Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is characterized by episodes of psychosis, including hallucinations (often hearing voices), delusions, disorganized thinking, and significantly impaired functioning. Onset typically occurs in late adolescence to early adulthood. With proper treatment involving antipsychotic medication, therapy, and social support, many people with schizophrenia can manage symptoms effectively.

⚠️Symptoms

• Delusions (false fixed beliefs)
• Hallucinations (hearing voices or seeing things)
• Disorganized speech
• Disorganized or catatonic behavior
• Negative symptoms (reduced emotion, motivation, speech)

🔍Causes

• Genetic predisposition (family history)
• Brain chemistry imbalances (dopamine, glutamate)
• Prenatal exposure to infections or malnutrition
• Substance use during adolescence

💊Treatment Options

• Antipsychotic medication
• Psychosocial interventions
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis
• Family education and support
• Vocational rehabilitation