Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that can be very disabling if not treated properly. Though uncommon, schizophrenia is chronic and can make its victims feel out of touch with the world they live in. It changes the way one feels, thinks, behaves and interacts with those they love. Schizophrenia may seem scary, however, there is hope for those who suffer from it.
Who is vulnerable to schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia can run in the family, however, it doesn’t have to. Some scientists believe that no one single gene causes schizophrenia, but rather a combination of several different genes. It’s also believed that environment could play a crucial role in the development of the disorder. Symptoms of schizophrenia may start in an individual between the ages of 16 and 30.
What are some symptoms of schizophrenia?
There are a variety of symptoms and signs of schizophrenia, falling under three main categories: cognitive, positive and negative.
- Cognitive symptoms include those that affect how the person makes decisions or how they form memories. They might make poor decisions despite understanding reality, they may have problems with working memory or struggle with paying attention.
- Positive symptoms include behaviors that are not typically seen in average, healthy people. These symptoms relate to the “lost touch” that is so often associated with victims of schizophrenia. These might include dysfunctional thoughts, delusions, hallucinations or odd movements.
- Negative symptoms include those that show trouble with emotions. They may not speak much or find it difficult to complete activities they used to find fun. They may also lack emotions in their reactions, facial expressions or tone of voice.
Advantage Mental Health Center offers treatment options for patients with schizophrenia that have been proven to be successful with many patients. Unlike other centers, Advantage offers medication, therapy and a strong support network in order to help those who suffer from schizophrenia have the tools they need to control their disorder, manage their symptoms and provide them with the independence and hope they deserve.