Disorganized thinking, speech, and behavior affect most people with this illness. For example, people with schizophrenia sometimes have trouble communicating in coherent sentences or carrying on conversations with others; move more slowly, repeat rhythmic gestures or make movements such as walking in circles or pacing; and have difficulty making sense of everyday sights, sounds and feelings.
Negative symptoms include emotional flatness or lack of expression, an inability to start and follow through with activities, speech that is brief and lacks content, and a lack of pleasure or interest in life. Before the six-month period is reached, the person is diagnosed as having a schizophreniform disorder. Schizoaffective disorder is a diagnosis used to indicate that the person has an illness with a mix of symptoms of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Although the cause of schizophrenia has not yet been identified, recent research suggests that schizophrenia is linked to abnormalities of brain chemistry and brain structure. Genes play some role, but the magnitude of that role remains to be ascertained. Abnormalities of neurotransmitters e. The brain changes in some cases are suspected to date to childhood. While there is no cure for schizophrenia, it is a highly treatable disorder. In fact, according to the National Advisory Mental Health Council, the treatment success rate for schizophrenia is comparable to the treatment success rate for heart disease.
It is important to diagnose and treat schizophrenia as early as possible to help people avoid or reduce frequent relapses and re-hospitalizations. Several promising, large-scale studies suggest early intervention may forestall the worst long-term outcomes of this devastating brain disorder. People who experience acute symptoms of schizophrenia may require intensive treatment, sometimes including hospitalization.
Hospitalization is necessary to treat severe delusions or hallucinations, serious suicidal inclinations, inability to care for oneself, or severe problems with drugs or alcohol.
It is critical that people with schizophrenia stay in treatment even after recovering from an acute episode. About 80 percent of those who stop taking their medications after an acute episode will have a relapse within one year, whereas only 30 percent of those who continue their medications will experience a relapse in the same time period.
Medication appears to improve the long-term prognosis for many people with schizophrenia. Studies show that after 10 years of treatment, one-fourth of those with schizophrenia have recovered completely, one-fourth have improved considerably, and one-fourth have improved modestly.
Fifteen percent have not improved, and 10 percent are dead. Individuals with schizophrenia die at a younger age than do healthy people. Males have a 5. Suicide is the single largest contributor to this excess mortality rate, which is 10 to 13 percent higher in schizophrenia than the general population.
Suicide is in fact the number one cause of premature death among people with schizophrenia, with an estimated 10 percent to 13 percent killing themselves. The extreme depression and psychoses that can result due to lack of treatment are the usual culprits in these sad cases.
These suicides rates can be compared to the general population, which is somewhere around 0. Other contributors to excess mortality include:. One of the most effective tools in treating schizophrenia is by Programs for Assertive Community Treatment PACT , an intensive team effort in local communities to help people stay out of the hospital and live independently.
Serving as a hospital without walls, PACT professionals are available around the clock and meet their clients where they live, providing at-home support at whatever level is needed, for whatever problems need to be solved.
There are many different causes. The main factors that can contribute towards the development of schizophrenia are believed to be genetics and the environment. There are different types of treatment available for schizophrenia, such as medication and psychological treatments. Need more advice? If you need more advice or information you can contact our Advice and Information Service. Contact us Contact us. About What is schizophrenia? You could be diagnosed with schizophrenia if you experience some of the following symptoms.
What myths are there about schizophrenia? How is schizophrenia diagnosed? What are the symptoms of schizophrenia? The following are some examples of positive symptoms.
You might hear voices sometimes or all of the time. For example, you may believe: that you are being followed by secret agents or members of the public, that people are out to get you or trying to kill you.
This can be strangers or people you know, that something has been planted in your brain to monitor your thoughts, you have special powers, are on a special mission or in some cases that you are a god, or your food or water is being poisoned. The following are some examples of negative symptoms.
Cognitive impairment is when you have problems with: remembering things, learning new things, concentrating, making decisions. You can find more information about: Psychosis by clicking here. Hearing voices by clicking here. What are the types of schizophrenia? Paranoid schizophrenia Common form of schizophrenia. Prominent hallucinations, particularly hallucinations where you hear voices or sounds. Prominent delusions. Speech and emotions may be unaffected. Hebephrenic schizophrenia Irresponsible and unpredictable behaviour.
Prominent disorganised thoughts. Problems with speech. Pranks, giggling and health complaints. Usually diagnosed in adolescents or young adults. Catatonic schizophrenia Rarer than other types. Unusual movements, often switching between being very active and very still. You may not talk at all. Simple schizophrenia Negative symptoms are prominent early and get worse quickly.
