Overview
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that is categorized mainly by abnormal behaviour, disorganized/unclear speech, and/or misconceptions of reality. Schizophrenia is an extremely unique mental illness, that comes with several different symptoms. In general, these symptoms vary and undulate, in a number of different ways, making each individual's schizophrenia unique. Furthermore, an individual does not have to possess every symptom of this mental illness to be considered schizophrenic. Additionally, individuals that possess schizophrenia often have other mental illnesses, most commonly major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders.
Symptoms
Schizophrenia is generally known to appear suddenly and without warning, however there are a few signs that may indicate the presence of schizophrenia within an individual. In the early stages of schizophrenia, it is very common for individuals to withdraw from social interactions, and begin to show indifference towards one's appearance, school/work life, as well as life in general. Disorganized and generally strange speech is another common sign of the development of schizophrenia. Several more common warning signs are shown below:
In order for an individual to be considered schizophrenic, medically, they must possess two or more of the above symptoms continuously, over a period of thirty days. |
Apart from the early warning signs of schizophrenia, that were discussed above, there are five main categories of symptoms of this mental illness, which are discussed below.
1. Delusions
Delusions are generally described as extremely solidified ideas or thoughts, despite concrete evidence that invalidates these statements. Delusions are among the most common symptoms of schizophrenia. In fact, approximately 90% of individuals that have schizophrenia experience some form of delusion. Delusions often lead to paranoid thoughts within sufferers, and it is often difficult to reason with these individuals. There are several different types of delusions, that each have unique ways of impacting and affecting the sufferer. Furthermore, a sufferer’s delusions may be specific to their life or situation, and are therefore very difficult to classify. Despite the large spectrum of possible delusions, the most common types are discussed below.
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- Persecution Delusions
The individual firmly believes that a specific person, group of people, or organization is plotting negatively against them. This is a major cause of paranoia within schizophrenic individuals, as they are constantly aware and concerned about the individual(s) that are “out to get them.” It is also not uncommon for sufferers of persecutory delusions to refer to the supposed individual(s) that are plotting against them, as simply, “them.” Furthermore, these delusions are often oddly specific and bizarre.
- Reference Delusions
The individual firmly believes that an extremely common event or occurrence is specifically related to them, and has a special significance or meaning. For example, if an individual were to sneeze in school, the sufferer of reference delusions may believe that this regular behaviour is a signal or special message. Again, these types of delusions are major causes of paranoia, as the individual will believe that they are in immediate danger.
- Grandeur Delusions
The individual firmly believes that they are an important, famous, or powerful individual. Based on research, these individuals most often believe themselves to be powerful world figures, such as the president. In addition, the individual firmly believes that they have special abilities, powers or peculiarities. These are often categorized under some of the most obscure delusions, as they are often extremely bizarre.
- Control Delusions
The individual firmly believes that their actions or thoughts are being consistently controlled by a random outside force. These delusions often vary, however there are three main sub contexts in which these delusions are categorized. The individual mainly believes that their thoughts are being broadcasted to others, that their thoughts are being planted into their heads, and/or that their thoughts are being stolen from their minds.
- Somatic Delusions
The individual firmly believes that their body is being afflicted by a very serious illness or condition, that is causing them immediate danger. Despite factual medical evidence that clearly disproves their concerns, these individuals continue to believe their delusions.
- Erotomania Delusions
The individual firmly believes that another individual (most often an famous/politically powerful individual) is hopelessly in love with them. All evidence clearly points away from this fact; however, the individual is heavily reluctant to believe facts.
2. Hallucinations
Individuals with schizophrenia often suffer from hallucinations. As stated above, although hallucinations are commonly associated with schizophrenia, one doesn’t have to hallucinate to be considered schizophrenic. Approximately 70% of clinically schizophrenic individuals experience hallucinations. Hallucinations are commonly described as imperceptions of reality, that cause schizophrenic individuals to hear, see, smell and touch things that others are unable to. There are essentially four major types of hallucinations that an individual may experience.
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- Auditory Hallucinations
The most commonly experienced hallucinations are auditory hallucinations. Auditory hallucinations essentially consist of sounds and/or voices that a schizophrenic individual may hear on a regular basis. The most common type of auditory hallucinations involves the schizophrenic individual hearing voices. The hearing of voices varies throughout each sufferer of schizophrenia, however there are a few trends. Schizophrenic individuals describe the voices as coming from around their immediate area, or within their own minds. Most frequently, the voices are heard as a nearby conversation, and often discuss commands, compliments or insults. Although the voices can be positive, they are most often directly negative towards the affected individual. Despite the fact that the voices are inaudible to everyone else, they are extremely real and vivid to the schizophrenic individual.
