Schizophrenia most commonly strikes between the ages of 16 and 30, and males tend to show symptoms at a slightly younger age than females. In many cases, the disorder develops so slowly that the individual does not know that they have had it for many years. However, in other cases, it can strike suddenly and develop quickly.
Schizophrenia affects approximately 1 percent of all adults, globally. Experts say schizophrenia is probably many illnesses masquerading as one.

Symptoms of schizophrenia.

A sizable proportion of people with schizophrenia have to rely on others because they are unable to hold a job or care for themselves.
Many may also resist treatment, arguing that there is nothing wrong with them.
Some patients may present clear symptoms, but on other occasions, they may seem fine until they start explaining what they are truly thinking.
The effects of schizophrenia reach far beyond the patient - families, friends, and society are affected too.
Symptoms and signs of schizophrenia will vary, depending on the individual.

The symptoms are classified into four categories:

Positive symptoms - also known as psychotic symptoms. For example, delusions and hallucinations.
Negative symptoms - these refer to elements that are taken away from the individual. For example, absence of facial expressions or lack of motivation.
Cognitive symptoms - these affect the person's thought processes. They may be positive or negative symptoms, for example, poor concentration is a negative symptom.
Emotional symptoms - these are usually negative symptoms, such as blunted emotions.
Below is a list of the major symptoms:
Delusions: The patient displays false beliefs, which can take many forms, such as delusions of persecution, or delusions of grandeur. They may feel others are attempting to control them remotely. Or, they may think they have extraordinary powers and abilities.
Hallucinations: hearing voices is much more common than seeing, feeling, tasting, or smelling things which are not there, however, people with schizophrenia may experience a wide range of hallucinations.
Thought disorder: the person may jump from one subject to another for no logical reason. The speaker may be hard to follow or erratic.
Other symptoms may include:Lack of motivation (avolition) the patient loses their drive. Everyday actions, such as washing and cooking, are neglected.
Poor expression of emotions responses to happy or sad occasions may be lacking, or inappropriate.
Social withdrawal: when a patient with schizophrenia withdraws socially, it is often because they believe somebody is going to harm them.
-Unawareness of illness: as the hallucinations and delusions seem so real for patients, many of them may not believe they are ill. They may refuse to take medication for fear of side effects, or for fear that the medication may be poison, for example.
Cognitive difficulties: the patient's ability to concentrate, recall things, plan ahead, and to organize their life are affected. Communication becomes more difficult.
Causes: It's not known what causes schizophrenia, but researchers believe that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environment contributes to development of the disorder.
Problems with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia. Neuroimaging studies show differences in the brain structure and central nervous system of people with schizophrenia. While researchers aren't certain about the significance of these changes, they indicate that schizophrenia is a brain disease.
Risk Factor: Although the precise cause of schizophrenia isn't known, certain factors seem to increase the risk of developing or triggering schizophrenia, including:
Having a family history of schizophrenia: Increased immune system activation, such as from inflammation or autoimmune diseases
Older age of the father
Some pregnancy and birth complications, such as malnutrition or exposure to toxins or viruses that may impact brain development.Taking mind-altering (psychoactive or psychotropic) drugs during teen years and young adulthood.
Complications: Left untreated, schizophrenia can result in severe problems that affect every area of life. Complications that schizophrenia may cause or be associated with include:Suicide, suicide attempts and thoughts of suicide Self-injury.Anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Depression.
Abuse of alcohol or other drugs, including tobacco Inability to work or attend school Legal and financial problems and homelessness, Social isolation Health and medical problems Being victimized,Aggressive behavior, although it's uncommon.
Prevention: There's no sure way to prevent schizophrenia, but sticking with the treatment plan can help prevent relapses or worsening of symptoms. In addition, researchers hope that learning more about risk factors for schizophrenia may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis :Diagnosis of schizophrenia involves ruling out other mental health disorders and determining that symptoms are not due to substance abuse, medication or a medical condition. Determining a diagnosis of schizophrenia may include:
Physical Examination: This may be done to help rule out other problems that could be causing symptoms and to check for any related complications.
Test and Screening: 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 or mental health professional checks mental status by observing appearance and demeanor 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.
Diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia. A doctor or mental health professional may use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment :Schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment, even when symptoms have subsided. Treatment with medications and psychosocial therapy can help manage the condition. In some cases, hospitalization may be needed.
A psychiatrist experienced in treating schizophrenia usually guides treatment. The treatment team also may include a psychologist, social worker, psychiatric nurse and possibly a case manager to coordinate care. The full-team approach may be available in clinics with expertise in schizophrenia treatment.

Medication

Dependence Type of Generation,Aripiprazole (Abilify),Asenapine (Saphris),Brexpiprazole (Rexulti)Cariprazine (Vraylar),Clozapine (Clozaril),Iloperidone (Fanapt)
Lurasidone (Latuda),Olanzapine (Zyprexa),Paliperidone (Invega),Quetiapine (Seroquel),Risperidone (Risperdal),Ziprasidone (Geodon.

Writer ia Bsc Honours at GMC Srinagar
Email:-----mirabhay220@gmail.com