Schizophrenia: Things you might not know about this mental disorder

New Delhi: Schizophrenia may not be as common as other mental disorders, but it is the most persistent and disabling of the major mental illnesses. Schizophrenia, if left untreated, can become chronic.

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts. It is not split personality or multiple personality.

Scientists are still unclear what causes schizophrenia. But there are some factors that contribute to the onset of schizophrenia. Perhaps, stressful experiences often precede the emergence of the disorder. Other risk factors include -

• Genetics (heredity)
• Chemical imbalance in the brain
• Environmental factors such as viral infections, immune disorders.

Schizophrenia can affect anyone at any point in life, however, it most commonly strikes between the ages of 16 and 30, and males tend to show symptoms at a slightly younger age than females.

Symptoms can vary, depending on the individual and fall into four categories:

• Positive symptoms - Also known as psychotic symptoms, these include delusions (beliefs that are not true) and hallucinations ((hearing or seeing things that are not there).
• Negative symptoms – Social withdrawal, lack of motivation, etc.
• Cognitive symptoms – Trouble making decisions, using information, focusing or poor concentration.
• Emotional symptoms - These are usually negative symptoms, such as blunted emotions.

Unfortunately, there is as yet no cure for schizophrenia, but medication can help control many of the symptoms.

Therefore, medical treatment is the most important part of the program as proper treatment can help patients lead productive lives. Hence, the sooner the disorder is identified and treated for, the greater are the chances of recovery.

Today is World Schizophrenia Day. To raise awareness about schizophrenia and psychosis, as well as to reduce stigma around this complicated mental illness, World Schizophrenia Day is observed on May 24 each year.