Schizophrenia is actually a very challenging disease in which the person faces difficulty to distinguish what is real and what is unreal. Managing emotions and feelings in schizophrenia is actually something very different and a constant supervision is required for the same. It is actually very difficult to handle the situation when you or someone close to you is suffering from s. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t hope. Schizophrenia can be successfully managed. The first step is to recognize the signs and symptoms. The second step is to seek help without delay. With the right self-help, treatment, and support, you can learn to manage the disorder and lead a satisfying and fulfilling life. It is actually very important to learn about the disease if you or someone close is suffering from the disease.
What is Schizophrenia
It is actually a brain disorder that actually affects the way a person behaves and thinks. The most common form is paranoid schizophrenia, or schizophrenia with paranoia as it’s often called. Those who are suffering from the disease have an altered perception of reality. They may see or hear things that don’t exist, speak in strange or confusing ways, believe that others are trying to harm them, or feel like they’re being constantly watched. The result of the disease can be very harmful as it can cause relationship problems, disrupt normal daily activities like bathing, eating, or running errands, and lead to alcohol and drug abuse in an attempt to self-medicate. It has also been found in many cases that those suffering from the disease withdraw from the outside world, act out in confusion and fear, and are at an increased risk of attempting suicide, especially during psychotic episodes, periods of depression, and in the first six months after starting treatment.
While schizophrenia is a chronic disorder, many fears about the disorder are not based on reality. Most people with schizophrenia get better over time, not worse. Treatment options are improving all the time and there are plenty of things you can do to help yourself manage the disorder. Schizophrenia is often episodic, so periods of remission are ideal times to employ self-help strategies to limit the length and frequency of any future episodes. Along with the right support, medication, and therapy, many people with schizophrenia are able to manage their symptoms, function independently, and enjoy full, rewarding lives.
Most Common Myths about Schizophrenia
Myth: People with schizophrenia are dangerous.
Fact: Although the delusional thoughts and hallucinations of schizophrenia sometimes lead to violent behavior, most people with schizophrenia are neither violent nor a danger to others.
Myth: Schizophrenia is a rare condition.
Fact: Schizophrenia is not rare; the lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia is widely accepted to be around 1 in 100.
Myth: Schizophrenia refers to a “split personality” or multiple personalities.
Fact: Multiple personality disorder is a different and much less common disorder than schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia do not have split personalities. Rather, they are “split off” from reality.
Myth: People with schizophrenia can’t be helped.
Fact: While long-term treatment may be required, the outlook for schizophrenia is far from hopeless. When treated properly, many people with schizophrenia are able to enjoy fulfilling, productive lives.
Early Signs of Schizophrenia
In some people, schizophrenia appears suddenly and without warning. But for most, it comes on slowly, with subtle warning signs and a gradual decline in functioning long before the first severe episode. Often, friends or family members will know early on that something is wrong, without knowing exactly what.
In this early phase of schizophrenia, you may seem eccentric, unmotivated, emotionless, and reclusive to others. You may start to isolate yourself, begin neglecting your appearance, say peculiar things, and show a general indifference to life. You may abandon hobbies and activities, and your performance at work or school can deteriorate.
Warning Signs of Schizophrenia
- Depression, social withdrawal
- Hostility or suspiciousness, extreme reaction to criticism
- Deterioration of personal hygiene
- Flat, expressionless gaze
- Inability to cry or express joy or inappropriate laughter or crying
- Oversleeping or insomnia; forgetful, unable to concentrate
- Odd or irrational statements; strange use of words or way of speaking
While these warning signs can result from a number of problems not just schizophrenia they are cause for concern. When out-of-the-ordinary behavior is causing problems in your life or the life of a loved one, seek medical advice. If schizophrenia or another mental problem is the cause, getting treatment early will help.
A timely consultation is the only better way to fight with the disease. You can contact a reliable and experienced doctor for schizophrenia treatment and get the disease treated at the best and proper time. Dr. Shashi Bhushan is a reputed doctor for the treatment of Schizophrenia in Delhi. You can contact him for best treatment of the disease.