Schizophrenia is an intense and persistent psychological disorder that affects nearly 1% of the world’s population. Patients with schizophrenia frequently experience hallucinations both auditory and visual which can often be very convincing to the patient. The history of Schizophrenia is one fraught with misunderstanding and myths due to this nature. In this guide, we will find out about the treatment protocol for Schizophrenia, dispel the myths surrounding it and more.
What is the meaning of Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia can be described as a breakdown in the connection between thought, feeling, and conduct. It can lead to complete withdrawal from the real world and family and hence timely treatment is essential for positive patient outcomes.
Myths about Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia patients have a split personality.
Fact – One of the most common myths about schizophrenia is about schizophrenia causing multiple personalities. Most people believe that patients suffering from schizophrenia might have split personalities, meaning they act as two separate people. Schizophrenia multiple personalities is a myth as the patient does not have two personalities but they have lost touch with reality or have false ideas about the same. There is a condition known as Multiple Personality Disorder but it is totally unrelated to schizophrenia.
Schizophrenics are dangerous.
Fact – It is true that most of the patients can behave unpredictably at times but if they are getting treated properly at the hospital and taking medications on time as prescribed by the doctor, then there are very fewer chances of the patient being violent to others. If the patient commits any act of violence, then in general, the behaviour may stem from problems of substance abuse which is very common among patients suffering from schizophrenia.
If the parents have schizophrenia then the child will definitely inherit the disease.
Fact – Genetic factors do play a role in causing schizophrenia but if only one parent has schizophrenia, then the chances of the child getting the disease are only 10%. Notably, if more than one relative of the patient in question has schizophrenia then the risk of inheriting the disease increases.
Schizophrenics need to be isolated.
Fact – These types of common myths about schizophrenia comes from unfair schizophrenia stereotypes that the people at large believe in. With the importance of mental health increasing in the society, the patients with schizophrenia do not have to commit themselves to a mental asylum or lead a life of isolation. Presently, patients who are suffering from this chronic mental disorder are advised to live with family or in community homes that support the needs of such patients.
People with schizophrenia cannot recover from the disease.
Fact – Schizophrenia can be hard to treat but with the availability of medicines in the modern world and the changing mindset of people about medication, counseling, and psychotherapy, improvements are being seen. Presently, 50% of the population suffering from schizophrenia can go on to live full, productive lives with the help of lifelong treatment and medications.
Is Schizophrenia genetic?
Schizophrenia has a hereditary component, however, it cannot be considered a completely hereditary condition. No single gene can be pinpointed as the reason behind Schizophrenia but it is a combination of genes that can be responsible. Also, it is not necessary that someone of a similar kind of makeup develops Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia can be triggered in individuals due to a certain traumatic event and certain other environmental factors. .
The environmental factors that might contribute to the causes of paranoid schizophrenia include:
Exposure to toxins or harmful chemicals during infancy or in the fetal stage
Having inflammatory disorders or autoimmune diseases
Being exposed to mind-altering drugs
Having to work under high-stress levels for a long period of time
Schizophrenia Diagnosis
As Schizophrenia is a fairly complex diagnosis, there is no single test that is conclusive for the condition. Different psychometric and physical tests are conducted before coming to a diagnosis. The patient’s whole clinical history and their family is analysed as well. The therapist may also look at the patient’s emotional well being, behaviour, substance abuse and social adeptness to gauge the patient’s intellectual ability and the need for treatment (Inpatient, Outpatient etc).
Once the initial tests are done, the doctor may recommend a few blood tests, Computed Tomography (CT) check and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. The conclusive test for schizophrenia is that the patient ought to have encountered some kind of visual or auditory hallucinations which are called positive symptoms of Schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia Treatments
There is no remedy for schizophrenia, the condition can only be managed and symptoms brought under control with antipsychotic medications. These medications can help stop hallucinations, dreams and other forms of psychosis. However, in case there is a relapse into these symptoms it is ideal that the patient be rehabilitated at a schizophrenia rehabilitation centre.
Schizophrenia Rehabilitation
Schizophrenia treatment often has a social component or group therapy component that assists the patient into reintegrating back into society. Schizophrenia rehab focussed on improving the patient’s ability to function in a social setting such as work, school etc and it involves helping the patient manage and adapt to symptoms of schizophrenia. The idea of rehabilitation is to help them to a point where they are able to hold on to a job or routine that provides them with a sense of purpose and stability.
Why Cadabam’s for Schizophrenia Rehab?
At Cadabam’s world-class rehab facility, professionals curate a comprehensive and innovative residential treatment program designed to address Schizophrenia. Each treatment program is personalized as per the individual needs and expectations. This encourages the patients to have a contributing engagement in their recovery process.
Cadabams’ broad-spectrum assessments and evaluation processes are what makes it one of the finest and best schizophrenia treatment centres in India. Our clinicians use this information to design comprehensive and thoughtful treatment plans for the best possible outcome. Each plan offers individual psychotherapy and therapy groups in order to understand and heal the patient’s psychological and physical state.
Schizophrenia FAQs
What are the risk factors for schizophrenia?
Birth complications at the fetal stage or during delivery
Infection of the central nervous system during infancy or early childhood
Childhood trauma like having to witness the death of a family member
Social stresses like economic troubles or family separations
At what age do the symptoms of schizophrenia appear?
Both men and women can be affected equally by schizophrenia. Usually, the symptoms of schizophrenia show up when they are between 16 and 30 years of age. The disorder rarely occurs in children.
What is the prognosis? Has a person with schizophrenia ever had a normal life?
By following the doctor’s recommendations and attending regular psychotherapy sessions and support groups, you can be relatively symptom-free and lead a functional and meaningful life. Patients need to constantly educate themselves about the disease and cultivate ways to cope with the condition in consultation with their psychiatrist, family, and support groups.
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