Schizophrenia & Psychosis
What is it?
Psychosis is a mental state that represents a break from reality. Primary symptoms of psychosis are the presence of hallucinations (such as hearing or seeing things despite being no external stimuli) and delusions ( holding on strongly to certain beliefs despite not having any evidence for it).
Additionally they also have disorganised thoughts, frequently reflected as abnormal forms of speech and writings. Disorganised behaviours such speaking to themselves, wandering around seemingly aimlessly and occasionally with aggression may also be present. Schizophrenia is the most common psychotic disorder that comes to medical attention.
Schizophrenia has a prevalence of 1 in 100, which makes it more common than one may have imagined. It is a serious disease that usually appears in the late teens or early adult years, with severe social impairments if left untreated.
There are plenty of myths and misinformation surrounding schizophrenia and when added with the burden of stigma, results in many seeking various alternative therapies. As such, they usually come to medical attention quite late.
Psychotic symptoms are also commonly seen people with illegal drug use. It is also common amongst people with previous head injury or those with other neurological conditions.
Schizophrenia and other conditions that feature psychosis as a prominent feature needs to be detected early and treated aggressively to ensure the best outcome for patients.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia & Psychosis
Persistent Delusions :
The person has fixed beliefs that something is true, despite evidence to the contrary
Persistent Hallucinations : The person may hear, smell, see, touch, or feel things that are not there
Experiences of Influence, Control or Passivity :
Whereby a person feels that their thoughts, actions and feelings are under the control of an external influence. Some may also feel that their thoughts are being inserted or removed from their minds.
Disorganised Thinking, which is often observed as jumbled or irrelevant speech
Highly Disorganised Behaviour
A person does things that appear bizarre or purposeless, or the person has unpredictable or inappropriate emotional responses
Negative Symptoms such as very limited amount of speech and a restricted range of facial expression and emotions. They also display an inability to experience interest or pleasure. Many also lack motivation and display social withdrawal
Movement Abnormalities Some patients experience excessive movement or agitation while others may exhibit extreme reduction of movements. Others may demonstrate unusual movements or postures