- Visual Hallucinations
Visual hallucinations, possessing the widest range of possibilities, involve the schizophrenic individual seeing objects, people, animals, or patterns that are not truly present. Due to the fact that each schizophrenic individual’s general life is unique, the possibilities of visual hallucinations are nearly infinite, as these types of hallucinations often relate directly to the sufferer. Most commonly, sufferers of visual hallucinations often see dead loved ones, or images that may specifically cause them fear, due to their past life and/or nature.
- Olfactory Hallucinations
Olfactory hallucinations specifically relate to the schizophrenic individual’s sense of smell and sense of taste. Olfactory hallucinations cause the sufferer to taste and/or smell specific things that are not really there. Olfactory hallucinations are a large cause of eating disorders in the schizophrenic community, as it is very common for individuals to believe that they are being poisoned, causing them to refrain from eating.
- Tactile Hallucinations
Tactile hallucinations specifically affect the schizophrenic individual’s sense of touch. Similar to visual hallucinations, there is an extremely wide spectrum of possibilities, when it comes to tactile hallucinations. Tactile hallucinations can be as simple as feeling a very slightly poking sensation in one’s left leg, or as aggressive as one feeling as though they’ve just been slapped in the face.
It is important to note that, to a schizophrenic individual, hallucinations are essentially the same as reality. Hallucinations feel extremely real, and are real to the sufferers. It is important to respect and acknowledge the schizophrenic population that does experience hallucinations, rather than dismiss them.
3. Disorganized Speech
Disorganized speech is an extremely common symptom within the schizophrenic community. There are a multitude of different ways in which a schizophrenic individual’s speech may differ from an individual without this illness. These ways are clearly discussed below. Although there are a few undulations within this category, there are a few trends.
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A very common way in which schizophrenic people’s speech differs from those that do not suffer from this illness, is the frequency at which the topic of conversation switches. This is due to the fact that schizophrenic people often make private word associations, that people without schizophrenia are completely unaware of. Similarly, schizophrenic people may also focus on specific parts of words, such as the “mental” in the word “fundamental,” which may change the topic of discussion completely.
It is also extremely common for schizophrenic individuals to avoid certain words, for personal reasons. As stated above, schizophrenic individuals often form private word associations, where certain words are associated with certain phenomena, for private reasons. As a result, these individuals may avoid certain words, as they are deemed “dangerous” or are triggering for specific reasons. Similar to the avoidance of certain words, the intonations of certain words are altered, to avoid certain syllables or letters.
In certain situations, it is not uncommon for certain words or phrases to be consistently repeated, in a sort of “incantation,” most often to block out evil forces. Despite all evidence that points away from the presence of evil forces, the individual will continue to repeat the incantation, as they believe they are in immediate danger.
Similar to the English definition, neologisms, in terms of schizophrenia, are words that are made up by the affected individual, for personal or private reasons. Although the reasoning may vary, these words are most often used as incantations, or have a large significance in the individual’s mind.
In unique, less common situations, schizophrenic individuals will use rhyming words consistently, for seemingly no reason. This is most likely due to some private meaning, or private significance.
- Frequency of topic switching
A very common way in which schizophrenic people’s speech differs from those that do not suffer from this illness, is the frequency at which the topic of conversation switches. This is due to the fact that schizophrenic people often make private word associations, that people without schizophrenia are completely unaware of. Similarly, schizophrenic people may also focus on specific parts of words, such as the “mental” in the word “fundamental,” which may change the topic of discussion completely.
- Avoidance
It is also extremely common for schizophrenic individuals to avoid certain words, for personal reasons. As stated above, schizophrenic individuals often form private word associations, where certain words are associated with certain phenomena, for private reasons. As a result, these individuals may avoid certain words, as they are deemed “dangerous” or are triggering for specific reasons. Similar to the avoidance of certain words, the intonations of certain words are altered, to avoid certain syllables or letters.
- Incantations
In certain situations, it is not uncommon for certain words or phrases to be consistently repeated, in a sort of “incantation,” most often to block out evil forces. Despite all evidence that points away from the presence of evil forces, the individual will continue to repeat the incantation, as they believe they are in immediate danger.
