Schizophrenia is a mental illness that can show up in very different ways. It is serious, but in many cases, it is easy to treat. It influences thinking, perception, action, and feelings. Those affected perceive reality in a different way. There are a variety of possible symptoms. In acute phases, some patients hear voices, develop delusions, or perceive their own thoughts as alien. The idea that those affected have a split personality is wrong.
Schizophrenia is common worldwide. They occur in poor, and rich countries, and different cultures. The risk of developing schizophrenia once in a lifetime is around one percent. The disease can occur at any age, most often it begins in early adulthood before the age of 35. But, before that, we need to understand the Schizophrenia diagnostic criteria. Schizophrenia can take different forms. As a rule, schizophrenia is treated with medication and psychotherapy.
Schizophrenia: Early detection is important, otherwise!
Schizophrenia may appear before an acute phase begins. The symptoms in this preliminary stage are often non-specific. Therefore, they are not always associated with schizophrenia. Possible early symptoms include –
- Disturbance of perception and reasoning.
- Restlessness, fears, tense or depressed mood.
- Concentration problems.
- Retreat from friends and family.
The symptoms mentioned can also have other causes. Experts believe that starting therapy early improves the prognosis of schizophrenia. Therefore, early detection centers were created. The offers are aimed in particular at young adults. Anyone who notices changes in themselves, such as problems with concentration, sudden mistrust of other people or uncanny perceptions can get advice and examination from specialists there. The Schizophrenia medication cost is affordable, but it will cost you expensive in the long run. A comparison of medication costs need to address the costs of all antipsychotics.
Symptoms: Other possible signs of schizophrenia
The following symptoms can indicate schizophrenia – but need not. Other diseases can also be considered as the cause. Based on these below individual symptoms, Schizophrenia diagnostic criteria is done. Individual symptoms sometimes show up in healthy people, without the need for therapy –
- Thinking disorders – concentration and attention are difficult. Thoughts keep stalling, abruptly tearing off. Individual thoughts are inserted, disrupt the flow of thoughts.
- Hallucinations – In the acute episode of illness, the sick may experience delusions. Often these voices comment, or criticize, and may be perceived as threatening.
- Delusional ideas – Those affected construct delusions that have no real basis, but appear to them to be conclusive. Others incorrectly refer to impressions in their environment.
- I disorder – Those affected experience some areas of their own world of thought as foreign, not belonging to themselves. They have the impression that foreign thoughts are being given to them from outside.
- Drive disorders – Some people feel weak and apathetic, lose interest in their environment and withdraw. If they are severe, those affected can neglect daily eating and personal hygiene.
- Changes in mood – Those affected may no longer show, or feel pronounced feelings. Your mood may be irritable or suspicious.
- Movement disorders – Experts describe catatonic symptoms as conspicuous motor disorders that have become rare under today’s treatment options. Such episodes can alternate with periods of intense restlessness.
Conclusion: avoid depression to avoid schizophrenia
Statistically, people with schizophrenia are more likely to suffer from other mental illnesses such as depression, and alcohol or drug addiction. The risk of some physical diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases is also increased, as is the risk of suicide. The signs described need not all be present in schizophrenia. They can vary in the course of the disease, and also from patient to patient. Based on these Schizophrenia diagnostic criteria, a conclusion is set, and treatment is done.
NeilStark is a professional blogger who has been actively creating content since 2012. His engaging writing style and attention to detail have made him a trusted voice in the blogging community, consistently providing valuable information and inspiration to his readers.
