Schizophrenia – Causes, Complaints & Therapy

The term schizophrenia summarizes various schizophrenic disorders, each of which takes its own course. In general, schizophrenia is a mental illness that causes disturbed perception as well as changes in thinking, acting and feeling.

Symptoms include, for example, hallucinations and forms of selective perception that lead to the assumption of a “conspiracy.” Others feel influenced by voices and driven to certain actions. Schizophrenia is associated with other partially non-specific symptoms.

Causes

So far, no reliable explanation has been found for the development of schizophrenia. However, there are factors that are more frequently observed with schizophrenia. This includes genetic disposition as well as environmental influences.In addition, neurological or biochemical factors can influence the development of schizophrenia. There is an increased risk of developing schizophrenia for people who have a family history of schizophrenia.

Substance abuse, early brain damage or trauma as well as rejection or neglect by the first caregivers can also influence the onset and course of the disease. Overall, it is assumed that several factors are involved in the development of schizophrenia.

Symptoms and course

Paranoid schizophrenia involves delusions and hallucinations. Hebephrenic schizophrenia is characterized by disorders of affect and thinking. In catatonic schizophrenia, disturbances in the movement sequence are shown.

In other forms of schizophrenia, the categorization of symptoms is less accurate. Years before the onset of schizophrenia, the first symptoms appear. For example, strong fears or self-doubt, depressive moods, inner or motor restlessness. First delusions and hallucinations may also occur.

Those suffering from schizophrenia feel persecuted or observed, controlled from the outside or have the feeling that their innermost thoughts and feelings are “betrayed” to the outside. The disease takes a chronic course with different intense phases of schizophrenia.

When to see a doctor?

Schizophrenia should always be checked regularly by a doctor due to the most commonly used psychotropic drugs. Agreed appointments should not be postponed if possible, as a regular review of the dose is important. Those affected should go to the doctor if they believe that their medication no longer brings them sufficient symptom control. Changes in perception or problems in everyday life coping with the disease are always a reason to visit a specialist.

Observations of relatives that the condition of an affected person is gradually changing more and more should also be taken seriously and clarified by a doctor. Sufferers of schizophrenia urgently need to see a doctor if the condition worsens acutely. This can occur in psychosis and represents a medical emergency. A rapid administration of special medications, which can only be administered by a doctor, may be urgently necessary. If the family doctor, who knows the medical history, is not available, then a hospital with a psychiatric department should be visited immediately.

Complications

The complications of schizophrenia are manifold and also depend on the exact type of clinical picture. It is true that a lack of therapy increases the risk of complications. Since schizophrenia is multifaceted and also progresses in some people in batches, the complications can sometimes occur more frequently or be absent for a long time. Even the treatment of the suffering cannot guarantee one hundred percent that complications will be absent – the mechanisms behind the mental illness are too complex.

Frequent complications include worsening depression, which can also lead to suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts and auto-aggressive behavior. Self-injurious behavior can also manifest itself in substance abuse. External aggressiveness can also occur, which is primarily directed at doctors and relatives.

Schizophrenia can also rob people of their social functionality: it becomes impossible to go to school or work, and people are severely inhibited in their personal development. In addition, being unable to work can quickly lead to financial and social decline. Criminal acts happen.

Since schizophrenic people sometimes attract negative attention in public, a loss of the entire environment is possible. After a successful therapy, this can mean that it is advisable to look for a new center of life. This uprooting always carries the risk of deterioration due to loneliness or depression.

treatment and therapy

About 80 percent of schizophrenia cases can be treated, and about 20 percent of schizophrenia cases can be completely cured. Occasionally spontaneous healing occurs. If organic disorders are present, the chances of recovery are relatively poor. The indicated form of therapy depends on the onset of schizophrenia.

In acute phases, in which the disorders described occur, drug treatment with antipsychotics (neuroleptics) takes place. These must be taken even after the acute symptoms have subsided. In the case of strong hallucinations or delusions, inpatient accommodation can also take place.

In principle, drug treatment should be accompanied by other measures. This includes therapeutic procedures such as talk or behavioral therapy. People suffering from schizophrenia must also be helped to maintain or reestablish contact with their social environment. In addition, work or occupational therapy can promote a positive healing process for schizophrenia.

Prevention

Due to the many factors that can lead to schizophrenia, it is not possible to adequately prevent the initial illness. Neither the genetic disposition nor early childhood experiences are within the sphere of influence of those affected.Preventive measures can therefore at best affect the deterioration in the course of schizophrenia. This includes everything that has a positive effect on the course of therapy. It is particularly important for people suffering from schizophrenia to build up stable family and friends.

A regular daily routine, a balanced Diet , the acquisition of relaxation techniques and therapeutic and drug treatments can also counteract a worsening of schizophrenia.