Schizophrenia History and Symptoms
Schizophrenia affects approximately one in 100 people1. The term was first coined in 1908 and can roughly be translated as ‘split mind’. However, contrary to popular belief, this does not mean those living with schizophrenia have two minds or two personalities. Rather, it refers to how people living with the condition don’t always experience the world as it is, because the condition disrupts the way in which the brain cells communicate with each other2.
Despite encouraging scientific findings, the cause of schizophrenia remains unknown. Genetics certainly play a part, and the use of certain recreational drugs, particularly cannabis, may trigger a psychotic episode in those with a predisposition to a psychotic illness4. Schizophrenia affects men and women equally, although is more likely to first manifest itself at an earlier age in men (late teens to early 20s) than women (early 20s to early 30s)5.
Diagnosis is equally difficult. Because there is no diagnostic test for the condition (although it was recently reported that Australian scientists are close to a breakthrough6), the diagnosis is based on symptoms and signs and is made over a period of time. Further complicating matters is the fact that different individuals display different symptoms7.
However, it is known that the earlier the condition is identified, the more effective the treatment becomes8. So, if you notice a combination of any of the following warning signs in yourself or a loved one for two weeks or more, consult a doctor immediately9.
Early warning signs of schizophrenia10
- Inability to sleep; day/night reversal;
- Social withdrawal, isolation, fear and suspicion;
- Skipping work/school; avoiding going out;
- Inability to concentrate; staring, vagueness;
- Drug/alcohol abuse; repetitive actions; food fads;
- Deterioration in personal hygiene; eccentric dress;
- Frequent trips or long walks leading nowhere;
- Unusual sensitivity to stimuli (noise, light); low tolerance to irritation;
- Undue preoccupation with spiritual or religious matters;
- Bizarre behaviour;
- Conversations that do not make sense; an obsession with one idea.
Parents should also be aware that people who later developed schizophrenia tended to be withdrawn and isolated as children and were teased by others. However, it should be stressed that not all withdrawn children develop the disease11.
Symptoms of schizophrenia12
The symptoms can be grouped into three areas: positive, negative and cognitive.
- Positive symptoms (sometimes known as active symptoms) include delusions, hallucinations, disorganised thinking and disorganised behaviour;
- Negative symptoms (sometimes known as passive symptoms) include withdrawal/loss of motivation, loss of feelings, poverty of speech and a flat presentation;
- Cognitive symptoms include difficulty paying attention, trouble concentrating and a poor memory.
These symptoms are also present in other conditions, such as bipolar disorder13, so their presence may not necessarily indicate schizophrenia. Always consult your health care professional for a full diagnosis.
References
1 http://www.sane.org/factsheets/schizophrenia.html
2 Magill’s Medical Guide
3 http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/1992/WHO_MNH_MND_92.8.pdf
4 http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Cannabis_...
5 Magill’s Medical Guide
6 http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/mental-illness-diagnosis-in-just-on...
7 http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/epigen/szwhatis.htm
8 http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/jan20/carr/carr.html
9 http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/KEN98-0052/default.a...
10 http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/1992/WHO_MNH_MND_92.8.pdf
11 Magill’s Medical Guide
12 http://www.recover.ie/info.php?to_one=1
13 http://www.schizophrenia.com/stanfordtalks/diffdiag.html