Symptoms of Schizophrenia
The first signs of schizophrenia can show up in the late teen years and are referred to as “episodes.” The sufferer may display irrational or aggressive behaviour seemingly out of the blue. They may also show more subtle signs of the illness like withdrawal from interests and peers, trouble sleeping, irritability, and poor grades. Since these symptoms are also common in major depressive disorder and general teenaged angst, schizophrenia can easily go undiagnosed.
The symptoms are generally divided into “positive” and “negative” categories with a third category reserved for cognitive symptoms.
- Positive symptoms “add” to current human experiences. These are called psychotic symptoms as they pertain to the individual losing touch with reality and experiencing hallucinations and delusions.
- Negative symptoms “reduce” or impair regular activity and functioning. For example, one’s range of emotions might be reduced resulting in brief and unengaged speech. They might report a lack of enjoyment and pleasure or lack of motivation.
- Cognitive symptoms are signs that cognitive functions, such as thinking, have been affected. They might struggle with memory, organizing thoughts, and even being aware that they have a mental illness.
How is Schizophrenia Diagnosed?
It is incredibly challenging to diagnose schizophrenia. There are no brain scans or blood tests that can detect it, and many of the symptoms overlap with other physical and mental illnesses. Doctors often must rule out many other illnesses before coming to the diagnosis of schizophrenia.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) 5 suggests that if two or more of the above symptoms are present, the individual can be diagnosed. However, symptoms of hallucination and delusions can be enough to diagnose it on their own.
Common Stereotypes Around Schizophrenia
Like other mental illnesses, there is intense negative stigma surrounding schizophrenia which can cause those suffering from it not to seek help. Some of the myths surrounding this illness suggest that those diagnosed hear voices, are violent and dangerous or have “multiple personalities”.
The Schizophrenia Society of Canada has an excellent resource on the various myths and stereotypes surrounding this illness. Check it out here.
Treatment Options
Although there is no cure, there are various treatment methods and management strategies that can help those diagnosed with the illness live full lives. They often require a blend of different treatment methods including medication, consistent medical care, peer support, and cognitive behaviour therapy.
It’s also common for those suffering from schizophrenia to be diagnosed with comorbidities, meaning they may also be experiencing other disorders along with the primary diagnosis of schizophrenia. For example, 25 per cent of individuals living with schizophrenia also have a substance abuse disorder which requires its own unique treatment methods.
The Schizophrenia Society of Canada is a useful and enlightening resource for anyone looking for accurate information about schizophrenia and treating this mental illness.
If you’d like to learn more about Eli’s Place, Canada’s first residential treatment centre for young adults suffering from serious mental illnesses, learn more here.
