Bipolar With Schizophrenia |
While the idea that schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are two distinct illnesses is an accepted concept since it was expounded by Emil Kraepelin in the 1890s, there has been increased interest in the concept of bipolar with schizophrenia disorder ie an overlap between the two conditions. This is especially as, in practice, it is not always easy to distinguish between the two.
Before we can look at the more complex condition of bipolar with schizophrenia, let’s try and understand the difference between the two.
Schizophrenia symptoms usually fall into the following categories -- delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, inappropriate reactions and lack of expression.
Bipolar disorder is better known as manic depression, and is regarded as a mood disorder. It typically involves mood swings ie extreme shifts in the patient’s mood from lows to highs.
It is interesting to note that although the Diagnostic and Statistical manual published by the American Psychiatric Association distinguishes bipolar disorder into 2 main types, it also lists a separate type of bipolar disorder known as schizoaffective disorder which is regarded as bordering on schizophrenia.
What exactly is schizoaffective disorder and does it address our original inquiry into bipolar with schizophrenia? Many professionals in the field are of the opinion that despite bipolar and schizophrenia being regarded as two distinct disorders, there is part of a spectrum where their features overlap.
As such schizoaffective disorder fits into the middle between schizophrenia and bipolar. Its characteristics are mania and depression plus other features associated with schizophrenia like hallucinations, incoherent speech and irrational actions, and delusions.
In actuality, it is a fact that many patients diagnosed with chronic bipolar disorder have been known to experience delusions and hallucinations which clearly fall under the umbrella of schizophrenia.
The fact is, despite advances in medicine and the understanding of disorders like bipolar and schizophrenia, there are still gaps in knowledge and especially in cases where there appears to be an overlap of the two distinct disorders.
As such, the concept of bipolar with schizophrenia, while initially defined as outlined above, will continue to be studied and the findings will undoubtedly lead to more advances in treatment for patients suffering from the associated symptoms.
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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