schizophrenia versus bipolar disorder
(Schizophrenia literally "split mind") is often considered as a split or dual personality. However, this disease is best defined as a disorganization of thought and feeling normal. It is usually caused by the malfunction of the cells through which information flows within the brain. Symptoms usually appear in adolescence or early adulthood, and extreme mental stress almost always triggers. The disease is permanent, but attacks Acute often come and go, and usually occur in times of emotional upheaval or personal loss.
What are the symptoms?
Some popular novels, plays and movies have encouraged us to think about schizophrenia in very close and dramatic. Schizophrenia has been presented with enough often in terms of dual personality, two people apparently separate individual living in the same body.
For most people with schizophrenia, an attack starts with a gradual or sudden withdrawal from time to time, from day to day. The speech of the person may become increasingly vague, and he or it may appear that can not follow a simple conversation. An acute attack occurs unexpectedly. Often the onset is so gradual it is difficult to know when to appear psychotic symptoms. Among these symptoms are seemingly disconnected observations, together with the blank stare, which are followed by statements that seem sudden arise in the mind of the speaker.
Schizophrenics often believe that others listen and "steal" their thoughts. Sometimes they fear they have lost control body movement and thought, as if they were puppets. They often believe they hear voices, often hostile. Less often, they have strange hallucinations physical sensations, which is given poison, or be attacked by others. Over time, many schizophrenics construct a set of beliefs in a world of fantasy. They can express exaggerated feelings of happiness, confusion, or despair. You can laugh or mourn a sad time without cause. Or they may seem devoid of feelings, so that almost impossible to make emotional contact with them.
There are several types of schizophrenia that are characterized by the predominant symptoms, but the only distinction practice that most doctors now make is between the paranoid and other types. The main symptom of a person with paranoid schizophrenia is constant suspicion and resentment, accompanied by the fear that people are hostile or even plotting to kill him or her.
What are the Risks?
Most of young and middle aged patients in mental hospitals are there because they are schizophrenic. About 1 person in 1000 has been treated for the disease. Men and women are equally susceptible. Paranoid schizophrenia is more common in early adulthood (late 20 through 30's).
Alteration of brain chemistry that underlies schizophrenia can be inherited, but if your family does not necessarily have schizophrenic attacks. You can, however, whether a "schizoid personality" (a tendency to shyness and extreme) or a "paranoid personality of withdrawal" (a tendency toward over-sensitivity and distrust).
People who have attacks of schizophrenia in its extreme forms can physically harm themselves or others, or may try to suicide.
What should you do?
If you suspect someone in your family is schizophrenic, try to get to see a doctor. Can not be easy. People are becoming mentally ill often refuse to admit it. Even those who realize that something is wrong have a fear of being "placed". However, medical care is vital. Do not let a person who seems very concerned himself. The presence of a relative or friend to reassure them, or even prevent hurt themselves until help arrives, may be essential. People with symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia are usually admitted to hospital for an observation period. During this time the tests are conducted to ensure that these symptoms are not due to physical illness as a brain tumor.
What is the treatment?
Severe cases should be treated in a hospital. Treatment usually involves the use of drugs, psychotherapy and rehabilitation.
The most effective drugs are tranquilizers regular doses of special measures to modify abnormal brain chemistry. As the symptoms gradually disappear, the doses are reduced, and all medications may be discontinued when the acute attack ends. Some people, however, need long-term medication. Or you can take the pills regular or an injection every two to four weeks. Sometimes antidepressant medications are also prescribed. In rare cases, electroshock therapy (EST) may be recommended.
Psychotherapy techniques vary but the goal is the same: help the patient understand the tensions that contributed to the current attack. This can help patients learn how to avoid future tensions lead to new diseases.
The final phase of treatment is rehabilitation, which helps people recovering from attacks to recover normal abilities and behavior patterns. In the early stages of schizophrenia treatment in hospital are given occupational therapy generally. As his condition improves, they are given increasingly complex tasks and pressures, and finally approximate these tasks and pressures of the outside world. Once the acute phase of illness is more, the schizophrenic is preparing for a return to the outside world, making regular visits hospital to the house or halfway.
What are the long-term prospects?
Many people recover from an attack of schizophrenia well enough to return to relatively normal lives. But there may be more attacks. In some people the condition becomes chronic. That person will always be emotionally withdrawn and indifferent, but generally avoid severe attacks of the disease with the help of constant medication.
Author has an experience of more than 4 years writing about diseases and conditions He also holds experience writing about diseases treatment and diseases causes
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