The key behind any schizophrenia test is to first determine if the behavioral change shown by the patient can be attributed to other medical illness. Only when no other medical cause can be found would schizophrenia be considered as a possibility.
A schizophrenia test of this nature is best carried out by a professional mental health physician, such as a psychiatrist, who will systematically go through a list of mental illnesses that may have similar symptoms before drawing any firm conclusion. It will usually be conducted in a medical office or an emergency department of a hospital or clinic.
One of the critical first steps that the doctor will undertake is to ensure that no medical problem is involved. This will mean the consideration of the patient’s medical history if any and an actual physical examination.
Lab tests are likely to be performed, possibly including a CT brain scan. These tests will help show if symptoms should be attributable to any medication being taken or to schizophrenia itself.
For instance, suspected schizophrenia symptoms that are movement-related could well be the side effects of prescribed medicine. Examples are drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, stiffness, restlessness, trembling limbs and slurred speech.
Specific behaviors that may be part of the mental disorder, such as over-ingestion of water, may be reflected in the lab tests as a metabolic abnormality. Some medicines can also cause a lowering of the patient’s immune response, for example a lower while blood cell count in the patient’s blood.
As importantly, family members or close friends of the sufferer should provide the psychiatrist with a detailed run-down of his or her medical history and any other relevant information including observed changes in behavior, how the person managed socially before illness struck, any family history of mental health problems, past medical problems especially mental health issues, medications he or she might be taking, and a list of his or her previous doctors and psychiatrists.
If the patient has been hospitalized before, this should be brought to the medical practitioner’s attention so that hospital records can be called up and examined in conjunction with the current situation.
Clearly the key to treating and medicating for such an illness starts with a schizophrenia test. It’s important to seek professional help early, and be willing to undergo tests so that early treatment can begin should in fact schizophrenia be the diagnosis.
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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