Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that affects a person’s personality and behavior. The most recognizable symptoms of the illness are seeing and hearing hallucinations, bouts of paranoia and memory issues.

Causes

Without a definite known cause of it, there are a number of factors that appear to trigger the mental health disorder. It is most likely hereditary, and people who have it are more

likely to have family members with it. Babies with infections during pre-natal or early development have increased chances of becoming schizophrenic later in life. Onset of the disorder most often occurs in young adulthood in males, but later for females. The rare childhood disease usually begins showing symptoms after age 5, although it is difficult to distinguish a diagnosis from autism in children.

Treatment

For adults, there are a number of symptoms that slowly increase over time. Left untreated, they become more severe and eventually psychotic. There is no known cure for this illness, but it can be treated with therapy and medication to lessen effects and help those with it to cope better. One reason schizophrenia is difficult to treat is that the side effects of the medication may be severe and patients prefer not to take them. These may include drowsiness or restlessness, gaining weight or involuntary body movements. More recent developments in antipsychotic drugs, however, have decreased the number negative side effects.

Use of recreational and illegal drugs are common among those with schizophrenia. However, this only complicates the treatment plan and often leads to dual diagnosis to include addiction.

While most affected by the illness cannot live alone, many schizophrenics are able to live in group homes or supervised environments. Regular doctor visits help prevent recurrence of episodes through monitoring of medication, symptoms and behavior. People with schizophrenia may be able to hold a job, but will most likely need financial assistance through governmental or community programs.

Types

There are three categories of schizophrenia which affect about 1% of the earth’s population: paranoid, disorganized and catatonic. Each has its own different signs. Those with paranoid schizophrenia are most commonly argumentative, angry, delusional and unsettled in behavior.

The disorganized type of schizophrenia is noticeable through repetitious, nonsensical and emotionless behavior. Hearing and seeing things that are not there may occur.

Catatonics have less sensitivity to pain, involuntary muscle movement and are oblivious to hygiene issues.

If these symptoms are recognizable in someone, call a doctor immediately to seek treatment.