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Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally, which can result in hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking and behaviour. The symptoms of schizophrenia are usually classified into: positive symptoms – any change in behaviour or thoughts, such as hallucinations or delusions. negative symptoms – where people appear to withdraw from the world around then, take no interest in everyday social interactions, and often appear emotionless and flat.



There is no known cause of schizophrenia, and it can affect anyone at any age. However, symptoms of schizophrenia typically start in the mid-20s in male and in the late 20s for females. It is also hypothesised that factors such as consumption of psychoactive drugs and family history of schizophrenia can increase one’s risk of developing the condition. 


Schizophrenics often require lifelong support from mental health teams, including psychiatrists, therapists and mental health nurses. Antipsychotics, which block the effect of dopamine on the brain, are used to reduce feelings of anxiety or aggression, but are less effective in reducing hallucinations or delusional thoughts. More serious acute schizophrenic episodes may also require voluntary or compulsory detention in hospitals.


Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354443

https://www.imh.com.sg/clinical/page.aspx?id=259

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/schizophrenia/treatment/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms/

 

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