Symptoms of schizophrenia

The Schizophrenia Doctors in Malad say that the disorder includes several thinking, behaviour, and emotional problems. The signs and symptoms are likely to vary but ideally involve delusions, disorganised speech, and reflect an impaired ability to function.

Some of the most common symptoms of the disorder are as follows

Delusions

They are generally false beliefs that are not based on reality.

Hallucinations

These are ideally signs where you see or hear things that do not exist. Yet, a person with schizophrenia has the full force and impact of an everyday experience. The symptoms can be in any of the senses, but hearing voices is one of the most common signs of hallucination.

Disorganised thinking or speech

Effective communication is impaired under this symptom, and answers to questions might be partially or entirely unrelated. Rarely speech might include putting together meaningless words which cannot be understood and sometimes known as the word salad.

Extremely abnormal motor behavior

The symptom can be seen in different ways, from childlike silliness to unpredictable agitation, as behaviour is not focused on the objectives of what is challenging to do. Behaviors might include resistance to instructions, inappropriate posture or a complete lack of response.

Negative symptoms

It refers to reducing or a lack of ability to function perfectly. For example, an individual might neglect personal hygiene or appear to lack emotions, or might lose interest in everyday activities especially withdraw socially.

The symptoms are likely to vary from person to person over time.

Causes of schizophrenia

It is not known now what causes schizophrenia. Still, experts at the Schizophrenia Treatment Centre in Malad, Mumbai say that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, and environment contributes to the development of the mental disorder. For example, problems with some naturally occurring brain chemicals like neurotransmitters known as dopamine and glutamate might contribute to schizophrenia. In addition, neuroimaging experts say that the differences in the brain structure and central nervous system lead to the disorder.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of schizophrenia rules out other mental health disorders and determines that symptoms are not due to substance abuse medication or any other medical condition. The Doctor might suggest you go for a physical exam which might be done to rule out other problems that could be causing symptoms and need to check for any other related complications.

The doctors would also suggest you go for tests and screenings, including screening for alcohol and drugs.

Treatment

If you have schizophrenia, you should visit the Best hospital for Schizophrenia treatment. The doctors say that schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment even if the symptoms have subsided. However, treatment with medications and psychosocial therapy can help manage the condition. In some cases, experts at jagruti rehab might recommend you to go for hospitalization.

Psychiatrists experienced here ideally guide treatment. The treatment team at jagruti rehab includes a psychologist, a psychiatric nurse, social worker and a case manager to take care of.

Medications

The cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment medications can be antipsychotic and one of the most commonly prescribed drugs. They are thought to control the symptoms by affecting the brain transmitter doper mind. The treatment of antipsychotic medication is to manage symptoms at the lowest possible dose effectively. Therefore, the psychiatrist might try different drugs in different doses or combinations over time to achieve the best result. Some medications also might help, like depressants or anti-anxiety drugs. However, it can take several weeks to notice the improvement in symptoms.

Psychosocial interventions

Under this, the experts might recommend you to go for individual therapy that helps in normalising your thought patterns. Also, you can learn how to cope with stress and identify the early warning signs of relapse so you can manage the schizophrenia illness. Social skills training will also be given by the doctors here, and it will focus on improving communication and social interactions in enhancing the ability to participate in regular activities.

When you visit Jagruti rehab centre, the Doctor will ask you different questions so that they can understand your condition better and start the treatment. If feasible, you should go with your loved one to the appointment to be stress-free.