Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe and disabling psychological disorder affecting 1 in 100 people. It is sometimes described as a psychotic illness, where the patient may not be able to distinguish thoughts from reality. It is thought to be an inheritary disease, the risk is therefore higher if a first degree relative is affected, although the likelihood is less if a second degree relative (aunt, uncle, cousin) is affected, it is still higher than the risk for the rest of the population.  The highest risk is for identical twins; the likelihood of being affected is 40-65% for one twin, if the other has schizophrenia.

 Although unknown, the cause is thought to be caused by unbalanced levels of neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin. It has also been proven that the differences in brain structure and distribution of brain cells has been seen in some patients with schizophrenia. The risk is increased by abnormal growth of a baby whilst within the womb, including low birth rate and reduced head circumference. Any complications during pregnancy are thought to increase the risk, for example if the foetus is exposed to virus, bleeding or onset diabetes for the mother. During birth, and emergency caesarean section or lack of oxygen may increase the risk. Later on in life, stress and drug abuse can onset schizophrenia in those already vulnerable.

All symptoms are psychological; the main two are Hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations, the most common type is where patients may hear voices other people do not hear. Other types of hallucinations include seeing objects or people, which are not there.  Delusions cause patients to believe other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting harm to them. Further example of delusions is where they believe they are someone else. These symptoms make it difficult to hold a job or to care for themselves.

Treatment includes; antipsychotic medications, psychosocial medications, rehabilitation, family education, cognitive behavioural therapy and self help groups. Treating the condition is difficult because the cause is unknown, the medications and other types of treatments available are to ease the symptoms of schizophrenia and provides patients with the resources to live an everyday life.

References:

http://www.bmj.com/content/335/7610/91

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/schizophrenia/Pages/Introduction.aspx

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml?utm_source=publish2&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=www.kpbs.org