Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that can be debilitating for those who have it. It affects vital cognitive abilities, including thought processes, speaking, and behaviors. An individual with this disease often finds developing and maintaining relationships difficult. Many schizophrenics experience hallucinations and belief systems not rooted in reality.
When schizophrenia becomes apparent as a diagnosis varies by gender. For men, symptoms typically begin in their early to mid-20s. Conversely, women tend to experience the onset of symptoms in their late 20s. Schizophrenia cannot be cured, but with appropriate and ongoing treatment, the symptoms can be managed.
Schizophrenia does not have one central cause. It can be attributable to things like brain chemistry, genetics, and environmental factors. Left untreated, this complex mental health disorder can cause a person to become incapacitated or even suicidal. Fortunately, professional treatment can be used to help control the symptoms.
Types of Schizophrenia
There are different types of schizophrenia, each with its own specific signs that occur. Experts employed at schizophrenia treatment centers in Arizona can perform a diagnosis to determine which type a person has. The subtypes of schizophrenia include:
Paranoid Schizophrenia: This is the most common subtype of schizophrenia and is now more commonly referred to as schizophrenia with paranoia. A hallmark of this subset is feelings of paranoia about other people and situations, even when they are not supported by evidence. The person may experience hallucinations they cannot be convinced are not real.
Catatonic Schizophrenia: This subtype often causes a person to feel and present to others as catatonic. They may not speak or acknowledge anything going on in their presence. The person may remain motionless for anywhere from minutes to several hours at a time.
Hebephrenic/Disorganized Schizophrenia: A person with this type of schizophrenia has difficulty organizing their thinking and speaking. Their words may be misused or made up and their thought patterns difficult to follow.
Residual Schizophrenia: Someone with this subtype experiences symptoms of the disease although not as acutely as others. The person may be withdrawn and have difficulty speaking.
Undifferentiated Schizophrenia: This diagnosis may be made if the individual experiences symptoms from more than one subtype of schizophrenia.
Signs & Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Common signs and symptoms of schizophrenia include:
- Hallucinations, often auditory in nature
- Delusions
- Disorganized thinking
- Difficulty communicating
- Speaking incoherently or jumping from subject to subject
- Appearing to lack emotion
- Moodiness
- Not reacting to stimuli
- Difficulty holding down a job or going to school
- Poor hygiene
- Difficulty in relationships with friends, family, and others
- Withdrawing socially
- Psychosis
- Suicidal thoughts, feelings, or behaviors