Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a majorly misunderstood mental condition that requires much further study and research. What we do know about this condition is how to diagnose it, and how to treat the symptoms of it. What we do not currently know is what the causes of schizophrenia are and how it can be prevented. So far, it is considered a random mental disorder that affects approximately 1% of the world’s population.

Symptoms of schizophrenia

Certain behavioural symptoms are classified as signs that someone has schizophrenia. One of these symptoms is a delusional mind—seeing or perceiving things that are not real. Another symptom that is closely related to this is paranoia that has no basis or reason. A peculiar symptom that is also prevalent in schizophrenic patients is that they have trouble speaking properly. Their speech is either incoherent or broken which is a common sign that they have this mental disorder. Something else that is highly common is depression. These patients often feel immensely sorry for themselves and feed off the pity of others.

Possible causes of schizophrenia

No one can yet conclude what the cause of schizophrenia is. Many have thought that drug use can play a part in causing this mental disorder, but most doctors and psychologists concur that the disease randomly occurs in 1% of the world’s population. Lots of people claim that smoking excessive amounts of marijuana can trigger schizophrenia, while others swear that marijuana actually acts as a treatment for many of the symptoms. However, experts have concluded that marijuana smoking has nothing to do with the disease.

Treatment for schizophrenia

Because the cause of schizophrenia cannot be determined, it is clear that only the symptoms of the disease can be treated. The root cause has thus far escaped experts and can therefore not be cured. Psychological therapy helps patients talk things out in a safe environment and medication is used to calm the patient’s mind. The best thing for a schizophrenia patient is to understand that they have a mental disease and that they need help.

Even though such a small percentage of people suffer from this mental disorder, it should not be disregarded. Left untreated, schizophrenia can render a person extremely dangerous—especially when he or she thinks that they are in danger. Any signs of these symptoms should prompt family and friends to check with a specialist as soon as possible.