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Introduction to Schizophrenia

Introduction to Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is considered as one of the most complex illnesses. It is a chronic, severe, and disabling mental disorder characterized by impairments in a patient’s perception or expression of reality. These are commonly manifested as hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking. Schizophrenia affects about 0.4 to 0.6 percent of the world’s population.What causes schizophrenia?It is still unknown what causes schizophrenia, but mental health experts believe t…

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Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

There is currently no physical or laboratory tests that can objectively diagnose a patient with schizophrenia. Instead, a psychiatrist usually determines the presence of the disease through clinical symptoms, after other diseases with similar symptoms are ruled out. Below is information about common symptoms associated with schizophrenia, but remember that only a psychiatrist can make a diagnosis and start a treatment program.Positive symptomsPeople who are diagnosed with schizophrenia usually e…

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Treatment of Schizophrenia

Treatment of Schizophrenia

Although symptoms of schizophrenia can be treated, there is still no consensus among doctors and scientists as to whether it can be considered as a cure for the disease itself, or if schizophrenia can be cured at all. Management of symptoms as well as improvement of cognitive and social functions is thought to be more achievable than a cure. The effectiveness of schizophrenia treatment is often assessed using standardized methods such as Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Hospitalizat…

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