What is Schizophrenia ?

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

- A substantial reduction in academics or work performance.
- Having difficulty thinking clearly or focusing.
- Developing paranoid ideas or being distrustful of others.
- Spending an increasing amount of time alone.
- Having innovative, impassioned ideas that others find unusual.
- Having weird sensations or appearing to have no sentiments at all.
- Having little or no concern in their appearance.
- Tough to discern what’s genuine and what isn’t.
- Positive signs: They do not perceive reality in the same manner that others do. They may also be able to see, hear, smell, or taste things that others are unable to.
- Negative signs and symptoms : These are items that are noticeably missing from their lives. They have lost interest and enthusiasm in doing most things, including meeting friends and going about their regular lives.
- Symptoms of cognitive impairment : They have difficulty paying attention, concentrating, and recalling information.
Causes
It is unknown what causes schizophrenia, but experts believe that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, and environment all have a role in the disorder’s development. Problems with naturally occurring brain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate, may have a role in schizophrenia. Neuroimaging studies demonstrate that patients with schizophrenia have different brain structures and central nervous systems. While scientists are unsure of the importance of these alterations, they do suggest that schizophrenia is a brain disorder.Risk elements of Schizophrenia
Although the exact origin of schizophrenia is unknown, many variables appear to raise the likelihood of acquiring or triggering schizophrenia, such as:- Having a history of schizophrenia in one’s family
- Some pregnancy and delivery issues, such as starvation or exposure to chemicals or viruses, may have an effect on brain development.
- Using mind-altering (psychoactive or psychotropic) medications as an adolescent or young adult
Complications of Schizophrenia

- Suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation
- Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)
- Depression
- Alcohol or other substance abuse, including nicotine
- Inability to work or go to school
- Financial difficulties and homelessness
- Isolation on a social level, as well as health and medical issues
- Victimization
Types of Psychotherapy :
- Individual psychotherapy.
- Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive enhancement therapy (CET).
Psychosocial Therapy :
If a person with schizophrenia improves during psychotherapy sessions, it is probable that they may want more assistance in learning how to be a part of a community. This is where psychosocial treatment comes into play.- Rehabilitation : Schizophrenia frequently manifests itself during the years when we are establishing our jobs. As a result, rehabilitation may involve career counselling, problem-solving assistance, and financial education.
- Education in the family : Your understanding of psychosis and schizophrenia can aid a friend or family member who is suffering from it. According to research, those with schizophrenia who have a strong support system do better than those who do not have the encouragement of friends and family.
- Self-help organisations : You should urge your loved one to continue working on their social skills by enrolling them in community care and outreach programmes.
- Assertive community treatment (ACT) : This programme provides highly individualised assistance to assist persons with schizophrenia in dealing with day-to-day issues such as medication administration. ACT specialists also assist people in dealing with difficulties in a proactive manner and working to avert catastrophes.
- Social recovery therapy : This treatment focuses on assisting the client in setting and achieving objectives, as well as developing a feeling of optimism and positive ideas about oneself and others.
Medication for Psychosis :

- Risperidone ( Restonorm, Risdone, Risperdal, Zisper, Sizodon)
- Olanzapine (Oleanz, Olet, Olimelt)
- Quetiapine (Quel, Qutan )
- Aripiprazole ( Arpizol, Arip, Nulet )
- Paliperidone
- Lurasidone (Luramax, Lurata)
- Asenapine
- Brexpiprazole
- Cariprazine
- Clozapine
- Iloperidone
- Paliperidone
- Ziprasidone
- Chlorpromazine
- Fluphenazine
- Haloperidol
- Loxapine
- Pimozide
- Thiothixene
- Trifluoperazine
Schizophrenia Treatment In Nagpur


Dr. Rameez Shaikh (MBBS, MD, MIPS) is a consultant Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist in Nagpur and works at Mind & Mood Clinic. He believes that faith-based treatment, encompassing spiritual, physical, and mental health, will provide you with the long-lasting knowledge and tool to find happiness and wholeness again. In his spare time, he’s an aspiring singer and writer.