Somorpon
Foundation

Schizophrenia: A Complete Guide for You, from Diagnosis to Treatment

Schizophrenia affects 24 million people worldwide. Men typically experience symptoms in their late teens or early 20s, while women are diagnosed in their late 20s or early 30s.

However, people with schizophrenia face a two to three times higher risk of premature death, often due to co-occurring mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Additionally, 5% – 6% of individuals die by suicide.

Schizophrenia has a significant impact on daily life. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are essential for managing this disorder.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Schizophrenia is a mental illness affecting 24 million people worldwide, making daily life challenging.
• Boys typically show signs in their late teens, and girls are diagnosed in their late 20s.
• Schizophrenia has no cure, but with the right treatment, symptoms can be managed for a better quality of life.
• Family support is crucial for individuals with schizophrenia.
• Schizophrenia is a lifelong condition, but early diagnosis and treatment help manage it effectively.

What Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that alters how you think, feel, and behave. Individuals may see or hear things that aren’t real or believe things that aren’t true. It affects brain function, disrupting thoughts, memory, senses, and behaviors.

Schizophrenia usually starts in early adulthood and can disrupt relationships, work, and daily routines. While it is a lifelong condition, treatment options such as medication, therapy, and support can help manage symptoms. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Without treatment, schizophrenia can lead to more severe cognitive and social difficulties.

Schizophrenia affects both men and women equally, although it tends to develop earlier in men. It can run in families and is linked to changes in the brain. While there isn’t a cure yet, new research is leading to better treatments. Importantly, people with schizophrenia are not more violent than others.

Types of Schizophrenia

Here are the types of schizophrenia:

Paranoid Schizophrenia

• The most common type.
• Causes hallucinations or delusions but does not typically affect speech or emotional expression.

Disorganized (Hebephrenic) Schizophrenia

• Commonly begins between ages 15 and 25.
• Leads to confused thoughts, disorganized speech, and a lack of emotional expression.

Catatonic Schizophrenia

• Involves extreme physical behaviors, including excessive movement or complete stillness.

Undifferentiated Schizophrenia

• Diagnosed when symptoms don’t fit into other specific types.
• Symptoms include paranoia, confusion, and erratic behavior.

Residual Schizophrenia

• Patients previously diagnosed with schizophrenia now show mainly negative symptoms, such as poor memory and difficulty concentrating.

Simple Schizophrenia

• A rare type with primarily negative symptoms, worsening over time.

Cenesthopathic Schizophrenia

• Involves unusual bodily sensations that are difficult to describe.

Unspecified Schizophrenia

• Used when symptoms fit the general criteria for schizophrenia but don’t match a specific category.

Related Disorders:

• Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Involves odd beliefs and behaviors without full psychosis.
• Delusional Disorder: Characterized by strong false beliefs without other schizophrenia symptoms.
• Brief Psychotic Disorder: A short-term psychotic episode, often triggered by stress.
• Schizophreniform Disorder: Similar to schizophrenia but lasts less than six months.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: Includes both schizophrenia and mood disorder symptoms.

How Is Schizophrenia Diagnosed?

Diagnosing schizophrenia involves ruling out other mental health disorders, drug use, or medical conditions.

The process includes:

• A doctor or mental health professional observing behavior and appearance.
• Asking about thoughts, feelings, hallucinations, delusions, and substance use.
• Determining if symptoms align with schizophrenia or another condition.

Treatment Options for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a lifelong condition that requires consistent care. While there is no cure, a combination of medication, therapy, and support can improve quality of life.

Medication

Medication is the primary treatment for schizophrenia. Antipsychotic drugs help manage symptoms and are divided into two categories:

• Older Medications: Includes Haloperidol and Chlorpromazine. These are effective but may cause muscle stiffness and other side effects.
• Newer Medications: Includes Aripiprazole, Olanzapine, and Risperidone. These have fewer movement-related side effects and are available as pills or long-lasting injections.

Psychosocial Interventions

Medication alone isn’t enough. Therapy and social skills training help manage schizophrenia effectively.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients understand and manage symptoms while altering negative thoughts.
• Social Skills Training: Enhances communication and interpersonal interactions.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Supports employment and career-building, boosting confidence and independence.

Hospitalization and Crisis Intervention

If symptoms become severe, hospitalization may be necessary to provide proper care, including rest, food, and hygiene. Crisis resolution teams aim to provide home-based care whenever possible to prevent hospitalization.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

If medications aren’t effective or if symptoms are severe, ECT may help reset brain function through controlled electrical stimulation.

Arts and Creative Therapies

Expressing emotions through art, music, dance, or drama can help process difficult experiences related to psychotic episodes.

Family Support and Advanced Care Planning

Families play a crucial role in managing schizophrenia. Family therapy improves communication and helps plan for future challenges.

Aftercare and Rehabilitation

Long-term care helps maintain stability and prevent relapses. This includes:

• Special housing options
• Day programs
• Support groups to reintegrate individuals into society while receiving continuous care.

Schizophrenia is a significant mental health disorder that affects millions worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life. While schizophrenia cannot be cured, proper treatment, family support, and therapy can help individuals lead stable and fulfilling lives.

Schizophrenia treatment varies by individual and is tailored to specific needs. Recognizing early signs and seeking medical attention can make a significant difference. With the right care, mental stability and quality of life can be restored. Family and friends’ support plays an essential role in helping individuals manage schizophrenia.