest in social activities, not able to concentrate
• Disturbed sleeping and eating cycles
• Patient suffering with schizophrenia often have blunt facial expressions, they are unable to express their emotions, also they may sometimes look apathetic
• Loss of motivation
• Delusion of being an important person in the world
• Hallucinations can also be present in some cases, patient may hear or talk with someone in his imagination

Types of schizophrenia

• Disorganized
• Residual
• Paranoid
• Catatonic
• Undifferentiated

Risk factors

• If someone in family is suffering from schizophrenia then the chances of getting the disease is more
• History of consumption of psychotic drugs during adolescence
• Poor nutrition during gestation period
• Old paternal age
• Stressful conditions in life

Diagnosis and investigations

• General physical examination is done to rule out any other condition
• Laboratory tests including complete blood profile, screening for alcohol and other drugs are performed
• Imaging studies like MRI and CT Scan may be of some help
• Most important part is examination by a psychologist who may look for various signs and symptoms and may include filling of self assessment questionnaires.

Drugs and treatment

Treatment of schizophrenia is multifocal. It includes medical, social, behavioral and psychological modalities.

• Various medicines like Clozapine, Risperidone, Olanzapine, Fluphenazine, Thioridazine and Haloperidol are used in conjunction with behavioral therapy and psychotherapy on a case to case basis
• Sometimes shock therapy also known as Electro Convulsive Therapy is also advised depending on a case to case basis.
• Psychotherapy sessions and family counseling sessions are also helpful in treating some cases.