- Neologisms
Similar to the English definition, neologisms, in terms of schizophrenia, are words that are made up by the affected individual, for personal or private reasons. Although the reasoning may vary, these words are most often used as incantations, or have a large significance in the individual’s mind.
- Rhymes
In unique, less common situations, schizophrenic individuals will use rhyming words consistently, for seemingly no reason. This is most likely due to some private meaning, or private significance.
When a schizophrenic individual is in a phase of disorganized speech, they are nearly impossible to understand, and it can often be frustrating to try to understand their reasoning.
4. Violence/Aggression and Disorganized Behaviour
These two symptoms of schizophrenia are somewhat interconnected, as they seem to stem from the same cause. Both of these symptoms do not have a direct psychological cause, however they both exist alongside hallucinations and delusions, in a vast majority of situations. Therefore, it can be concluded that they both exist due to a build up of stress, an undulation in medication, and/or overwhelmed emotions caused by hallucinations or delusions.
Disorganized behaviors are extremely common in the schizophrenic population. Again, this symptom has an extremely wide spectrum, as these disorganized behaviors are specific to the individual that is experiencing them. There a few general behaviors that are the most common. The most common behaviors include a general decline in functionality on the daily, inappropriate emotional responses to situations, unpredictable emotions or actions, lack of interest in life and/or the world, generally strange behaviors, and negative outlooks on the self, life, or others.
Aggression or violent behavior is most often a result of a build up of stress, usually caused by delusions or hallucinations. Similar to the disorganized behaviors, there is a wide spectrum of ways in which the schizophrenic individual may show aggression. For example, aggression can range from the release of anger through profanity, directed towards a specific individual, to the release of stress and anger through physical violence.
Disorganized behaviors are extremely common in the schizophrenic population. Again, this symptom has an extremely wide spectrum, as these disorganized behaviors are specific to the individual that is experiencing them. There a few general behaviors that are the most common. The most common behaviors include a general decline in functionality on the daily, inappropriate emotional responses to situations, unpredictable emotions or actions, lack of interest in life and/or the world, generally strange behaviors, and negative outlooks on the self, life, or others.
Aggression or violent behavior is most often a result of a build up of stress, usually caused by delusions or hallucinations. Similar to the disorganized behaviors, there is a wide spectrum of ways in which the schizophrenic individual may show aggression. For example, aggression can range from the release of anger through profanity, directed towards a specific individual, to the release of stress and anger through physical violence.
Causes
- Risk Factors
The following informational points are general risk factors for the contraction of schizophrenia. Although these absolutely do not apply in all cases, based on research and data, they slightly increase one’s chance to develop schizophrenia.
- Living in high-density cities
- Being of African American heritage
- Being exposed to hunger for the first three months of pregnancy
- Father having older age
- Pregnancy/Birth complications
- Exposure to toxins/harmful chemicals
- Heavy substance use and abuse (particularly mind-altering) – will be discussed later on
- Genetics
Genetics do not have a large role in determining one’s chance of having schizophrenia. Due to the fact that the concrete cause of schizophrenia is unknown, all factors must be considered. Based on schizophrenia statistics, there is a direct correlation between family members and the contraction of schizophrenia.
- If one of your immediate family members has the illness, your chances go up by 10%
- If both your parents have the illness, your chances are 40%
- If you have an identical twin with the illness, your chances are 50%
Based on the above statistics, it can be concluded that genetics do directly affect your chances of contracting schizophrenia, however the impact is generally low, in comparison to the following factors.
- Substance Use and Abuse
Psychoactive or psychotropic drugs, that essentially alter one’s perception of reality, will indefinitely increase one’s vulnerability to developing consistent delusions, hallucinations, mood changes, as well as other symptoms of schizophrenia. Although it is commonly believed that only extremely heavy and solely mind-altering drug usage would contribute to the development of schizophrenia, there are multiple other causes. There are multiple research studies that show clear correlations between any nicotine usage and the development of schizophrenia. Therefore, the use of any drugs, including marijuana and alcohol, can increase one’s chance of developing symptoms of schizophrenia. In addition to the development of the symptoms of schizophrenia, individuals that use and abuse drugs, are generally more biologically vulnerable to schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.
Based on several research studies, it was estimate that approximately 90% of people with schizophrenia are addicted to nicotine, and actively use drugs. These situations often resemble a loop, where one uses drugs to relieve themselves of the heavy weight of mental illness, which essentially causes it to worsen.
