Mental Illness- Schizophrenia

Mental Illness- Schizophrenia

* Define- Despite popular beliefs, schizophrenia is not split personality. It is a serious brain disorder (a psychosis) that distorts the way a person thinks, acts, perceives reality, and relates to others.
* Symptoms- Although signs and symptoms may vary from one person to another they include: hallucinations (them seeing things that are only real to them), delusions (a strong belief about something despite evidence that the belief is false), mild feelings of tension, inability to sleep or concentrate and a loss of interest in school, work and/or family & friends, disordered thinking, inappropriate reactions and lack of emotional expression.
* Treatment- Must be individualized because it can not be cured but can be effectively managed in many people. Treatment includes: antipsychotic medicine, atypical medicine, electroconvulsive therapy, psychotherapy, rehabilitation and family support.
* Causes- there has been no single cause found but several theories about the causes include: heredity (it runs in some families), brain chemistry, an abnormality within the brain and/or complications during pregnancy and at birth.
* Prognosis- Treatment can alleviate symptoms but patients often tend to suffer symptoms throughout the rest of their lives. Treatment plans must be adhered to in order to avoid complications such as suicide or acts of violence. The best prognosis is achieved by early management of the condition with strict adherence to the treatment plan. Factors that may increase the risk of a good prognosis are: b being female, good level of functioning before the illness, good support network and positive attitude from the people around them.
* Complications- Complications may include: suicide attempts, violence and/or aggression.
* Preventions- There is currently no way to prevent schizophrenia. However, you may be able to prevent the number of relapses by being aware of the signs of relapse. This can help you or your loved one seek...

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