Schizophrenia: Symptoms, causes, and treatments

 Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that usually appears in the late teens or early adulthood. Its impact on speech, thinking, emotions, and other areas of life can affect a person's social interactions and daily activities.

Schizophrenia is a fairly rare condition, affecting about 0.25% to 0.64% of people in the United States, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). It can have a profound impact on a person's life, as well as the lives of those around them.

Symptoms generally appear when a person is between their teens and 30s. They tend to develop earlier in males than in females.

In some cases, a person will begin to display unusual behaviors from childhood, but these only become significant as they age. In others, symptoms may appear suddenly.

Schizophrenia is a lifelong condition, but treatment can help control symptoms.

This article will look at the causes and symptoms of schizophrenia, as well as some of the treatment options available.

Schizophrenia affects different people in different ways, but there are some common symptoms. These include:

• muddled speech that is difficult for others to understand
• lack of facial expression
• lack of emotional expression
• lack of motivation
• difficult to focus
• psychosis, such as delusions and hallucinations

Before experiencing these symptoms, a person may appear:

• moodily
• anxious
• lack focus

Some of the main symptoms of schizophrenia will be discussed in more detail in the following sections.

Delusions

A person experiencing delusions may believe that something is true when there is no solid evidence for it.

For example, they may believe that:

• They are very important
• someone chases them
• others try to control them remotely
• have extraordinary powers or abilities

Hallucinations

Some people experience hallucinations. The most common type is hearing voices, but hallucinations can affect all the senses. For example, a person may also see, feel, taste, or smell things that are not really there.

Confused thinking and speaking

A person's thoughts and speech can jump from topic to topic for no logical reason. Therefore, it can be difficult to follow what the person is trying to say.

There may also be memory problems and difficulty understanding and using information.

Other symptoms

The symptoms listed above can also affect a person:

• Motivation: the person may neglect daily activities, including personal care. They may also experience catatonia, during which they can barely speak or move.
• Emotional expression: the person may respond inappropriately or not at all too sad or happy occasions.
• Social life: the person may withdraw socially, possibly out of fear that someone will hurt him.
• Communication: The person's unusual thought and speech patterns can make it difficult for him to communicate with others.

Many people with schizophrenia do not realize that they are not feeling well. Hallucinations and delusions can seem very realistic to a person experiencing them. This can make it difficult to convince the person to take the medication. They may fear the side effects or believe that the medicine will harm them.

Schizophrenia usually appears when a person is in their teens or older, but it can affect children as well. 

Schizophrenia likely develops when specific genetic and environmental factors are combined, according to the NIMH.

For example, the following factors can contribute to the development of schizophrenia:

Genetic heritage

If there is no history of schizophrenia in a family, the chances of developing it are less than 1%. However, a person's risk increases if one of their parents has a diagnosis.

A chemical imbalance in the brain.

Schizophrenia seems to develop when there is an imbalance of a neurotransmitter called dopamine, and possibly also serotonin, in the brain.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors that can increase the risk of schizophrenia include:

• trauma during birth
• malnutrition before birth
• viral infections
• psychosocial factors, such as trauma

Certain medications and medications

In 2017, scientists found evidence suggesting that some substances in cannabis can trigger schizophrenia in those who are susceptible to it.

Others, however, have suggested that having schizophrenia can make a person more likely to use cannabis in the first place.

Schizophrenia is a lifelong condition, but effective treatment can help a person control symptoms, prevent relapse, and avoid hospitalization.

Each person's experience will be different, and a doctor will tailor treatment for each individual.

Some possible treatment options include:

• Antipsychotic drugs. These can be used daily or used less frequently if the person opts for injectable medications, which can last up to 3 months between injections (depending on the medication).
• Advice. This can help a person develop coping skills and pursue their life goals.
• Coordinated special attention. This integrates medication, family engagement, and education services in a holistic approach.