Schizophrenia, the literal translation of which is “split mind”, was referred to as “multiple personality” for quite some time. However, this rare condition is now called “dissociative identity disorder” and refers to a completely different illness than what is currently known as schizophrenia, a mental disorder that is found in about one in every one hundred Americans.
Consultation with a Las Vegas mental health specialist reveals that schizophrenia normally shows up in young adults, between the ages of 17 and 35, with men normally exhibiting symptoms at a younger age than female patients. Because of the age range during which the problem first presents, it is sometimes confused with “normal” adolescent angst. However, when numerous behavioral changes occur and continue for six months or more, medical consultation should be sought.
Some of the early signs of this disease include hyperactivity, paranoia, inappropriate emotional responses, trouble sleeping, unwarranted hostility, disregard of personal hygiene and appearance and other uncharacteristic behaviors.
Schizophrenia is generally put into four categories, although the lines of demarcation often overlap. Paranoid-type schizophrenia is characterized by auditory, visual or olfactory hallucinations, often coupled with feelings of persecution or the kind of delusion that causes a patient to believe he is a person of power and influence. This type also often displays anxiety, anger, hostility and severe anti-social behavior.
Psychiatric specialists also list catatonic schizophrenia as a common manifestation of the illness. This type expresses itself in motion, or lack thereof. The patient might flail about, repeat exactly the same gesture endlessly or use his body in abnormal ways. Some others will remain motionless all day, repeat whatever is said to them, or display other bizarre physical behavior. In many ways, this can be the most debilitating form of the condition, since it leaves people unable to provide daily care for themselves.
Another severe manifestation of the disorder is called disorganized or hebephrenic schizophrenia. This is detected by inappropriate, senseless speech and conduct, often coupled with angry, agitated activities that could also hamper patients’ capability to look after themselves and communicate with others.
The last subtype for this ailment is known as residual schizophrenia and is characterized by a general lessening of symptomatic actions. Although delusions and hallucinations may still be present, they’re not as debilitating as they are in the acute stage. Symptoms range in severity from the need for constant custodial care to gainful employment and upkeep of a productive family life. Most cases, however, lie someplace in the middle, demanding occasional hospitalizations and continuous medical support.
Regardless of the category, schizophrenia is a lifelong illness that is more prevalent in urban areas than rural. At least this is handy for patients and their families, since lifelong ongoing treatment solutions are essential.
Treatment is dependent upon the symptoms exhibited by the sufferer and may vary from patient to patient. However, in general, psychiatrists combine medication, individual counseling and group therapy to incorporate many methods. In addition to the patient’s treatments, the immediate family also needs the attention of a mental health professional to learn about the most effective to work with their struggling loved one.
The disease places a massive emotional burden on members of the family, often leading to enough guilt, sorrow, bitterness and other negative feelings to cause dissolution of homes, unless they get the proper timely support. Help is found for those with schizophrenia and their families from assorted mental health workers, including doctors, case workers and social workers, all of whom will help control the vagaries of each and every individual patient.
The most common difficulty arises when a medicated patient declares himself “cured” and puts a stop to taking his meds, leading to an inevitable relapse. Seeking the expertise of a psychiatrist who focuses on this menacing mental disorder is one of the most important steps in helping your loved one live a more normal, fruitful life.
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