Schizophrenia 101: How to Identify Causes and Early Warning Signs?

• Written by Sejal Singhania

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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Ever feel like your thoughts are racing or wonder if your mind is playing tricks on you? That's what living with schizophrenia can be like.

Living with schizophrenia can be challenging, as it often involves confusing thoughts, false beliefs, and emotional disconnection. Despite being one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, schizophrenia is a complex illness that influences how people think, feel, and act. In this blog, we'll explore the early schizophrenia symptoms, causes, and treatments to support a better quality of life.

Schizophrenia Definition

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental health condition that affects an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It is not the same as a "split personality" or multiple personality disorder. Schizophrenia changes a person's perception of reality, leading to symptoms like hallucinations (perceiving things that aren't there), delusions (false beliefs), disorganised thinking, and unusual or erratic behaviour.

Additionally, it can result in adverse effects such as reduced emotional expression, a lack of motivation, and difficulties in social interactions. If schizophrenia is not treated, it frequently affects your relationships—whether they are professional, social, romantic, or otherwise. It may also lead to issues with organising your thoughts, and you could act in ways that expose you to the risk of injuries or other health problems.

Early Signs of Schizophrenia to Watch Out For!

Many people with schizophrenia may not realise they are experiencing symptoms. The early signs can be quite subtle and are often mistaken for other issues, but recognising them is so important for getting help quickly. These symptoms can show up as changes in thoughts, behaviours, and feelings, including:

• Social withdrawal
• Difficulty concentrating
• Unusual beliefs or perceptions.
• a lack of emotional expression.
• Difficulty sleeping

Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia refer to the presence of additional thoughts or behaviours that are not grounded in reality. These are often categorised as psychotic symptoms and may include:

• Delusions - These are false beliefs that aren't based in reality.
• Hallucinations - You still believe you can see, hear, smell, touch, or taste things that aren't real.
• Disorganised or Confused Speaking - Struggling to organise thoughts can result in jumbled speech, trouble in staying on topic, and odd thought processes.
• Disorganised or Abnormal Motor Behaviour - Engaging in odd or repetitive actions, taking on unusual positions, or displaying erratic or unpredictable behaviour.

Negative Schizophrenia Symptoms

The negative symptoms of schizophrenia refer to the lack of normal behaviours in individuals. This can involve:

• Lack of emotion or a limited range of emotions
• Withdrawal from family, friends, and social activities
• Less energy
• Lack of motivation
• Loss of pleasure or interest in life
• Poor hygiene and grooming habits

Cognitive Schizophrenia Symptoms

Individuals may experience difficulties such as:

• Trouble focusing and concentrating
• Challenges with remembering recent or past events
• Difficulty with planning, organising, and making decisions

Signs of Schizophrenia in Teens

Symptoms of schizophrenia in teenagers resemble those in adults, but identifying the condition can be more challenging. Some of them may include:

• Withdrawing from friends and family.
• Not doing well in school.
• Having trouble sleeping.
• Feeling irritable or depressed.
• Lacking motivation.

What Causes Schizophrenia? Triggers That You Should Know!

There is not just one cause of schizophrenia. However, similar to cancer and diabetes, schizophrenia is a real illness that has a biological foundation. Experts believe that schizophrenia can occur for various reasons. Some of these reasons include:

• Genetics - Family history of schizophrenia increases the risk of developing the disorder.
• Brain Chemistry and Structure - Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia might struggle to manage brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which influence certain pathways or the structure of nerve cells that impact thought processes and behaviour.
• Pregnancy and Birth Complications - Factors such as maternal infections, poor nutrition during pregnancy, low birth weight, and delivery complications can heighten the risk of schizophrenia
• Life Stressors - High stress, trauma, and other mental pressure can act as triggers, especially who are already at risk genetically.
• Substance Use - Using drugs, especially cannabis, can activate or intensify symptoms, particularly in those who have a genetic tendency.

>> Also Read: Why Do You Need Mental Health Insurance?

Complications of Schizophrenia

If not treated, schizophrenia can result in serious issues that impact all aspects of life. Related complications that may arise from schizophrenia include:

• Suicide attempts and thoughts of suicide.
• Anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as OCD.
• Depression
• Misuse of alcohol or other drugs.
• Not being able to work or attend school.
• Money problems and homelessness.
• Social isolation.
• Health and medical problems.
• Being victimised.
• Aggressive or violent behaviour.

Schizophrenia Treatments: Steps Towards Healing!

The aim of treating schizophrenia is to reduce symptoms and lower the chances of relapse, which is the return of symptoms. Treatment options may involve:

Medications

Antipsychotic medications assist in minimising hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised thinking. Take the right medicines to make your mental health stable.

Therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), social skills training, and family therapy are effective methods for helping individuals manage their challenges.

Support System

Groups for support, empathetic friends and family, along with mental health experts, can significantly impact well-being.

Daily Life System

Assistance with employment, accommodation, and daily routines frequently becomes a component of the care plan. A consistent environment is essential for recovery.

Pro Tip: Managing schizophrenia typically requires ongoing medication, therapy, and consistent psychiatric support, which can be costly without assistance. This is where a mediclaim policy can significantly help. Care OPD, an add-on benefit under Care Family Health Insurance, where you get 4 general and 4 specialist consultations each year to maintain your mental and physical health with a professional. A solid plan can alleviate financial burdens, ensure ongoing care, and cover hospital stays if needed. Therefore, prioritise your mental health and reduce financial stress with our top health insurance options.

The Mind Needs Cares Too!

Schizophrenia is a serious, long-lasting mental disorder. Both men and women are equally impacted, with most individuals experiencing symptoms during their teenage years or early adulthood. With proper awareness, timely diagnosis, and ongoing support, those affected can have fulfilling and happy lives. It's time to go past misunderstandings and false beliefs and begin discussing mental health with the knowledge it truly needs. Let's embrace compassion, break the stigma, and create options for healing for all.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. Health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. See policy documents for details.