Understanding Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

What is it:

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves. People with Schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, experiencing symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised thinking. It is important to approach this condition with empathy and understanding, as those affected often face significant stigma and misunderstanding. Lifelong treatment is often necessary but early intervention can help manage symptoms and improve long-term outcomes.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia:

Schizophrenia involves a range of problems with thinking (cognition), behaviour and emotions. Signs and symptoms are divided mainly into positive and negative symptoms. Positive symptoms are more noticeable and disruptive while negative symptoms can be more subtle and gradual and may go unnoticed until they become severe.

What causes Schizophrenia:

There is no known cause of Schizophrenia. Instead, it may be caused by a combination of factors:

• Disruptions in brain cell communication chemicals like dopamine and glutamate.
• Irregularities in brain development before birth are influenced by conditions like gestational diabetes and malnutrition.
• Loss of connections between brain regions may play a role.
• Exposure to infections, autoimmune diseases affecting the brain, and prolonged extreme stress.
• Issues during pregnancy and birth, such as emergency caesarean sections and maternal malnutrition.
• Heavy use of recreational drugs, especially marijuana during adolescence, is associated with a higher risk, though the exact relationship is not fully understood.

How to diagnose Schizophrenia:

Mental Health Professionals go by process by elimination and check mental health conditions and ensure that symptoms are not related to substance misuse, medicine or a medical condition. Diagnosis of Schizophrenia may include:

• Physical examination and Tests: A variety of tests designed to rule out medical conditions with similar symptoms, as well as screenings for substance abuse. MRI or CT scans might be requested to rule out brain abnormalities or other neurological conditions.
• Psychiatric evaluation: A detailed assessment and judgement by a Mental Health Professional of the patient's mental status including general appearance, mood, speech, thought process, behaviour, delusions, hallucinations, substance use and risk of violence or suicide. Talking to the patient’s family and friends to know more about the patient’s educational, social and family background may also help diagnose the condition.

Treatment options for Schizophrenia:

Treating Schizophrenia involves a combination of medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. Continued support from immediate family and friends is crucial to help the affected person. Early treatment can help avoid or ease frequent relapses.

• Medication: Antipsychotics are commonly used to regulate brain chemicals and block certain communication pathways. Do not self-medicate, miss or adjust doses independently. Always seek professional guidance or treatment from Mental Health Professionals..
• Psychotherapy: Talk therapy methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help cope with and manage the condition. Some other therapies are reserved for cases where standard treatments prove ineffective.
• Psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR): It focuses on improving daily functioning, teaching vocational skills, social interactions and community integration of the patient. Programs also involve family education and support to help individuals manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

According to Dr M. Sarada Menon, a well-known Indian psychiatrist and the founder of the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF)

“Psychiatric treatment is, “Minimizing Illness” and “Rehabilitation is Maximizing Health”.

Role of caregivers and families in managing Schizophrenia condition for affected individuals:

• Providing a feeling of understood and supported environment.
• Ensuring the individual takes prescribed medication regularly.
• Observing changes in behaviour or mood to catch early signs of relapse.
• Learning more about schizophrenia so you can understand it better and provide better support. Stay updated on treatment options and resources available for managing.
• Establishing a stable daily routine for a sense of normalcy.
• Encouraging social and community interaction to reduce isolation and enhance well-being.
• Ensuring everyone involved knows how to respond in severe episodes.
• Collaborating with mental health professionals for a comprehensive approach to treatment and management.
• Assisting with future planning including financial and legal matters for long-term stability.

Tips to manage Schizophrenia:

While there is no known way to prevent Schizophrenia, you can manage or cope with Schizophrenia with the following care tips:

1. Take your medications as prescribed, regularly attend scheduled appointments and promptly report any changes in your symptoms or side effects to your healthcare provider.
2. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs as they can worsen symptoms and interfere with treatment effectiveness.
3. Share your feelings with caregivers, friends and family members so they can provide emotional support.
4. Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga or deep-breathing exercises. Engage in activities and hobbies that bring joy and relaxation.
5. Seek support or assistance from your friends, family, caregiver or whoever is near you during a severe attack.

If you or someone you know is struggling with Schizophrenia consider reaching out to a mental health professional for guidance and support. In India, you can contact the mental health helpline Tele MANAS at 14416 OR 1-800 891 4416 available every day of the week and offering support in multiple languages.