Schizophrenia

0


What is it about ?

Schizophrenia is a serious and chronic psychiatric disorder. It belongs to the class of psychotic disorders. A psychosis

is a mental state in which a person loses touch with reality.

Schizophrenia is characterized by episodes of psychosis. Between two episodes, a person with schizophrenia can be almost asymptomatic. Even so, the individual who suffers from schizophrenia often functions less well because of the so-called negative symptoms :

  • Neglect of oneself, work and social contacts;
  • Lack of energy, feeling empty and moody;
  • Problems concentrating and difficulty making decisions.
Causes of schizophrenia
  • The predisposition plays the most important role in the onset of schizophrenia. It is probably a brain development disorder, which occurs during pregnancy. Brain abnormalities have been found in patients with schizophrenia that prevent them from optimally processing the information they receive from the outside world. Schizophrenia is partly hereditary.
  • In people predisposed to schizophrenia, factors following can trigger the onset of the condition:
    • Stressors;
    • A excessive drug use Where drugs;
    • Difficulties encountered while growing, at work or in developing relationships.

In whom and how often does it occur?

Schizophrenia usually occurs in young adults. It is as common in men as in women. Men generally develop the affection earlier than women.

Although theheredity being the main predisposing factor, schizophrenia affects only a few close relatives.

Every year, 2 in 1,000 people are diagnosed with schizophrenia. A total of 5 to 15 in 1,000 people have the condition.

How to recognize it?

Schizophrenia is characterized by

  • the phase which precedes the disease (prodromal stage);
  • episodes of psychosis (acute psychosis);
  • the periods between episodes of psychosis.
Prodromal stage
  • THE’anxiety and thedepressed mood are often present at this stage.
  • The first (mild) signs of psychosis may appear:
    • Sensation of change in one’s own person or environment;
    • Feeling of persecution (delusions);
    • Short-lived illusions and hallucinations.
  • Social contacts are less sought after.
  • The symptoms prevent proper daily, professional and private functioning.
Acute psychosis

At this point, the so-called positive symptoms take over:

  • Auditory, physical, olfactory or taste hallucinations;
  • Delusions (delusions of persecution, paranoia);
  • Inconsistency (stopping the flow of thought and abnormal associations).
Periods between episodes of psychosis

At this point, the negative symptoms take over:

  • You don’t really want to talk.
  • You have little energy.
  • You don’t feel any pleasure.
  • You have few feelings and your emotions are inconsistent.

How is the diagnosis made?

It is the psychiatrist who makes the diagnosis of schizophrenia. One of the conditions is that the symptoms have been present for at least a month and are preventing the person from functioning properly.

In collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, the psychiatrist will will ask questions (as well as your family) and will carry out a physical and neuropsychological examination. A blood test will be taken to exclude the drug use and conditions that can cause psychosis (eg certain neurological and hormonal problems).

What can your doctor do?

Treatment and support

The treatment is long lasting and is based on a relationship of trust between the person with schizophrenia and their therapist. It consists of a combination of psychosocial therapies (the emphasis being on cognitive behavioral therapy) and of medications.

The treatment has the following objectives:

  • Decrease the symptoms;
  • Prevent episodes of psychosis or decrease their frequency and intensity;
  • Improve psychosocial functioning and quality of life.

THE’accompaniement is preferably done at home, involving family and friends.

Medications

The antipsychotics mainly reduce ‘positive’ symptoms. These drugs have many side effects. These side effects sometimes make it difficult to follow the treatment correctly. The doctor will monitor the treatment closely. Sometimes he will temporarily add another medicine. If necessary, he will change the medicine or dose. The doctor will regularly check the blood values, weight, height and waist circumference.

If a depression or one anxiety disorder is added, the taking ofantidepressants or a brief treatment with sedatives may be necessary. Sometimes it is necessary to use medicines that stabilize mood (eg lithium).

Hospitalization

Hospitalization may be indicated in certain situations:

  • Severe episode of psychosis paranoid and aggressive;
  • Hallucinations or intense delusions;
  • Suicidal thoughts concrete;
  • Untenable situation at home.

In some cases, the person with schizophrenia may be hospitalized without their consent (forced admission).

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation usually takes place in a specialized center, where priority is given to learning and exercising social skills and vocational guidance.

When the condition is under control, follow-up can be provided by the general practitioner. If necessary, the psychiatrist will be consulted again.

Want to know more?

Are you looking for more specialized help?

Source

www.ebpnet.be