Schizophrenia is a severe mental health condition that can influence a person’s thought processes, feelings, and behaviors. It can dramatically affect a person’s daily life and make it difficult for them to function. Those with schizophrenia may often find themselves detached from reality, and they may also experience hallucinations or delusions.
There can be many different causes of schizophrenia, and the way that it affects one person may be different from the next. The symptoms of schizophrenia can be managed with the help of professional treatment, support groups, and medication. If you or someone you know is struggling with schizophrenia, our team at The Raleigh House is here to help.
Understanding Schizophrenia
What Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that can involve disordered thinking, seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there, or believing things that are false. It can be difficult for those who struggle with this disorder to differentiate between what is real life and what’s not. They might also struggle to express their emotions to other people or to connect with those closest to them.
What Causes Schizophrenia?
There is no one singular cause linked to schizophrenia. However, there are a variety of factors that are believed to be connected to a person’s likelihood of developing this mental health condition. The first is a person’s genetics. In other words, if someone has a close family member who struggled with schizophrenia, they may be more likely to develop it themselves.
Other factors include brain chemistry or brain structure. If a person has a chemical imbalance in their brain, such as a dopamine imbalance, this can influence their likelihood of developing schizophrenia. There could also be additional environmental factors, such as whether a person has experienced trauma or if they engage in certain types of substance use.
What Is Living With Schizophrenia Like?
Living with schizophrenia, especially when it is not being properly managed, can be an extremely difficult experience. You may consistently have trouble trying to differentiate between what is real and what is not. This can have a major impact on your ability to hold and keep a job. It can also affect the quality of your daily life, your relationships with friends and family members, and your overall mental health and well-being.
Is Schizophrenia Genetic?
Schizophrenia is not always, but can be, genetic. In other words, if you have a direct family member who has struggled with this mental illness or other psychotic disorders, this could increase your likelihood of developing it as well.
What Is the Age of Onset for Schizophrenia?
Most people are diagnosed with schizophrenia during either late adolescence or early adulthood. It is extremely rare for children, particularly those under the age of 13, to be diagnosed with schizophrenia. Late onset of schizophrenia is considered the onset that takes place after the age of 40. While this is possible, it is not very common.
According to research by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the onset of schizophrenia is typically earlier in males than in females. For men, it is most commonly diagnosed in late teens or in their early 20s. However, for women, it is most commonly diagnosed in their early 20s through the early 30s.
Signs of Schizophrenia
Common Signs of Schizophrenia
One of the most common signs of schizophrenia is psychosis. This could involve hallucinations. In other words, a person might experience hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t really there. Other psychotic symptoms may include delusions. This is when a person has very strong false beliefs. For example, someone may believe that there is someone after them or that they’re being followed, and nobody can seem to convince them otherwise.
Disorganized thinking is another symptom associated with schizophrenia. It can be difficult for someone struggling with this mental health condition to think clearly or logically. They may also have trouble communicating or connecting with other people effectively. In some cases, they may often appear agitated, withdraw socially, and experience a lack of motivation.
Uncommon Signs of Schizophrenia
There are some less common signs of schizophrenia that can be overlooked or confused with other disorders. This can happen in the prodromal phase. This is the earliest phase of schizophrenia, and it’s when there may be certain warning signs that a person has developed this mental health condition.
Some of these less obvious side effects that may be associated with schizophrenia include:
- Lapses in memory
- Trouble staying focused
- Exhibiting ritualistic behavior
- Believing that they have magical powers
- Struggling to show appropriate emotional reactions
- Becoming obsessed with certain topics
- Preferring isolation instead of spending time with family and friends
Signs You May Be Experiencing Schizophrenia
If you believe that you may be experiencing schizophrenia, there are signs that you can look out for. However, it is important to always speak with a mental health professional instead of trying to self-diagnose.
