Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which a person loses contact with reality. It is a disorder of thinking which is caused due to imbalance of neurotransmitters of the brain.

Common presenting symptoms of schizophrenia are:

Delusions

There may be different kind of delusions. Commonly seen is delusion of persecution in which a person may think that there is a conspiracy going on against him; or there are people trying to kill him; or there are cameras and microphones fitted in his home to keep an eye on him; or that he is getting secret messages through phone or television that he is in danger. But there is no reality in any of the above things. The person may become fearful and avoid coming out of his room or home.

Hallucinations

Hallucinations can be in different modalities. Most common is auditory hallucinations. In this a person may hear voices of known or unknown people talking to him or talking about him when there is actually no one. The person may reply to those voices as he feels the voices are true voices of someone talking. This can be seen as the person talking, laughing, muttering or gesticulating to self.

Incoherent or irrelevant speech

A person may give new meanings to the words or use new words with no actual meaning in his sentences.

Aggressive and irritable behaviour

Amotivation and aimlessness

These above symptoms generally affect the functioning of the patient. He may not be able to fulfil his duties or not be able to go to work or concentrate at work.

Generally, these symptoms start in early 20’s in males and late 20’s in females, but it may start in other age groups too.

Consultation with a psychiatrist and proper treatment is absolutely necessary for diagnosis and restoration of the mental and physical health of the patient.

TREATMENT:

Treatment includes pharmacological (giving medications) as well as non-pharmacological management. Pharmacological management is absolutely necessary for treatment of schizophrenia for which would be prescribed by a Psychiatrist.

Some of the non-pharmacological management includes:

1. Social Skills Training: Patients can work on enhancing their communication and social interactions. This training helps them become more adept at daily activities.

2. Family Therapy: Involving family members can be beneficial. Family therapy helps improve communication within the family unit and provides support for the patient.

3. Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment: Patients can explore vocational rehabilitation programs and supported employment opportunities. These programs assist individuals in finding and maintaining employment.

4. Education Sessions: Educate patients about their condition, treatment options, and coping strategies. Knowledge empowers them to actively manage their symptoms.

5. Memory Aids: Encourage patients to use memory aids to help with daily tasks and routines.

6. Motivational Interviewing: This approach helps patients explore their motivations and set achievable goals.

7. Cognitive Behavioral Approaches: Techniques such as adherence or compliance therapy can improve treatment adherence.

Remember that the non-pharmacological management is to complement the conventional treatment with medications and not to replace the medications.