It’s sad to watch people who seem to have lost touch with reality. These people hear voices or see things that aren’t there. They are delusional and paranoid. Irrational fear rules them, their thinking is unusual, and their speech is disorganized. 

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness. People suffering from the condition experience themselves and the world in a distorted way. These people display psychotic symptoms like altered perceptions, abnormal thinking, and odd behaviors. The individual, their family, and friends undergo significant stress. 

Generally, after the first episode of psychosis, a diagnosis of schizophrenia happens. Much before the first episode of psychosis, the person displays changes in thinking, mood, and social functioning. 

Schizophrenia is typically diagnosed in the late teen years to the early thirties and tends to emerge earlier in males than females. It can occur in younger children, but it is rare to occur before late adolescence.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia 

• Psychotic symptoms: altered perceptions, abnormal thinking, lose touch with reality  
• Negative symptoms: disinterest or lack of enjoyment in daily activities, social withdrawal, difficulty showing emotions, and difficulty functioning normally  
• Cognitive symptoms: difficulty processing information to make decisions
• Trouble focusing or paying attention  

Causes and Reasons for Schizophrenia 

The causes of schizophrenia are complicated and not fully understood. Scientists think that schizophrenia can run in families as it could be genetic.  

Environmental factors like living in poverty, stressful surroundings, and exposure to viruses or nutritional problems before birth could contribute to the development of the condition. Differences in brain structure, function, and interactions among chemical messengers (called neurotransmitters) may contribute to the development of schizophrenia.  

Treatment Options for Schizophrenia 

The mainstay of the treatment is regular medication. Treatment focus on managing symptoms and solving problems related to day-to-day functioning.  

Antipsychotic medications, psychosocial treatments, coordinated specialty care, and family education and support can help manage the condition. 

Consult your doctor for a detailed medical examination and treatment.