| |
Paranoid Schizophrenia - Paranoid Schizophrenia Symptom, Cause, Treatment
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental disorder characterized by impairments in the perception or expression of reality and by significant social or occupational dysfunction. They often begin to hear, see, or feel things that aren't really there (hallucinations) or become convinced of things that simply aren't true (delusions). Schizophrenia is a form of psychosis, which is an impairment of thinking in which the interpretation of reality is abnormal. No objective biological test for schizophrenia exists, though studies suggest that genetics , neurobiology and social environment are important contributing factors Though often stigmatized for the behaviors caused by the illness, people with schizophrenia did not bring the illness upon themselves by becoming involved with the "wrong" crowd or interests. In men, schizophrenia typically emerges in the teens or 20s. Despite its etymology, schizophrenia is not synonymous with dissociative identity disorder , also known as multiple personality disorder or "split personality"; in popular culture the two are often confused. Much less common than other chronic diseases, schizophrenia occurs in around 150 of every 100,000 people, or about one to one and a half percent of the population, and usually appears during adolescence or young adulthood. Fortunately, newer medications continue to make this poorly understood disorder more manageable. There is no cure, but the disorder can be controlled with medications. Severe attacks may require hospitalization.
Schizophrenia, one of the most debilitating and baffling mental illnesses, defines a group of disorders that cause distorted thought and perception. Due to the many possible combinations of symptoms, heated debate is ongoing about whether the diagnosis necessarily or adequately describes a disorder, or alternatively whether it might represent a number of disordersThey can go for long periods of time without any symptoms, but because schizophrenia is often a chronic illness, it requires ongoing medical attention, like hypertension or diabetes. And, contrary to the beliefs that are reinforced by movies, television and books, people with the disorder are more likely to withdraw into isolation or become victims of crime than they are to hurt anyone else. In the absence of objective laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis, some question the legitimacy of schizophrenia's status as a disease In women, the onset of schizophrenia typically is in the 20s or early 30s. The lifetime prevalence of substance abuse is typically around 40%. Comorbidity is also high with clinical depression , anxiety disorders , and social problems, and a generally decreased life expectancy is also present.. population, and usually appears during adolescence or young adulthood.
Symptoms of Paranoid Schizophrenia
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits, energy level, or weight
- Withdrawal from friends, work, or school
- Nervousness
- poor concentration
- Social withdrawal
- Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
- Disorganized speech (e.g., frequent derailment or incoherence)
- A person may freeze like a statue or adopt odd postures. They may also become very agitated and restless.
- Trouble functioning at work or in social situations
- Lack of emotions or inappropriate display of emotions
Causes of Paranoid Schizophrenia
- Hallucinogenic or sympathomimetic drug abuse is a frequent precipitating or contributing factor .
- Genetic factors appear to play a role, as people who have family members with schizophrenia may be more likely to get the disease themselves.
- This gene may be triggered by environmental factors, including drug abuse, stress, childhood, and illness.
- The final common pathway of these various factors is sustained hyperactivity of dopamine neurotransmission in the brain, in association with decreased frontal lobe functioning
- All the tools of modern science are being used to search for the causes of this disorder.
- People have argued for centuries about the causes of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.
- Men older than 50 years were three times as likely as men younger than 25 years to father children who develop schizophrenia.
Treatment of Paranoid Schizophrenia
- During an acute episode of schizophrenia, hospitalization is often required to promote safety, and to provide for the person's basic needs such as food, rest, and hygiene.
- As the patient improves, drugs may be given in depot doses, a form of medication that works in the system for two to four weeks.
- Know your state's regulations or statutes regarding involuntary transport, treatment, and hospitalization of psychiatric patients.
- Behavioral techniques, such as social skills training, can be used in a therapeutic setting, or in the patient's natural environment to promote social and occupational functioning.
- A brief medical clearance examination is limited in usefulness and insufficient to rule out organic etiologies.
- File appropriate application for involuntary transport/treatment when indicated.
|
|
|