Positive symptoms are rare. Residual schizophrenia This type of schizophrenia is diagnosed in the later stages of schizophrenia. Cenesthopathic schizophrenia. This is where people experience unusual bodily sensations.
Schizophreniform disorder is a type of psychotic illness with symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia. But symptoms last for a short period. Unspecified schizophrenia Symptoms meet the general conditions for a diagnosis, but do not fit in to any of the above categories.
What causes schizophrenia? For example: Stress. Some people can develop the illness as a result of a stressful event, such as the death of a loved one or the loss of a job. You are more likely to develop schizophrenia if you have a close relation with the illness. Brain damage. This is usually damage that has stopped your brain from growing normally when your mother was pregnant.
Or during birth. Drugs and alcohol. Research has shown that stronger forms of cannabis increase your risk of developing schizophrenia. A difficult childhood. If you were deprived, or abused, as a child this can increase your risk of developing a mental illness. Including schizophrenia. You can find more information about: Does mental illness run in families? Drugs, alcohol and mental health by clicking here. Cannabis and mental health by clicking here.
People who live with schizophrenia can respond to treatment differently. For every 5 people with schizophrenia: 1 will get better within 5 years of their first obvious symptoms.
What medication should I be offered? Your medication should be reviewed at least once a year. What type of psychosocial treatment will I be offered?
Family intervention could be to, learn more about your symptoms, and improve communication among family members. Family intervention could help you and your family to: learn more about your symptoms, understand what is happening to you, improve communication with each other, know how to support each other, think positively, become more independent, be able to solve problems with each other, know how to manage a crisis, and improve mental wellbeing. Early intervention teams Early intervention teams are specialist NHS services which provide treatment and support for people when they first experience psychosis and schizophrenia.
You can find more information about: Antipsychotics by clicking here. Talking treatments by clicking here. Medication — choice and managing problems by clicking here. What can I do to manage schizophrenia? Support groups You could join a support group. You can find out what is available in your area, or get help to set up your own support group if you follow this link: www. Peer support through the NHS Your doctor may offer you peer support.
They should be able to offer advice and support with: side effects, recognising and coping with symptoms, what to do in a crisis, meeting other people who can support you, and recovery. Self-management techniques Managing your condition on your own is called self-help. You can try some of the suggestions below to manage or cope with upsetting experiences. Speak to a supportive, friend, family member or someone else who has schizophrenia or has experienced psychosis.
Try relaxation techniques, mindfulness and breathing exercises. Do things that you find relaxing such as having a bath Try a complementary therapy such as meditation, massage, reflexology or aromatherapy. Stick to a sleep pattern, eat well and look after yourself. Set small goals such as going out for a small amount of time every day. Reward yourself when you achieve a goal. Do regular exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga or cycling.
Taking control of the voices If you hear voices, you could: talk back to them, distract yourself, or keep a diary. You can find out more about: Recovery by clicking here. Psychosis by clicking here. Complementary and alternative treatments by clicking here. What if I am not happy with my treatment? If you are not happy with your treatment you can: talk to your doctor about your treatment options, ask for a second opinion, get an advocate to help you speak to your doctor, contact Patient Advice and Liaison Service PALS and see whether they can help, or make a complaint.
There is more information about these options below. Treatment options You should first speak to your doctor about your treatment. Second opinion A second opinion means that you would like a different doctor to give their opinion about what treatment you should have.
Advocacy An advocate is independent from the mental health service. You can ask a member of your health team to explain how to make a complaint You can ask an advocate to help you make a complaint. You can find out more about: Medication - Choice and managing problems by clicking here.
Second opinions by clicking here. Advocacy by clicking here. Complaining about the NHS or social services by clicking here.
Recovery Is it possible to recover from schizophrenia? Recovery can be thought of in terms of: clinical recovery, and personal recovery. What is clinical recovery? Some doctors and health professionals think of recovery as: no longer having mental illness symptoms, or where your symptoms are controlled by treatment to such a degree that they are not significantly a problem. Some people completely recover from schizophrenia and go on to be symptom free.
Some who live with schizophrenia can improve a great deal with ongoing treatment. Some improve with treatment but need ongoing support from mental health and social services. What is personal recovery? Below are some ways you can think of recovery. Taking steps to get closer to where you would like to be. For example, you may want a better social life. Building hope for the future. You could change your goals, skills, roles or outlook. What can help me recover?
You may want to think about the following questions. What do I want to have done by this time next year? How can I do it? Do I need support to do it? Who can support me? The following things can be important in recovery.
