Schizophrenia is a psychotic condition that characterizes by the loss of psychic unity. Causes, symptoms, treatment, focus on this mental illness.
Schizophrenia, what is it?
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects nearly 2% of adults. This “disease of the split of the mind” was defined by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911.
It is a mental disorder characterized by what are called distortions of thought: the patient develops disturbances in the course of thought. His speech is more muddled and difficult to follow.
This chronic disease begins with acute attacks before stabilizing with appropriate treatment. It is from adolescence that the disorders appear (between 15 and 25 years).
What are the causes of schizophrenia?
Despite research from the institutes, the causes of schizophrenia are not yet confirmed. Genetic, neurological, hormonal origin? Hard to say. This uncertainty greatly complicates the management of the disease and its treatment. Moreover, there is not really “a” schizophrenia, but “of” schizophrenias.
What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?
Symptoms of schizophrenia vary among patients. The first schizophrenic episodes are often manifested by an attack of delirium which leads to a first hospitalization.
People with schizophrenia can:
- Experience episodes of visual or auditory hallucinations.
- To have the need to withdraw into oneself.
- Develop a feeling of paranoia: patients feel insecure and try to protect themselves as much as possible.
- To feel invested with a “mission” to achieve.
- Fall into depression associated with disturbances in attention and concentration.
- Some sufferers also experience cognitive and sleep disorders causing a chronic lack of energy as well as difficulty following a conversation. Contrary to popular belief, the schizophrenic person is not systematically psychopath, of course!.
What are the treatments for schizophrenia?
The care of patients has made tremendous progress: today treatments consist of psychological follow-up or therapy and medication. Patients take neuroleptics as well as antipsychotics to decrease symptoms. On the other hand, the slightest deviation or forgetting of medication can trigger a new delirium attack …
Reference: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-disorders/schizophrenia-signs-and-symptoms.htm
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