Symptoms Of Schizophrenia |
You may be surprised to know that there is currently no accepted clinical test that can diagnose schizophrenia. The current approach is for a qualified psychiatrist to conclude diagnosis based on clinical symptoms of schizophrenia.
Tests can however help to eliminate other conditions that might appear to be symptoms of schizophrenia but are in fact not. These include metabolic disorders, brain tumors, seizure disorders, thyroid disfunction, or even use of street drugs.
In medical practice, symptoms of schizophrenia are usually categorized into positive and negative symptoms. Positive symptoms comprise of auditory hallucinations, delusions and thought disorder, while negative symptoms are so-called because they involve the loss or lack of the patient’s normal or usual ability or function such as lack of emotions, apathy or ability to socialize normally.
A third category is disorganization syndrome or “cognitive” where the patient suffers from disorganized or chaotic thought, speech and behavior, including difficulty focusing or following instructions and memory problems.
In the United States, the diagnostic criteria for concluding schizophrenia are clearly laid out by the US Surgeon General.
Firstly, signs of the disturbance concerned must persist for a minimum of 6 months. Secondly, this 6 month period must include 1 month (or less upon successful treatment) during which at least 2 of the following symptoms manifests, with each being present for the significant part of the month --
1. Delusions such as the belief that their lives are threatened by others
2. Hallucinations where the patient sees, hears, feels or smells things that are not there
3. Disorganized speech during which the patient talks to himself or herself or to imagined persons, in spurts or in rambles.
4. Catatonic behavior such as inactivity or stupor, or mania
5. Negative symptoms including social inability or isolation, difficulty speaking, “deadness” in facial expressions, voice or physical movements, lack of motivation or energy/no interest in life, and lack of emotions.
An exception to the minimum 2 symptoms rule stated above is in the event that the potential patient suffers from delusions that are bizarre, or hallucinations in which a voice continuously runs or involves 2 or more voices in conversation. In which case, only 1 symptom is required to be categorized as schizophrenia.
Do remember that, ultimately, only a certified psychiatrist is qualified to conclude that a patient has schizophrenia based on clinical symptoms of schizophrenia. He or she will in fact, seek to factor in the possibility of mood disorders, general medical conditions, substance abuse or normal medication, and other developmental disorders.
By seeking proper medical consultation, you’ll be in good hands to manage any possible condition. Do get help early as research has shown that early diagnosis and treatment has a better chance of a good long term outcome.
Important Fact #1: Possible Signs Of Schizophrenia
Look out for any of the following signs of schizophrenia -- paranoia, delusions, inactivity or hyperactivity, unusual/strange or lack of emotional responses, over or under sensitivity, self-imposed social isolation, hostility, lack of interest in proper personal hygiene and extreme depression. |
Important Fact #2: Mention Of Suicide
Patients with schizophrenia are more likely to try taking their lives. At all times, take any mention of suicide by them seriously and seek medical assistance. |
Important Fact #3: Curing Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia cannot be completely cured. However medical experts will tell you that 90% of people with the disorder can look forward to recovering to a degree that will enable them to function and lead happy lives. |
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