Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia is defined as a type of psychosis.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Unreal thoughts and beliefs, audio-visual hallucinations, meaningless behavior and speech are shown as disruption of effective communication. Schizophrenia involves a number of problems with thoughts, behavior and emotions. Signs and symptoms may vary. However, it usually involves delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech and reflects dysfunction. Symptoms of schizophrenia can be explained as follows: Delusions: They are false beliefs that are not based on reality. For example, in a person; They may have thoughts such as that they are being harmed or harassed, that certain actions or comments are directed towards them, that they have an extraordinary talent or fame, or that someone else is in love with them. Delusions occur in most patients with schizophrenia. Hallucinations: Usually involve seeing or hearing things that do not exist. Hallucinations can occur in any sense, but hearing voices is the most common hallucination. Disorganized thinking (speech): Communication may be impaired and answers to questions may be partially or completely irrelevant. Speech can sometimes involve stringing together unintelligible nonsense words, known as word salad. Highly Disorganized or Abnormal Motor Behavior: Behavior is not focused on a goal. Therefore, it is difficult to perform tasks. Behavior may include resistance to instructions, inappropriate or awkward posture, or unnecessary and excessive movement. Negative symptoms: Means decreased or absent ability to function. For example, the person may neglect personal hygiene or appear devoid of emotion (does not make eye contact, does not change facial expressions, or speaks in a monotone). Additionally, the person may lose interest in daily activities, become socially withdrawn, or lack the ability to experience pleasure. 

How is Schizophrenia Treated?

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that requires long-term treatment. Drug Treatment: Medication is the primary treatment for schizophrenia. A long-term and regular treatment plan is created under the supervision of a psychiatrist. Drug treatment aims to reduce the symptoms of the disease and reduce the likelihood of periods when symptoms worsen. In this process, it is very important for the patient to comply with the treatment and inform his doctor about the process. With this collaboration, the patient's drug treatment is rearranged according to his/her process. Antipsychotic drugs are used in the treatment of the disease. Antipsychotics greatly reduce the overt psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia and significantly reduce the negative symptoms. Medications are the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment. The goal of treatment with medications is to effectively manage signs and symptoms at the lowest possible dose. The psychiatrist may try different medications, different doses, or combinations over time to achieve the desired result. Other medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, may also help. It may take several weeks to notice an improvement in symptoms. Psychosocial support: In addition to continuing drug treatment in the initial stages of schizophrenia, psychological and social interventions are also important. Psychosocial support may include: Individual therapy: Psychotherapy can help normalize thought patterns. Additionally, learning to cope with stress and detecting early warning signs of relapse can help people with schizophrenia manage their illness. Social skills training: Focuses on improving communication and social interactions and the ability to participate in daily activities. Family Therapy: Provides support and education to families struggling with schizophrenia. Vocational rehabilitation: Focuses on helping people with schizophrenia find and maintain employment. Schizophrenia is a clinical syndrome that benefits greatly from treatment. With the treatment, very satisfactory changes are observed in the lives of patients and their relatives.