These past decades, more and more people are becoming aware of different mental illnesses. There are constant campaigns to help educate the masses and encourage those who are suffering from mental illness to seek help. According to Mental Health America, 1 in 5 adults is diagnosed with a mental health condition, which is 40 million Americans and they do not include those who are not diagnosed yet.
What is schizophrenia
One of the mental illnesses that are being discussed today is schizophrenia. It is a chronic brain disorder that can cause delusions, trouble with thinking and concentration, it can cause hallucinations and lack of motivation. Less than 1% of Americans are diagnosed with schizophrenia, but those who have it need constant care and attention.
What are the symptoms?
A schizophrenic person experiences episodes, they do not know what is real and what is not so they often act out of character. The severity and the duration of the episodes vary per patient, there are those whose symptoms decrease as they grow older while some experienced severe delusions and hallucinations especially if they use illegal drugs, drink alcohol or if they do not take their prescribed medication.
The symptoms of schizophrenia are divided into different categories. The first one is called the positive psychotic symptoms, this is when patients hear voices, hallucinate, see things or people that are not really there and they are also paranoid and jumpy.
The second category is called negative symptoms, this is when patients find it difficult to speak, show any emotion and they lose the ability to decide and make any plans.
The third category is called disorganized symptoms, this is when the patient feels confused and they have difficulties in thinking and talking. They also showcase abnormal movements and behaviors.
And lastly, the fourth category is called impaired cognition, this is when the patient has problems with attention, memory, educational performances and concentration.
Living with schizophrenia
Unfortunately, there is no cure for schizophrenia. Experts are continuously doing research in order to make the treatment more effective and safe. With constant treatment and medication, someone who is schizophrenic can still lead normal lives. The symptoms must first be controlled, and the patient must be placed into one of the four category symptoms in order to know how intensive their treatment should be.
If the patient shows severe symptoms and if they find it difficult to function, they will be placed in a rehabilitation center so they can be treated and attended to 24/7. If you have a family member that has schizophrenia, support is much needed. If you are suffering from schizophrenia, there is help available.
This mental illness has no age limit, there have been reports of childhood schizophrenia, with the youngest diagnosed patient being only 11 years old. The symptoms of childhood schizophrenia is the same as that of an adult. Even though it is very rare for a child to have schizophrenia, it still happens.
If you notice that your child's behavior matches the symptoms that are stated for schizophrenia, contact a child psychologist so that your child can be evaluated. And if diagnosed, your child can be treated immediately.
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