Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that leads to hallucinations and distortion of reality for the individual. It affects both men and women. Men often tend to develop the symptoms in their late teens and early 20s, while women experience symptoms in their late 20s and early 30s. There is no cure for this condition; however, there are treatment plans that may help manage it considerably. Here’s all you need to know about this illness.

Causes
The cause of this disease remains unknown. But research suggests that there are several factors that may trigger its development. These include biological, environmental, and genetic factors. Schizophrenia continues to remain a complex illness, and research is ongoing to gain more insights.

Symptoms
Some symptoms that develop early include the following: isolating from friends and family; change in focus and attention; agitation and irritability; anxiety; odd/suspicious ideas; difficulty with school work and poor academic performance; feeling different from others; difficulty in sleeping.

A person suffering from schizophrenia develops symptoms that are categorized as “positive” and “negative.” Positive symptoms refer to those that are not present in others suffering from various types of mental illnesses. They include:

• Delusions: This means that a person believes in something without having any facts or evidence.
• Paranoia: Being distrustful and doubting someone or their intentions. One often feels like they are being followed or persecuted.
• Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things or even smelling something that others around cannot experience. These are experiences that may appear real but are just something created by one’s mind.

“Negative” symptoms indicate a problem with mental functions like thinking, behavior, and perception. These include:

• Abnormal emotional responses to various situations
• Isolating oneself socially
• Difficulty in starting or maintaining a plan
• Difficulty in performing routine tasks and activities
• Lack of expressions or emotions
• Difficulty in experiencing pleasure
• Losing interest or excitement for life.

There are other cognitive symptoms like disorganized thinking or speech, using made up words or phrases, forgetting easily, trouble focusing, lack of “executive functioning” or lack of ability to make decisions, difficulty in learning new information.

Managing the condition
Since there is no fixed cure for schizophrenia, there are some options that a health professional may refer to. Some of these are listed below.

Psychosocial intervention
Starting therapy for individuals to cope with stress and illness can be extremely helpful. Along with therapy, one can undergo social training, which helps in getting a better grasp on today’s world and how things function. This also helps in social and communication skills, which are essential for managing some symptoms of schizophrenia.

Vocational rehabilitation
This type of treatment involves vocational training to the individuals. The individual gains the skills needed to live an independent life, where they can work and earn money for themselves. With enough training and experience, those dealing with schizophrenia can maintain a regular job that is not too stressful or triggering for the individual.

Support groups
It is important to continue with therapy and also be part of a support group. These groups help a person cope with stressors and triggers that may be difficult to explain to someone who has not had the same experience. Support groups are also a safe space to share any fears, apprehensions, and ways to manage symptoms in the real world.

Support from friends and family
It is extremely important that family and friends are educated about schizophrenia and are aware of the challenges that come with being a caregiver. It is important to remain patient and caring when dealing with anyone who is going through this mental health disorder. Educating family members and friends with the right do’s and don’ts is important so that caregiving is not compromised. Moreover, the individual should feel safe around their trusted family and friends. One of the easiest ways to educate people is to search for national organizations in the country. These organizations provide extensive information about caregiving for those with schizophrenia.

Recognizing schizophrenia’s early signs and symptoms is critical so that care is provided at the right time. It is possible to live a symptom-free life with schizophrenia if the doctor’s suggestions are followed strictly. One should make sure to see a trusted and experienced psychiatrist.

A mental illness like schizophrenia can be extremely stressful for the patient and the family. The family’s support is crucial in helping the patient live a confident and fulfilling life.