- Environmental Factors
In addition to the above causes, there are multiple environmental factors that have been proven to contribute to the development of schizophrenia. Things like exposure to illness at a young age, malnutrition, birth issues and pregnancy issues all contribute slightly to the development of schizophrenia.
- Brain Chemistry
Unlike most other mental illnesses, such as Major Depressive Disorder, one’s brain chemistry does not have a proven impact on the development of schizophrenia. Studies show that both the physical structure and biochemistry of an individual with schizophrenia differ slightly from that of an individual without the illness. Things like larger spaces between parts of the brain, and lower dopamine levels are present in the brains of schizophrenic individuals, however scientists are still unsure of their impact on the development of the illness.
Treatment
As stated above, a lack of dopamine (a neurotransmitter) may contribute to the development and worsening of schizophrenia. Most medications are used to increase the dopamine levels in one’s brain chemistry, to hopefully control the symptoms. In general, most of the medications used for schizophrenia treatment are antipsychotic, and are used to control the symptoms of the illness (specifically delusions and hallucinations).
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As stated above, a lack of dopamine (a neurotransmitter) may contribute to the development and worsening of schizophrenia. Most medications are used to increase the dopamine levels in one’s brain chemistry, to hopefully control the symptoms. In general, most of the medications used for schizophrenia treatment are antipsychotic, and are used to control the symptoms of the illness (specifically delusions and hallucinations).
It is important to note that each sufferer of schizophrenia responds differently to medication, as they each have a different brain chemistry. Therefore, a psychiatrist may test out a number of medications on the sufferer of schizophrenia, to find the correct fit. There are several serious side effects, when it comes to schizophrenia medication, so medication must be administered correctly, in the lowest dose possible, to manage symptoms effectively.
Psychotherapy is an excellent way to aid with multiple mental illnesses. Although psychotherapy is not a direct and medical treatment for schizophrenia, it should be used alongside medication. The main purpose of psychotherapy is to aid the sufferer of the illness to cope with their condition, as many people do not have the proper strategies to do so. In addition, psychotherapy is an excellent way for the sufferer of schizophrenia to learn strategies to deal with symptoms, when the need arises, and to further understand their brains and way of thinking. It is often soothing for an individual with a mental illness to begin to understand their conditions more, as it is often therapeutic.
Hospitalization is not necessarily a treatment method, however it is an available service, that is extremely necessary in times of crisis. When an individual has a mental illness, specifically schizophrenia, they often neglect their nutrition and hygiene. In addition, there are several times when a person with a mental illness may suffer from a mental or emotional breakdown, due to an overload of symptoms. In these cases, the individual may begin to consider self harm, as a coping mechanism. In these times of danger, hospitalization is an excellent idea to ensure safety, and prevent malnutrition and lack of hygiene.
- Medication
As stated above, a lack of dopamine (a neurotransmitter) may contribute to the development and worsening of schizophrenia. Most medications are used to increase the dopamine levels in one’s brain chemistry, to hopefully control the symptoms. In general, most of the medications used for schizophrenia treatment are antipsychotic, and are used to control the symptoms of the illness (specifically delusions and hallucinations).
It is important to note that each sufferer of schizophrenia responds differently to medication, as they each have a different brain chemistry. Therefore, a psychiatrist may test out a number of medications on the sufferer of schizophrenia, to find the correct fit. There are several serious side effects, when it comes to schizophrenia medication, so medication must be administered correctly, in the lowest dose possible, to manage symptoms effectively.
- Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an excellent way to aid with multiple mental illnesses. Although psychotherapy is not a direct and medical treatment for schizophrenia, it should be used alongside medication. The main purpose of psychotherapy is to aid the sufferer of the illness to cope with their condition, as many people do not have the proper strategies to do so. In addition, psychotherapy is an excellent way for the sufferer of schizophrenia to learn strategies to deal with symptoms, when the need arises, and to further understand their brains and way of thinking. It is often soothing for an individual with a mental illness to begin to understand their conditions more, as it is often therapeutic.
- Hospitalization
Hospitalization is not necessarily a treatment method, however it is an available service, that is extremely necessary in times of crisis. When an individual has a mental illness, specifically schizophrenia, they often neglect their nutrition and hygiene. In addition, there are several times when a person with a mental illness may suffer from a mental or emotional breakdown, due to an overload of symptoms. In these cases, the individual may begin to consider self harm, as a coping mechanism. In these times of danger, hospitalization is an excellent idea to ensure safety, and prevent malnutrition and lack of hygiene.