SCHIZOPHRENIA

 Schizophrenia is a challenging brain disorder that often makes it difficult to distinguish between what is real and unreal, to think clearly, manage emotions, relate to others and function normally. It affects the way a person behaves, thinks and sees the world.

People with paranoid  schizophrenia have an altered perception of reality. They may see or hear things that don't exist, speak in confusing ways, believe that others are trying to harm them or feel like they are being constantly watched.

According to World Health Organisation, schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder affecting about 20 million people in the worldwide.

People with schizophrenia tends to experience the following symptoms: 

* Hallucination: Hearing, seeing or feeling things that are not there.

* Delusion: Fixed false beliefs or suspicions not shared by others in the person's culture and that are firmly held even when there is evidence to the contrary.

* Abnormal behavior: Disorganized behavior such as wandering aimlessly, mumbling or laughing to self, strange appearance, self-neglect or appearing unkempt. 

* Disorganized speech: Incoherent or irrelevant speech.

*  Disturbances of emotions: Marked apathy or disconnect between reported emotion and what is observed such as facial expression or body language.

         Study shows that schizophrenia can be caused by the following:

* Genetics: Study shows that schizophrenia tends to run in the families, but no single gene is thought to be responsible.

* Brain development: Studies of people with schizophrenia have shown there are subtle differences in the structure of their brains. These changes are not seen in everyone with schizophrenia and can occur in people who do not have a mental illness, but they suggest schizophrenia may partly be a disorder of the brain.

* Pregnancy and birth complications: Research has shown that people who develop schizophrenia are more likely to have experienced complications before and during their birth, such as:

* a low birth weight

* a premature labour

* a lack of oxygen during birth.

It may be that these things have a subtle effect on brain development.

1. Triggers: These are things that can cause schizophrenia to develop in people who are at risk. These includes:

* Stress as bereavement

* Job loss

* Divorce

* End of a relationship

* Physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

2. Drug abuse: This do not directly cause schizophrenia, but studies have shown drug misuses increases the risk of developing schizophrenia or a similar illness.

      Study shows there are five types of schizophrenia:

*Paranoid type

* Disorganized type

* Catatonic type

* Undifferentiated type

* Residual type.

     If you think you have schizophrenia because you feel you exhibit most of the symptoms above, don't bother yourself too much all you need to do is to see a psychiatrist before you conclude. Then if a doctor diagnose you with schizophrenia, then it isn't the end of your life. These should be attitude towards it:

1. Accept your diagnoses:  This means making healthy lifestyle changes, taking prescribed medications, attending medical and therapy appointments.

2. Don't buy into the stigma of schizophrenia: Take your illness seriously but don't buy into the myth that you can't improve. Associate with people who see beyond your diagnoses to the person you really are.

3. Communicate with your doctor: Help your doctor ensure you are getting the right type and dose of medication. Be honest and upfront about side effects, concerns and other treatment issues.

4. Pursue self-help and therapy that helps you manage symptoms: Don't rely on medication alone. Self-help strategies can help you to manage symptoms and regain a sense of control over your health and well-being. Supportive therapy can teach you how to challenge delusional beliefs, ignore voices in your head, protect against relapse and motivate yourself to persevere with treatment and self-help.

5. Set and walk towards life goals: Having schizophrenia shouldn't be end to your life, relationships, happiness, you living a fulfilled life. Set meaningful life goals for yourself beyond your illness.

6. Learn to manage stress.

7. Take care of yourself.

By: Ibukunola Awosanya