Schizophrenia

• How is schizophrenia diagnosed?

• How is schizophrenia treated?

• Where can I learn more about schizophrenia?

• What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

How is schizophrenia diagnosed?

The precise cause of schizophrenia remains unknown. Changes in key brain functions, such as perception, emotions, and behavior, indicate that the brain is the biological site of schizophrenia. Some researchers suspect neurotransmitters (the substances through which cells communicate) may be involved. There may be changes in dopamine, serotonin, or other neurotransmitters. The limbic system (an area of the brain involved with emotion), the thalamus (which coordinates outgoing messages), and several other brain regions may also be affected.

 

How is schizophrenia treated?

Currently, there is no method for preventing schizophrenia and there is no cure. Minimizing the impact of disease depends mainly on early diagnosis and, appropriate pharmacological and psycho-social treatments. Hospitalization may be required to stabilize ill persons during an acuteepisode. The need for hospitalization will depend on the severity of the episode. Mild or moderate episodes may be appropriately addressed by intense outpatient treatment.

 

Where can I learn more about schizophrenia?

Visit www.schizophrenia.ca

 

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Just as other illnesses have signs or symptoms, so does schizophrenia. The symptoms may vary, however, with the individual. Persons with schizophrenia will display symptoms as they struggle to discern reality from their own perceptions. The symptoms of schizophrenia are classified into four categories: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, cognitive symptoms, and emotional symptoms. Positive symptoms (sometimes called psychotic symptoms) refer to symptoms that appear; negative symptoms refer to elements that are taken away from a person.

Positive symptoms can include:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Disorganized behavior
• Changes in sensitivity

Negative symptoms can include:

• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Lack of energy

Cognitive symptoms can include:

• Poor concentration
• Thought disorder

Emotional symptoms can include:

• Depression
• Blunted emotions

 

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