schizophrenia: do you know the signs?

people with schizophrenia may be prone to hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech and behaviour, and cognitive impairment.

by dave yasvinski

published oct 05, 2022

last updated jan 08, 2024

4 minute read

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4 minute read

join the conversation

people with schizophrenia often have trouble prioritizing tasks

the signs of schizophrenia are generally divided into three groups: positive, negative and cognitive. getty

schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects the way a person interprets and interacts with the world. people who experience this chronic and disabling disorder may be prone to hallucinations (particularly auditory hallucinations, or hearing voices that aren’t real), delusions, disorganized speech and behaviour, and cognitive impairment. without the ability to think clearly and manage their emotions, people who suffer from schizophrenia often struggle to maintain professional and personal relationships. although the causes of schizophrenia are not fully understood, its origin is believed to be related to structural changes in the brain, combined with genetics and lifestyle and environmental factors. men and women are equally likely to receive a diagnosis, according to the schizophrenia society of canada, but the disorder usually begins to appear in men in their late teens and early 20s and in women in their late 20s and early 30s. the course of the illness can appear different in each patient, however, making diagnosis and treatment a challenge.

there is currently no cure for schizophrenia, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms and reintroduce a sense of normalcy into patients’ lives.

symptoms of schizophrenia

the signs of schizophrenia are generally divided into three groups: positive, negative and cognitive. positive symptoms indicate the presence of abnormal mental experiences, such as hallucinations and delusions. these are often referred to as psychotic symptoms and indicate a patient may have lost touch with reality.

negative symptoms relate to a reduction or absence of the ability to function normally. this can include things such as losing interest in everyday life or neglecting personal hygiene. these symptoms, which are sometimes confused with clinical depression, reveal an absence of motivation that may impede rehabilitation efforts.

cognitive symptoms refer to thinking processes. people with schizophrenia often trouble with executive functions (prioritizing tasks), organizing thoughts and memory. this can manifest in a number of ways, including through disorganized speech, impaired communication or a lack of awareness of one’s own illness. patients may exhibit childlike behaviour, become easily agitated or act unpredictably in other ways.

it is important to note that suicidal thoughts and behaviour can be common in people with schizophrenia. if you think you or someone you know is at serious risk, seek medical assistance immediately.

how is schizophrenia diagnosed?

according to the centre for disease and mental health, determining if a person has schizophrenia usually begins with a physical exam by a doctor or psychologist who will ask structured questions about how the patient is thinking and behaving. they may also seek more information from friends and family or anyone else with insight into the patient’s condition. imaging tests, such as an mri or ct scan, may be performed to rule out any other conditions that present similar symptoms and a psychiatric evaluation may be recommended, if necessary.

ultimately, diagnosis depends on the information gathered and the opinion of a psychologist, which is usually informed by the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders.

treating schizophrenia

every patient has a different experience with schizophrenia but the condition generally requires lifelong treatment even when symptoms are no longer present. medication is the first line of defence against the disorder and anti-psychotic drugs are often combined with mood stabilizers, anti-depressants or other drugs to address symptoms or alleviate any side effects of treatment. psychosocial therapy is also a significant part of treatment, and can include peer support, learning recovery skills, psychoeducation and other forms of individual or group therapy.

other options can include brain stimulation therapy (used when patients do not respond to drugs), as well as medical care and approaches that focus on diet and physical activity. hospitalization, voluntary or not, may be necessary if a patient presents a risk to themselves or others)

preventing schizophrenia

while there is no way to prevent schizophrenia, lifestyle changes may reduce the risk, particularly if the disorder runs in your family. according to healthline, this includes avoiding the use of recreational drugs (particularly during the brain’s formative years), avoiding the misuse of alcohol and avoiding stressful events.

prevalence of schizophrenia

estimates suggest that schizophrenia affects around one per cent of the canadian population, or just under 400,000 people. although men and women are equally likely to be diagnosed, the disorder generally occurs earlier in the lives of men.

support for schizophrenia

the schizophrenia society of canada offers more information and the latest news on the disorder. if you or someone you know appears to present a risk to themselves or others, the government of canada also provides access to resources, including tips on how to boost mental health, and can connect you with help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

dave yasvinski is a writer with  healthing.ca

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