You might find it helpful to read stories from people about their recovery or to join a support group. It can be helpful to accept your illness but also to focus on the things you can do. It helps to have realistic goals. It might help you be more in control of things in your life, like treatment or support options.
Having a stable housing and financial situation can play a big part in recovery — you might need to get help with these things. Contact with people can help you to stay well. The right treatment can help to start and maintain recovery. Things like sleep, exercise, diet and routine can be important. And making changes to Being active. New activities can help you to learn new skills and meet new people.
This might include working, studying, volunteering or doing things like gardening or joining a club. Sarah's story. Sarah Sarah's story. Risks What risks and complications can schizophrenia cause? Physical health Research suggests that people with serious mental illness SMI , such as schizophrenia, have a shorter life expectancy. Suicide The risk of suicide is increased for people with schizophrenia. Key risk factors for suicide include: previous suicide attempts, feelings of hopelessness, depressive symptoms, family history of psychiatric illness, physical health issues associated to schizophrenia, not using treatment, younger age, alcohol and drug use, family history of depression, family history of suicide, and not using treatment.
How can I get support for myself? You can do the following. Speak to your GP about medication and talking therapies for yourself. For more information about family intervention see the further up this page. Ask for a carers assessment. Join a carers service. They are free and available in most areas. Join a carers support group for emotional and practical support. Or set up your own.
How can I support the person I care for? Read information about schizophrenia, hearing voices or psychosis. Ask the person you support to tell you what their symptoms are and if they have any self-management techniques that you could help them with.
Encourage them to see a GP if you are worried about their mental health. Ask to see a copy of their care plan. They should have a care plan if they are supported by a care coordinator. Help them to manage their finances. There is no definition for what high risk means. It could include: not being aware of hazards because of delusional thoughts or confusion, refusing to eat for fear that food is contaminated, or threatening to harm others due to delusions or severe paranoia.
Think about the following questions: Who is in danger of being harmed? What evidence do you have of this? Have they done it before? Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. If you do not have schizophrenia, it is probably difficult to understand the internal experience of schizophrenia. Normally, when we describe our experiences to one another, we assume there's a shared understanding of what it feels like to think and to perceive the world with our senses.
We expect that we can talk about what we're thinking—without having to describe the ways in which our brains connect different pieces of sensory information and memory to make a thought.
In someone with schizophrenia, the most basic processes of perceiving and thinking are affected by the illness. Every individual with the illness will have a unique experience of the world, but there are common themes. One way to try to understand what it's like to have schizophrenia is to understand the experience of each of the basic symptoms of schizophrenia.
People who experience psychosis , which includes hallucinations and delusions, can also experience true sadness as well as isolation. This sadness is often a natural response to being trapped in a terrifying and isolating situation. A stunning first-person account of schizophrenia, Autobiography of a Schizophrenic Girl , describes very clearly the sadness and loneliness the young author felt when gripped by psychosis. To have a delusion is to be obsessed with an idea, and to have absolute certainty that the idea is correct.
Your thinking may be clear in other ways, with an otherwise logical ability to reason, starting with the absolute conviction of the incorrect premise.
Delusional ideas have a lot of power to preoccupy your thoughts. Sometimes people with delusions can convince others that their delusions are true. Even after responding well to antipsychotic medications , you may continue to believe your delusions are true. However, you also may have developed an insight that other people think the ideas are probably delusions. Psychologists might call this a meta-awareness of the symptom or awareness that exists above the level of the symptom itself. Hallucinations and delusions can go hand-in-hand.
For example, hearing voices speaking to you from the radio is a hallucination. Being absolutely convinced that the voices are real and the things they tell you are true has a component of delusion. As with delusions, this would require a meta-awareness of the unreality of what appears to be a real experience. Likewise, at a party, an outgoing person may perceive friendly, receptive faces, while a shy person may perceive the same faces as being indifferent or even critical.
Both of these perceptions are within the realm of normal human experience, and neither is pathological. That would be a type of auditory hallucination. Visual hallucinations can take many forms as well.
This perceptual distortion would feel like a real visual perception, and the person may believe it's actually occurring. If they're frightened by the perception, they might try to hide their fear, or cry out or run away. Some people have persistent visual hallucinations, such as small children or animals that frequently appear or follow them around.
They may even hold open doors for these hallucinations to pass through when they leave a room. The process that disrupts the normal operations of the brain also disrupts the process by which the brain monitors its own operation. There are many kinds of disorganized behavior, and people are usually unaware of these motions and believe the behavior is entirely reasonable.
A few examples:.
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