Some signs you may be experiencing schizophrenia could include:
- Disorganized thinking
- Hallucinations (both visual and auditory)
- Delusions
- Feeling emotionally numb
- Having trouble connecting with family and friends
- Talking or acting in ways that may seem odd or inappropriate to others
- Lack of motivation
- Trouble staying focused
- Strained relationships as a result of mental health struggles
- Trouble keeping a job as a result of mental health struggles
Types of Schizophrenia
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Schizotypal personality disorder is a type of schizophrenia that is characterized by strange or eccentric behavior. It may involve being strongly superstitious or believing they have supernatural powers. Someone with this type of disorder may exhibit extreme social withdrawal and may feel uncomfortable when people try to get close to them. They may also be very paranoid or suspicious of others, even thinking that people are out to get them.
Delusional Disorder
Someone with delusional disorder will experience intense false beliefs, otherwise known as delusions. No matter how many people may tell this individual that these delusions are false, the person may be determined to continue to believe them. Aside from these delusions, however, the person’s behavior may seem primarily normal. Unlike those with other types of schizophrenia, those with delusional disorder typically don’t experience hallucinations.
Brief Psychotic Disorder
Someone who has brief psychotic disorder will experience the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms. This may involve hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech or behavior. However, these symptoms are temporary and do not last longer than one month. It can be hard to determine what sets off these episodes. However, it is believed that it can be triggered by stress.
Brief psychotic disorder is more common in women than men, and in some cases, a psychotic episode can be severe and may even require hospitalization. Antipsychotic medication may be necessary to treat this condition.
Schizophreniform Disorder
Those with schizophreniform disorder will experience temporary episodes of schizophrenia that may last anywhere from one month to six months. During that time, the individual may experience hallucinations, delusions, social withdrawal, and disorganized thinking and behavior. However, when one of these episodes ends, the person can often return to typical levels of functioning.
Schizoaffective Disorder
When someone has schizoaffective disorder, it means that they struggle with schizophrenia and a mood disorder at the same time. An example of a mood disorder could be bipolar disorder or depression. The type of schizophrenic or psychotic symptoms a person may experience could include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thoughts or behavior.
The mood symptoms the person may experience depend on the type of mood disorder they’re struggling with. In the case of depression, they may experience feelings of extreme hopelessness and sadness. They may also experience lethargy and a lack of interest in the things they used to enjoy. In the case of bipolar disorder, they will experience symptoms of mania, which may include impulsive, dangerous behavior and an increase in self-esteem.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
What Are the 5 Main Symptoms of Schizophrenia?
There are five main symptoms associated with schizophrenia.
They include:
- Delusions: Holding false beliefs
- Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there
- Disorganized speech and thinking: Trouble thinking clearly, focusing, and communicating with others
- Extremely disorganized or unusual motor behavior: Having trouble sitting still or frequent fidgeting
- Negative symptoms: Social withdrawal, lack of motivation, lack of emotional expression
Can Stress Trigger Schizophrenia Symptoms?
Yes, stress can trigger schizophrenic symptoms and may even cause someone’s first episode of schizophrenia. It can also make already existing schizophrenic symptoms even worse.
Helping a Loved One Experiencing Schizophrenia Symptoms
If you have a loved one who is experiencing schizophrenic symptoms, the first important thing you should do is to educate yourself on what schizophrenia is and what symptoms may be connected to it. The more you are able to understand this condition, the better equipped you’ll be to know how to help your loved one.
The next thing you should do is to encourage your loved one to seek mental health care if they have not done so already. In severe cases, someone with schizophrenia may be a danger to themselves. Therefore, treating schizophrenia in a safe, medical environment is critical.
When approaching your loved one, remember to be kind and compassionate and non-judgmental. Avoid raising your voice or becoming emotional. Assure your loved one that you care about them and want them to get the help they need. You can also remind them that you’ll be there to support them along the way.
Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse
Risk Factors Associated With Substance Abuse and Schizophrenia
Substance abuse and schizophrenia can often be linked, and some people may struggle with both conditions at the same time. Some people who have schizophrenia may turn to drug or alcohol use as a way to self-medicate. However, this can end up making their symptoms even worse. Family history and brain chemistry can both play a role in one’s likelihood of developing both of these disorders.
