Schizophrenia

 

The disorder of schizophrenia has been around for decades, and is now known as a source of bewilderment [a confusing maze or tangle, as of objects or conditions]

 

In historical times someone with the illness is thought to be possessed [spurred or moved by a strong feeling, madness, or a super natural power] by demons and were feared, tormented, exiled or locked up forever. 

 

Despite advances in the research and understanding of this disorder, schizophrenia continues to puzzle professionals and the public. It is difficult for an average person to understand the odd behavior, hallucinations [a sensory experience of something that does not exist outside the mind, caused by various physical and mental disorders, or by reaction to certain toxic substances, and usually manifested as visual or auditory images] or strange ideas that a schizophrenic person deals with.

 

As with many mental disorders, the causes are poorly understood. People often see someone with schizophrenia as being more violent or out of control than a person who has another kind of serious mental illness. A new recent insight from neuroscience and neuropsychology gives new hope for finding more effective treatments for the illness.

 

Schizophrenia is characterised by a broad range of unusual behaviors, (gender, race, social class or culture does not effect the disorder)-

 

Delusions & hallucinations are common in schizophrenia:

The most common being the impairment to how someone thinks. The individual will lose much of the ability to rationally evaluate their surroundings and interactions with others. They believe things that are not true, and have difficulty seeing what is reality. These behaviors often seem bizarre [markedly unusual in appearance, style, or general character and often involving incongruous or unexpected elements; outrageously or whimsically strange] to an observer.

For example, paranoia [baseless or excessive suspicion of the motives of others] is common in a schizophrenic, they may buy numerous locks for their doors, and always suspect someone is behind them. These behaviors’ can reflect the reaction to their false beliefs that others are out to get them. 

 

One-third of those diagnosed with schizophrenia will attempt suicide, and are unlikely to share their suicidal intentions with others, making life-saving interventions more difficult. Depression therefore plays a large role in schizophrenia, resulting in suicidal actions. Some risks for this involve the patient imagining voices directing the person towards self-harm (auditory command hallucinations) and intense false beliefs (delusions) [a false belief or opinion]

 

The relationship with schizophrenia to substance abuse is significant. Due to impairments to insight and judgment, people with schizophrenia are less able to judge and control temptations leading them to drug or alcohol abuse. Sometimes the person may even try to self-medicate, by trying to control symptoms with mind-altering drugs, commonly nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana.

 

Signs of someone starting an episode of schizophrenia:

 

• Social isolation and withdrawal

• Irrational, bizarre or odd statements or beliefs

• Increased paranoia or questioning others’ motivations

• Becoming more emotionless

• Hostility or suspiciousness

• Increasing reliance on drugs or alcohol (in attempt to self-medicate)

• Lack of motivation

• Speaking in a strange manner inappropriate laughter

• Insomnia or oversleeping

• Deterioration in personal appearance and hygiene