Schizophrenia: what it is, symptoms and main types

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disease characterized by changes in the functioning of the mind that causes disturbances in thinking and emotions, changes in behavior, in addition to loss of sense of reality and critical judgment.

Despite being more common between 15 and 35 years old, schizophrenia can appear at any age, and usually manifests itself through different types, such as paranoid, catatonic, hebephrenic or undifferentiated, for example, who present symptoms ranging from hallucinations, illusions, antisocial behavior, loss of motivation or changes in memory.

Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population, and although it has no cure, it can be well controlled with antipsychotic drugs, such as Risperidone, Quetiapine or Clozapine, for example, guided by the psychiatrist, in addition to other therapies, such as psychotherapy and occupational therapy, as a way to help the patient to rehabilitate and reintegrate into the family and society.

Main symptoms

There are several symptoms that are present in a person with schizophrenia, which can vary according to each person and the type of schizophrenia developed, and include symptoms called positive (which start to happen), negative (which were normal, but stop happening) or cognitive (difficulties in processing information).

The main ones are:

• Delusions, which arise when the person strongly believes in something that is not real, such as being persecuted, betrayed or who has superpowers, for example. Better understand what is delirium, the types and what are the causes; Hallucinations are vivid and clear perceptions of things that don't exist, like hearing voices or seeing visions; Disorganized thinking, in which the person speaks disconnected and meaningless things; Abnormalities in the way of moving, with uncoordinated and involuntary movements, in addition to catatonism, characterized by lack of movement, presence of repeated movements, stare, grimaces, echo of speech or being mute, for example; Behavior changes, with psychotic flare-ups, aggression, agitation and risk of suicide; Negative symptoms, such as loss of will or initiative, lack of emotional expression, social isolation, lack of self-care; Lack of attention and concentration; Changes in memory and learning difficulties.

Schizophrenia can appear suddenly, in days, or gradually, with changes that appear gradually over months to years. Usually, the initial symptoms are noticed by family members or close friends, who notice that the person is more suspicious, confused, disorganized or distant. Learn more about how to identify this disease in symptoms of schizophrenia.

To confirm schizophrenia, the psychiatrist will evaluate the set of signs and symptoms presented by the person and, if necessary, order tests such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the skull to rule out other diseases that can cause psychiatric symptoms, such as brain tumor or dementia, for example. example.

What are the types

Classically schizophrenia can be classified into different types, according to the main symptoms that the person has. However, according to DSM V, which classifies several mental disorders, the existence of several subtypes is no longer considered, since according to several studies there are no differences in the evolution and treatment of each subtype.

Still, the classic classification includes the presence of these types:

1. Paranoid schizophrenia

It is the most common type, in which delusions and hallucinations predominate, especially hearing voices, and changes in behavior, such as agitation and restlessness, are also common. Learn more about paranoid schizophrenia.

2. Catatonic Schizophrenia

It is characterized by the presence of catatonism, in which the person does not react correctly to the environment, with slow movements or paralysis of the body, in which one can remain in the same position for hours to days, slowness or not to speak, repetition of words or phrases someone has just said, as well as the repetition of bizarre movements, making faces or staring.

It is a less common type of schizophrenia, and more difficult to treat, with the risk of complications such as malnutrition or self-harm, for example.

3. Hebrew or Disorganized Schizophrenia

Disorganized thinking predominates, with meaningless and out of context speeches, in addition to the presence of negative symptoms, such as disinterest, social isolation and loss of the ability to perform day-to-day activities.

4. Undifferentiated schizophrenia

It arises when there are symptoms of schizophrenia, however, the person does not fit the types mentioned.

5. Residual schizophrenia

It is a chronic form of the disease. It happens when the criteria for schizophrenia occurred in the past, but are not currently active, however, negative symptoms such as slowness, social isolation, lack of initiative or affection, diminished facial expression or lack of self-care, for example, still persist.

What causes schizophrenia

The exact cause of what causes schizophrenia is still unknown, however, it is known that its development is influenced both by genetics, since there is greater risk within the same family, as by environmental factors, which may include drug use. such as marijuana, viral infections, elderly parents at the time of pregnancy, malnutrition during pregnancy, birth complications, negative psychological experiences or suffering physical or sexual abuse.

How the treatment is done

The treatment of schizophrenia is guided by the psychiatrist, with antipsychotic medications, such as Risperidone, Quetiapine, Olanzapine or Clozapine, for example, which help to control mainly positive symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions or behavioral changes.

Other anxiolytic drugs, such as Diazepam, or mood stabilizers, such as Carbamazepine, can be used to relieve symptoms in the event of agitation or anxiety, and antidepressants, such as Sertraline, may be indicated in the case of depression.

In addition, psychotherapy and occupational therapy are necessary, as a way to contribute to a better rehabilitation and reintegration of the patient into social life. Family orientation and monitoring by social and community support teams are also important measures to improve the effectiveness of treatment.

Childhood schizophrenia

Childhood schizophrenia is called early schizophrenia, as it is not common in children. It presents with the same symptoms and types as schizophrenia in adults, however, it usually has a more gradual onset, often difficult to define when it first appeared.

Changes in thinking are more common, with disorganized ideas, delusions, hallucinations and difficult social contact. The treatment is done with the child psychiatrist, using medications, such as Haloperidol, Risperidone or Olanzapine, for example, and psychotherapy, occupational therapy and family guidance are also important.