Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that is quite different from many other mental illnesses. Schizophrenia does not happen because of a certain reason, and in fact, scientists have not been able to uncover the true causal factor for schizophrenia.
But it has been established that certain parts of the brain and the brain cells go through certain mutations and transformations that cause Schizophrenia in some human beings. However, the number of people affected by Schizophrenia is increasing every year.
Schizophrenia can be managed by seeking help from psychologists for schizophrenia who can help diagnose the issue and provide treatments that can help manage the episodes of Schizophrenia in affected patients. Schizophrenia may not be cured entirely, but if specific ways are used, it can be managed. It is one of the few chronic mental disorders present in the world.
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Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Identifying the symptoms of schizophrenia and seeking early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to treat and manage Schizophrenia. Most people are diagnosed with Schizophrenia during their adolescence.
Schizophrenia is usually present as a child and may start to appear in the later phase of childhood. Some people may develop this disorder towards their young ages, between 15 and 30. Schizophrenia symptoms may be confused with early teenage behavior or certain other brain disorders. There are two categories of symptoms of Schizophrenia:
Positive Symptoms
These are signs of Schizophrenia which is conclusive for the doctor or the psychologist so that the disease can be diagnosed. Such symptoms include the following:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Disorganised speech
- Disorganised thinking
- Abnormal Physical behavior including twitching and odd facial expressions
Negative Symptoms
These symptoms are often common and can be part of other disorders as well as schizophrenia. They are inconclusive as these are not particular to this disorder as such. These symptoms include:
- Not making eye contact
- No personal hygiene
- Lack of empathy
- Monotonous expressions and speech
- No social, professional and educational interests
- Does not recognize happiness or pleasure
These are two classes of symptoms of schizophrenia in patients. Based on the symptoms executed by the patient, psychiatrists and psychologists for schizophrenia can diagnose the disorder.
Treating Schizophrenia by Psychiatrists and Psychologists
A team of doctors is required to diagnose and efficiently treat the patient affected by Schizophrenia. This is because the symptoms are borderline with so many other disorders that it is often hard to diagnose the issue.
Some brain-related disorders which specialist doctors can treat also have very similar symptoms in patients who have schizophrenia. This is why doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists must work together in eliminating the symptoms and diagnosing the disorder as accurately and as efficiently as possible.
Schizophrenia cannot be cured, but there are treatment methods that are used by these specialists that help in managing the disorder. Below are the roles played by psychologists and psychiatrists in treating schizophrenia:
Psychiatrists
A psychiatrist can diagnose the disorder using medical tests and by going through scans and MRI results for the patient. They can then provide medical treatment by prescribing drugs that help in controlling Schizophrenic episodes such as delusions, hallucinations, lack of motor functions, etc.
Psychologists
Psychologists can provide therapy and counseling to improve their social skills and coping skills and help them in building confidence through cognitive therapy, group therapy and one on one counseling.
