Schizophrenia Symptoms and Treatment

Schizophrenia:

                  Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder characterized by psychotic features and 
the functional and occupational impairment of the person for more than 6 months.

    Epidemiology:

• It affects one percent of the population 
• Men in their early 20's and 
• Women in the late 20's are susceptible to it

Etiology:             

It is due to hyperactivity of dopaminergic pathways in the brain but new Studies have focused on identifying structural and functional abnormalities in the brain of schizophrenics.

Symptoms: 

1.  Unusual thoughts, perceptions, delusions, hallucinations, agitation
2. Lack of facial Expressions, poverty of speech, lack of motivation, unable to care for self

Diagnosis:

       Schizophrenia is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms

Treatment:

1.  Antipsychotics are given like olanzapine, clozapine, Haloperidol
2.  Psychological treatments include stable reality oriented psychotherapy, family support, educational and vocational skills training