Schizophrenia, the literal translation of which is “split mind”, was called “multiple personality” for several years. 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 affects about one in every 100 Americans.
Consultation with a Las Vegas mental health specialist reveals that schizophrenia typically shows up in young adults, between the ages of 17 and 35, with guys generally exhibiting symptoms at a younger age than female patients. Because of the age range during which the condition first exposes itself, it is sometimes confused with “normal” adolescent angst. However, when numerous behavioral changes develop and continue for six months or more, medical consultation needs to 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 usually divided into four categories, although the lines of demarcation often overlap. Paranoid-type schizophrenia is characterized by auditory, visual or olfactory hallucinations, often accompanied by feelings of persecution or the type of delusion that causes an individual 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 movement, or lack thereof. The sufferer might flail about, repeat the identical gesture endlessly or use his body in unpleasant ways. Some others will remain motionless for hours, repeat whatever is said to them, or display other bizarre physical behavior. For many, this can be the most debilitating form of the illness, since it leaves people unable to provide daily care for themselves.
Another severe manifestation of the disorder is known as disorganized or hebephrenic schizophrenia. This is detected by inappropriate, senseless speech and behavior, often blended with angry, agitated activities that could also hamper patients’ capability to care for themselves and connect to others.
The final subtype of this ailment is known as residual schizophrenia and is characterized by an over-all lessening of symptomatic actions. Although delusions and hallucinations may still be present, they aren’t as debilitating as they are in the acute period. Symptoms range in severity from the desire for constant custodial care to gainful employment and maintenance of a productive family life. Many instances, however, lie someplace in the middle, demanding occasional hospitalizations and continuous medical support.
Whatever the category, schizophrenia is a lifelong illness that is much more prevalent in urban areas than rural. At least this is convenient for patients and their families, since lifelong ongoing treatment is essential.
Treatment depends on the symptoms exhibited by the sufferer and will vary from person to person. However, generally speaking, psychiatrists combine medication, individual counseling and group therapy to incorporate many methods. Beyond the patient’s treatments, the immediate family also needs the attention of a mental health professional to find out about the simplest ways to work with their struggling loved one.
The disease places a huge emotional burden on members of the family, often triggering enough guilt, sorrow, bitterness and other negative feelings to cause dissolution of families, unless they receive 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 may help control the vagaries of every individual patient.
The most common problem arises when a medicated patient declares himself “cured” and ceases taking his meds, resulting in an inevitable relapse. Seeking the expertise of a psychiatrist who focuses on this menacing mental disorder is one of the most crucial steps in helping your loved one live a more normal, fruitful life.
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