Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia symptoms and treatment
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that minimizes the quality of life for an individual and causes a severe mental disability. Schizophrenia statistics reflect that 1% of the population of the United States has this malady, and typically this disorder has its chronological beginnings when the person reaches the age of eighteen or older.
Additionally, there are many subtypes of schizophrenia, including catatonic schizophrenia and paranoid schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia Symptoms
There are many symptoms associated with the mental condition of schizophrenia, including hallucinations, delusions, muddled thinking, movement disorders, a withdrawal from society, facial expressions that show no life, outbursts of anger, and feelings of being constantly observed. Additionally, the individual often neglects their own personal hygiene.
Discussing Schizophrenia Treatment
There are many treatment options available to the individual suffering from schizophrenia. First of all, however, it is important to note that schizophrenia cannot be cured but only controlled. This control occurs by managing the symptoms that are made manifest through this schizophrenic disorder.
Some of these treatment methods include the use of prescription medications. Specifically, medications that are indicated to address the symptoms of schizophrenia include antipsychotic medication such as Chlorpromazine, Haloperidol, Perphenazine and Fluphenazine.
Unfortunately, the downside of utilizing this type of treatment method is the side effects associated with the use of antipsychotic medications. These significant side effects include a rapid heartbeat, sensitivity to sunlight, skin rashes and blurred vision.
In women with schizophrenia estradiol, a form of the female hormone estrogen, has recently been shown to have antipsychotic effects.
Another schizophrenia treatment option is the use of psychotherapy along with the use of medication. This joint treatment plan not only helps to control the symptoms of schizophrenia, but also allows the psychotherapist to help the individual learn various social skills.