What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally.
Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior that impairs daily functioning, and can be disabling.
People with schizophrenia require lifelong treatment. Early treatment may help get symptoms under control before serious complications develop and may help improve the long-term outlook.
Symptoms
Schizophrenia involves a range of problems with thinking (cognition), behavior and emotions.
Symptoms may include:
- Delusions.
- Hallucinations.
- Disorganized thinking (speech).
- Extremely disorganized or abnormal motor behavior.
- Negative symptoms.
In men, schizophrenia symptoms typically start in the early to mid-20s. In women, symptoms typically begin in the late 20s. It's uncommon for children to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and rare for those older than age 45.
Symptoms in teenagers
Schizophrenia symptoms in teenagers are similar to those in adults, but the condition may be more difficult to recognize. This may be in part because some of the early symptoms of schizophrenia in teenagers are common for typical development during teen years.
The following symptoms appear:
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- A drop in performance at school
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability or depressed mood
- Lack of motivation
Causes
It's not known what causes schizophrenia, but researchers believe that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environment contributes to development of the disorder.
Researchers indicate that schizophrenia is a brain disease.
Risk factors
- Having a family history of schizophrenia
- Some pregnancy and birth complications
- Taking mind-altering (psychoactive or psychotropic) drugs during teen years and young adulthood
Complications
Left untreated, schizophrenia can result in severe problems that affect every area of life.
Complications that schizophrenia may cause or be associated with include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Depression
- Abuse of alcohol or other drugs, including nicotine
- Inability to work or attend school
- Financial problems and homelessness
- Social isolation
- Aggressive behavior, although it's uncommon
Treatment
Schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment, even when symptoms have subsided.
Treatment with medications and psychosocial therapy can help manage the condition. In some cases, hospitalization may be needed.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354443
