Living with schizophrenia. There's hope
The onset of schizophrenia often takes place between the ages of 16 and 30, while in rare cases, children are diagnosed with it as well. The symptoms of schizophrenia are categoric and some of them are worse than others.1
Positive symptoms
These are symptoms that are not usually visible in healthy people and they often cause a person to lose touch with reality.
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Thought disorders and dysfunctional ways of thinking
- Movement disorders, including agitated body language
Negative symptoms
These symptoms are associated with disruptions to normal emotions and behaviours.
- Flat effect and reduced expression of emotions via facial expressions and voice tonality
- Reduced feelings of pleasure in everyday life
- Difficulty with beginning and sustaining activities
- Reduction of speech and conversations
Cognitive symptoms
These symptoms are generally subtle and affect the memory of a person living with schizophrenia.
- Poor executive functioning which includes the ability to understand information and make decisions using the information
- Trouble focusing and paying attention
- Problems with working memory, which is the ability to use information after learning it.
A diagnosis of schizophrenia is often more complex than other mental disorders. This is because schizophrenia is a rare and complex disorder, and to successfully diagnose it, other mental disorders should be ruled out. A healthcare professional will conduct the following in order to determine a person’s diagnosis.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of schizophrenia is often more complex than other mental disorders. This is because schizophrenia is a rare and complex disorder, and to successfully diagnose it, other mental disorders should be ruled out. A healthcare professional will conduct the following in order to determine a person’s diagnosis.
Physical examination
This may be done to help rule out other problems that could be causing symptoms and to check for any related complications.
Tests and screenings
These may include tests that help rule out conditions with similar symptoms, and screening for alcohol and drugs. The doctor may also request imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan
Psychiatric evaluation
A doctor will check a person’s mental status by observing appearance and demeanour and asking about thoughts, moods, delusions, hallucinations, substance use, and potential for violence or suicide. This also includes a discussion of family and personal history.
Treating schizophrenia has come a long way based on research and development from global pharmaceutical companies. Due to the reduction of stigmas associated with mental illness, more people have come forward with their diagnosis.
This has further resulted in ongoing education that has seen an improvement in treatment options that improve the lives of people living with schizophrenia.
Treatment options
Schizophrenia is a chronic condition that usually requires long-term treatment with antipsychotic medication.4,10 There are many different medications available to help control your symptoms and reduce the chance of a relapse, each with different advantages and drawbacks. Your healthcare team should provide information about, and discuss, the important aspects of each treatment with you and your family, enabling you to make your treatment decisions together with your healthcare team. It is important that you have open and honest conversations with your healthcare team so that you can fully understand your schizophrenia, and they can understand the best way to help treat it.
The earlier you receive treatment, the greater the chance that you will respond and be able to return to your previous level of activity at work and with friends. For this reason, it is important to seek medical guidance as early as possible.10,14,15
Although medication is very important in managing schizophrenia, psychotherapy and psychosocial interventions may also be appropriate as supporting treatments.
If you feel you might be experiencing the symptoms of Schizophrenia, make an appointment to visit a healthcare professional, who will help with a formal diagnosis and necessary treatment.