Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness in which logical thinking and perception are impaired. It is often associated with hallucinations and delusions. Genetic and biological factors play an important role in its development.
Types and symptoms of schizophrenia
The symptoms of schizophrenia depend on its type. The following are distinguished:
- paranoid schizophrenia – it is characterized by perception disorders, systematized persecutory and scathing delusions, as well as auditory hallucinations, less often irritability and suspiciousness,
- catatonic schizophrenia – it is characterized by psychosomatic symptoms, e.g. excessive motor activity and stupor, often occurring alternately,
- residual schizophrenia – it is characterized by psychomotor slowdown, passivity, lack of eye and verbal contact, withdrawal from social life,
- disorganized (hebephrenic) schizophrenia – unsystematic delusions and hallucinations (often related to spirituality), unpredictable behaviour and stereotypical thinking dominate,
- simple schizophrenia – symptoms develop slowly and include mainly social withdrawal, passivity and lack of willpower.
Treatment of schizophrenia
In the treatment of schizophrenia, both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are most often used.
Psychotherapy allows the patient to better understand their own illness, learn to recognize delusions and hallucinations and react appropriately to their occurrence. It is also often used to develop social skills.
In pharmacotherapy, antipsychotics are mainly used, adapted to the symptoms present. One third of patients struggle with drug-resistant schizophrenia, which requires combination therapies. A complete cure of schizophrenia is not possible, but therapy gives you a chance to lead a peaceful life.