Schizophrenia can occur as a result of a complex interaction of genetic, biological, environmental and psychosocial factors. Factors such as chemical imbalances in the brain, genetic predisposition, and traumatic events in childhood may contribute to the development of this disease. Individuals living with schizophrenia emphasize the importance of a supportive social environment and an understanding society. Schizophrenia is a condition that profoundly affects an individual’s life, but with appropriate treatment and support, many people can manage their symptoms and live meaningful lives.
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition and is a psychiatric illness that involves serious disturbances in an individual’s perception of reality, thought processes, and emotional reactions. This condition usually begins in young adulthood and can continue throughout life. Schizophrenia can occur as a result of the interaction of genetic, biological, environmental and psychosocial factors. Factors such as chemical imbalances in the brain, genetic predisposition, and traumatic events in childhood may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a condition that deeply affects the lives of both the individual and the family. But with appropriate treatment and support, many people can manage their schizophrenia symptoms and live meaningful lives.
What causes schizophrenia?
Although the exact causes of schizophrenia are not fully known, it is generally thought to occur as a result of a number of complex factors coming together. These factors include genetic, biological, environmental and psychosocial factors. We can give the following answers to the questions of some factors that may cause schizophrenia and who gets schizophrenia:
- Individuals with a family history of schizophrenia may be at higher risk of developing this condition. However, genetic factors alone are not sufficient and must be combined with environmental factors.
- Chemical imbalances in the brain and abnormalities in neurotransmitters may contribute to the development of schizophrenia.
- Congenital and developmental factors, such as complications during pregnancy, problems during birth, or traumatic events in early childhood, may increase the risk of schizophrenia.
- Environmental factors such as stress, family problems, violence, abuse or social isolation may affect the development of schizophrenia. These factors, combined with genetic predisposition, may increase the risk.
- Drug or alcohol abuse may be associated with the development of schizophrenia. Substance use may trigger schizophrenia symptoms in individuals with a genetic predisposition.
- Dysregulation of certain regions or connections in the brain may be associated with schizophrenia.
How to understand that a person is schizophrenic?
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that causes distortions in a person’s thoughts, feelings and behavior. Symptoms of schizophrenia may vary from person to person but usually include:
- Delusions: They are unreal beliefs. For example, a person may feel like they are being watched, controlled, or that they can read others’ minds.
- Hallucinations: It involves seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting or feeling things that do not exist. For example, the person may hear sounds, see things, or smell strange smells.
- Disordered thought and speech: Their thoughts and speech may be disorganized and difficult to understand. For example, the person may have difficulty following a topic or say things that do not make sense.
- Decrease in emotional reactions: He or she may have difficulty expressing emotions or appear unemotional.
- Social withdrawal: He/she may withdraw from social activities and prefer loneliness.
Symptoms of schizophrenia usually begin in adolescence or early adulthood. Schizophrenia is a complex disease caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. To diagnose whether a person is schizophrenic, they need to be evaluated by a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will evaluate the person’s symptoms and perform the necessary tests to make a diagnosis.
How does schizophrenia disease begin?
Schizophrenia usually begins in young adulthood (20s) but can also occur in childhood or old age. Symptoms of schizophrenia usually develop slowly and include distortions in the person’s perception of reality, thought processes, and emotional responses. The onset of schizophrenia is generally examined in the following stages:
Prodromal Phase: Symptoms of schizophrenia often begin with marked changes in a person’s behavior, thought processes, or emotional responses. During this period, the following symptoms can usually be seen:
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Attention deficit and concentration difficulties
- extreme suspiciousness or paranoia
- Abnormal thought patterns or thoughts that don’t make sense
Acute Stage: During this phase, symptoms of schizophrenia become more evident and the person may lose his or her perception of reality. These symptoms may include:
- Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, feeling things that are not actually there)
- Delusions (unreal beliefs)
- Speech disorders (meaningless speech, scattered thoughts)
- Dysregulation of emotional responses (apathy or hyperemotionality)
- Impairment in functionality (difficulty in maintaining daily living activities)
- Recovery Phase: This phase begins when the person receives appropriate treatment or when the symptoms subside on their own. However, schizophrenia is often a chronic condition and full recovery may not be possible.
Although it is not known exactly why schizophrenia occurs, it has been associated with a complex interaction of genetic predisposition, biological factors, environmental factors and developmental factors. Each individual’s experience can be different and symptoms can vary widely. To be diagnosed with schizophrenia, symptoms must persist for a period of time and significantly affect daily functioning. Diagnosis and treatment are usually done by a psychiatrist or specialized healthcare professional.
Is there a cure for schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic disease and cannot be completely cured. However, with appropriate treatment, symptoms can be controlled and the person can continue his daily life. Treatment of schizophrenia includes medication and psychotherapy. Medication forms the basis of schizophrenia treatment. Medications help control delusions, hallucinations, and other symptoms of schizophrenia. Psychotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of schizophrenia. Psychotherapy helps a person improve their functioning and manage their life.
Types of psychotherapy used to treat schizophrenia include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and rehabilitation therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that aims to change a person’s thoughts and behaviors. CBT can help deal with delusions and hallucinations. Family therapy helps family members cope with a person with schizophrenia. Family therapy helps family members support and assist the patient.
Rehabilitation therapy helps a person improve daily living skills. Rehabilitation therapy helps people find employment, maintain social relationships, and live on their own.