Mental illness Schizophrenia is a severe form of mental illness which is chronic. It is a severely disabling disease of the human brain. This mental illness occurs almost equally in both men and women. But it seems to occur earlier in men than in women. A person suffering from schizophrenia suffer from hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, and even exhibit disorganized speech and behavior. Environmental, psychological, genetics, and even social factors contribute to the onset of this mental illness. Scientists have not been able to pin point on one single contributory factor for schizophrenia.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is diagnosed on two kinds of symptom profiles. These symptoms are usually differentiated as positive and negative symptoms. The positive symptoms include delusions, disordered thoughts as well as hallucinations. While the negative symptoms represent the loss of normal abilities and personality traits.
The Diagnosis
This mental illness can be diagnosed only when one or more of these symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized behavior manifests and lasts continuously for at least 6 months. Also the individual finds difficulty in normal day to day activities such as work, self care as well relations with family and friends. There is a common belief that schizophrenia is the same as split personality but this is not correct.
The Causes
Schizophrenia could be an inherited disease of the brain. Studies have proven that people with a family history of this mental disease are more susceptible to fall prey to this condition. Schizophrenia is also sometimes associated with chemical imbalances or defects in the brain. Research for more conclusive proof on this aspect of this mental illness is still ongoing.
The Cure
Medicines have been available for schizophrenic people and help them considerably in functioning more effectively in their normal environments. Antipsychotic medicines offer a better life but have not yet become the total cure. The dosage for medicines is prescribed by certified physicians after a thorough psychological evaluation. Dosage is prescribed on a case to case basis by the medical practitioner. People often have a mistaken notion that these drugs are addictive or that they produce euphoric behavior. These drugs are very effective in curbing the symptoms of psychotic episodes. Adhering strictly to the dosage of medicine as well as the time of treatment is very important for the treatment of schizophrenic patients.
Rehabilitation for Schizophrenics
Individual psychotherapy, self-help groups as well as other counseling programs also go a long way in aiding schizophrenia treatment and rehabilitation process. Support should not only be extended by the individual's family but from friends and the community as well. A positive support from all goes a long way in aiding a patient on the long road to recovery.