Schizophrenia is a group of mental disorders in which reality is abnormally interpreted. Schizophrenia is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking and comportment. People with schizophrenia are isolated from other people and activities around them, retreating into an inner world marked by psychosis.
Contrary to popular belief, schizophrenia is not the same thing with a split personality or multiple personalities. While the word "schizophrenia" means "mind-split", it refers to a disturbance of emotional balance and thinking. Schizophrenia is a chronic disease requiring lifelong treatment.
Signs and Symptoms
There are several types of schizophrenia, such as the signs and symptoms vary.
Generally, these symptoms include:
· Beliefs that are not based on reality (delusions), such as the patient's belief that someone is plotting against him
· Auditory or visual hallucinations (the patient hears and sees things that do not exist), most common are auditory hallucinations
· Incoherent speech
· Neglect of personal hygiene
· Lack of emotions
· Inappropriate emotion to the context in which the patient finds
· Aggressive manifestations
· Catatonic behavior
· A persistent feeling that he is followed
· Operational problems at school or work
· Social isolation
· Clumsiness, uncoordinated movements.
Schizophrenia as a Disease
Schizophrenia is everywhere in the world. The severity and duration of the disease often lead to a high degree of disability/handicap. Regularly use of medication and psychotherapy can reduce and control symptoms and disability. However, many people with schizophrenia do not receive appropriate treatment or discontinue medication because of unpleasant side effects of medications or other reasons.
The first signs of schizophrenia usually occur in the form of confusion or shocking changes in behavior. Family members of people with schizophrenia may find it difficult to adjust to these behaviors, especially when they remember how things were before.
The sudden onset of psychotic symptoms is called "acute schizophrenia." Psychosis is a state of mental impairment in which hallucinations occur, i.e. sensory perception disturbances and delusions, false beliefs that arise from failure to separate the real experiences from the unreal ones. Along with these main psychotic symptoms, other symptoms of schizophrenia such as withdrawal or social isolation, odd speech, abnormal thinking, and psychotic symptoms may precede or accompany them.
Some people have one psychotic episode, while others have psychotic episodes throughout life, with a relatively normal life between these psychotic episodes. But people with chronic schizophrenia have permanent symptoms without returning to a normal or quasi-normal state and typically need long-term medication and psychotherapy. The prognosis of schizophrenia is uncertain. Suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior are common in patients with schizophrenia.
How to Help a Person That Can Have Schizophrenia
When a familiar person manifests symptoms of schizophrenia, it is good for family and friends to wear an open and honest discussion about these concerns. Many people with schizophrenia do not think they need help because for them delusions and hallucinations are real. Nobody can be forced to seek professional help, but the closest people can encourage, support and help to find a qualified doctor for him.
If the patient endangers himself or others tutors should call the police or seek urgent help. In some cases, he may need emergency hospitalization.
Hoisted by My Own Petard is a novel about schizophrenia and how it affects the main character, Jack. This novel is for anyone who has experienced or knows someone who has experienced schizophrenia. This novel will make you laugh, cry, and feel understood. The book is available on Amazon