Other risk factors that can be associated with both substance abuse and schizophrenia may include:
- Trauma
- Environmental stress
- Lack of support
- An increased risk of homelessness or unstable housing
- Worsened symptoms of psychosis
- An increased risk of impulsive, risky behavior, including self-harm or suicidal ideation
Does Alcohol Use Trigger Schizophrenia?
If you drink alcohol, that doesn’t mean that you’re automatically going to develop schizophrenia. However, if someone is already at risk of schizophrenia, or in the prodromal stage, it can trigger it and make the symptoms worse.
Schizophrenia and Other Underlying Mental Health Issues
Some people with schizophrenia may also have other underlying mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorder.
Treatment for Schizophrenia
When to Seek a Professional
If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia, it is important to seek the help of a professional as soon as possible. This is especially critical if you are experiencing hallucinations or delusions.
How Is Schizophrenia Diagnosed?
Schizophrenia is diagnosed through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. This evaluation will often follow the guidance of the DSM-5 test.
A mental health professional will observe an individual’s behavior and symptoms and will diagnose them with schizophrenia if they have experienced at least two of the following symptoms for a period of more than one month:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Disorganized speech
- Negative symptoms like emotional numbness or social withdrawal
- Disorganized behavior
Therapies That Help Manage Schizophrenia
Individual psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are both common therapies used to help manage schizophrenia. Psychotherapy can help a person become more self-aware. It can also help them to strengthen their emotional regulation, build trust, and become more cognizant of their thought and behavior patterns.
CBT can also help a person become more aware of unhealthy thought and behavior patterns and to recognize certain delusions they may be having. This type of therapy can also help a person to manage the distress they experience as a result of hallucinations by teaching them healthy coping mechanisms.
Medications That Help Manage Schizophrenia
First-generation antipsychotic medications are commonly used to help manage the symptoms related to schizophrenia. These medications are particularly effective in treating delusions and hallucinations. Some examples of these medications include Fluphenazine (Prolixin), Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), and Haloperidol (Haldol).
Second-generation antipsychotic medications may also be used because they often present fewer side effects. They can particularly help those who are struggling with low motivation or emotional numbness.
Finding Help at The Raleigh House
Comprehensive Assessment and Diagnosis
Before treating schizophrenia, it is critical for a clinician to conduct a comprehensive assessment and determine a diagnosis. This will include looking at everything from the individual’s symptoms, their family history, whether they have a history of substance use, and other such factors. The clinician will also observe how the person’s symptoms may have changed over time. They will likely use the DSM-5 test to come up with their diagnosis.
Individualized Care to Meet Unique Needs
At The Raleigh House, we understand that each person’s experience with mental health disorders is unique. For that reason, we pride ourselves on offering individualized care to meet your needs. When treating mood disorders like schizophrenia, we use a combination of evidence-based therapies, holistic healing practices, and compassionate support.
Contact Admissions Today
If you or a loved one is currently struggling with schizophrenia or another mental health disorder, our team at The Raleigh House is here to help. Reach out to our admission team today to find out more about the services we offer.
FAQ
Does schizophrenia come and go?
Schizophrenia, as a mental health condition, doesn’t come and go. However, its symptoms can fluctuate over time. There may be months where these symptoms are particularly active and other months when they’re not active at all.
What should people with schizophrenia avoid?
People with schizophrenia are often told to avoid drug or alcohol use because these substances may exacerbate their symptoms. They should also avoid skipping any prescribed medications.
Can people with schizophrenia feel love?
Yes, people with schizophrenia can definitely feel love. However, they may express it in different ways.
Is it safe to live with someone who is schizophrenic?
This is generally considered safe as long as the person is undergoing treatment for schizophrenia, is living in a stable environment where they have support, and has no history of violence.
If you have ever struggled with a mental health condition, you likely know how isolating and frustrating it can be. You may feel as if those closest to you just don’t understand what you’re going through. It may seem as if you’re never going to find the lasting relief you’re looking for. However, if this is something you’re experiencing, help is available. Our team at The Raleigh House has helped countless people find lasting recovery from both mental health conditions and substance use disorder. We want to help you achieve the best life possible. Call us at (720) 891-4657 today to learn more about the different types of services we offer.
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