Schizophrenia

• delusions - unfounded beliefs that are thought to be true even in the face of contradictory evidence
• hallucinations - a sensory perception without an external stimulus ; may affect hearing, taste, vision, smell, or sense of touch
• incoherence (not understandable) - disordered, and without logical connection
• catatonic behavior - bizarre motor behavior marked by a decrease in reactivity to the environment, or hyperactivity that is unrelated to stimulus
• flat affect - an appearance or mood that shows no emotion

No single characteristic is present in all types of schizophrenia. The risk factors include a family history of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is thought to affect about 1% of the population. Childhood-onset schizophrenia begins after 5 years of age. It can be difficulty to differentiate from autism . Childhood-onset schizophrenia occurs equally in boys and girls. Often, there is a strong family history of schizophrenia.

Prevention:
There is no known prevention.

Symptoms:
Catatonic type:

• motor disturbances
• stupor
• negativism
• rigidity
• excitement
• may be unable to take care of personal needs
• decreased sensitivity to painful stimulus

Paranoid type:

• delusional thoughts of a persecution or grandiose nature
• anxiety
• anger
• violence
• argumentative

Disorganized type:

• incoherence (not understandable)
• regressive behavior
• flat affect
• delusions
• hallucinations
• inappropriate laughter
• mannerisms
• social withdrawal

Undifferentiated type:

• may have symptoms of more than one subtype of schizophrenia

Residual type:

• the prominent symptoms of the illness have abated but some features, such as hallucinations and flat affect, may remain

Signs and Tests:
The diagnosis of this disorder is difficult and controversial. The following factors may aid in the diagnosis but do not confirm it:

• developmental background
• genetic and family history
• current stress factors for the affected individual
• level of functioning prior to illness
• course of illness
• response to therapy
• CT scan of the head may reveal enlarged ventricles in the brain

Treatment:
Hospitalization is often required to prevent self-inflicted harm or harm to others, and to provide for the person's basic needs such as food, rest, and hygiene.

Antipsychotic or neuroleptic medications are used to control the symptoms of the illness. This group of drugs includes the phenothiazines, thioxanthenes, butyrophenones, dihydroindolones, and dibenzoxazepines. Drug treatment is continuous, as relapse of symptoms is common when medication is discontinued.

Psychotherapy may be helpful in certain situations. Family therapy is often helpful to assist relatives in coping with the affected individual.

Behavioral techniques used in a therapeutic setting, or in the home can help a person learn behaviors that will lead to social acceptance.

Prognosis:
Most people with this disorder are improved with medication, however, many are not able to function in a productive capacity. Group homes or structured living environments are beneficial for many individuals.

Complications:

• noncompliance with medication will lead to a relapse of symptoms
• physical illness may go undetected because the patient may not

complain of pain or symptoms

Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider or mental health professional if:

• voices are telling you to hurt yourself.
• you are unable to care for yourself.
• you are feeling hopeless and overwhelmed.
• you feel like you cannot leave the house.
• you are seeing things that aren't really there.