Mental health challenges are common in the U.S., with the National Institute of Mental Health estimating that 1 in 5 adults — roughly 59 million people — live with a mental illness. And while they’re widespread, mental health conditions like schizophrenia can look and feel different from person to person.
Schizophrenia is a type of mental disorder affecting roughly 1.1% of Americans. The societal stigma around schizophrenia means this condition is generally misunderstood, which can cause those experiencing it and their families to feel isolated.
We’re here to shine a light on schizophrenia and break the stigma around it. Keep reading to learn more about this illness, including its signs and symptoms and how you can help your loved ones navigate it with confidence and support.
What Is Schizophrenia?
The National Institute of Mental Health defines schizophrenia as a serious mental illness that affects how someone thinks, feels and behaves. It can cause someone to act as if they’ve lost touch with reality, experiencing hallucinations and other symptoms that make daily life more difficult.
People with schizophrenia are usually diagnosed between the ages of 16 and 30. Unfortunately, many Americans who have schizophrenia don’t know they have it, and may struggle with more severe symptoms as a result. With a greater understanding of what schizophrenia is and how it’s treated, the better we can break the stigma surrounding this condition and support more families in getting compassionate care.
What Causes Schizophrenia?
Genetics, environment, brain chemistry and use of substances are all common causes of schizophrenia.
Genetics and Environment
There’s often a unique interplay between genetics and environmental influences among people who live with schizophrenia. Exposure to various viruses and malnutrition in the first and second trimesters has been shown to increase the risk for the illness, as well as those with autoimmune disorders.
Brain Chemistry
Complications with brain chemistry, including dopamine and glutamate neurotransmitters, may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. Since these neurotransmitters need to communicate for proper function, chemical imbalances disrupt their regular responsibilities.
Substance Use
Taking various drugs like marijuana and methamphetamine can heighten symptoms of schizophrenia. While taking substances doesn’t directly cause it, drug use can worsen preexisting symptoms. However, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, taking mind-altering drugs as a teenager or young adult can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia
There are generally three categories of symptoms associated with schizophrenia: psychotic, negative and cognitive. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Psychotic Symptoms
An individual’s psyche encompasses their entire mental life, including their conscious and unconscious thoughts, feelings and motivations. Psychotic symptoms are changes in the way that person thinks, acts and experiences life around them. These symptoms are ever-present for some; for others, they come and go. Examples of psychotic symptoms include:
- Delusions: These are when an individual has strong beliefs or feelings that aren’t objectively true, but to them, they are.
- Hallucinations: These occur when someone sees, hears or feels something that doesn’t physically exist. A common example is hearing voices.
- Thought disorder: Thought disorder can mean people have trouble organizing their thoughts, staying on topic in conversation or jumping from topic to topic mid-sentence. Thought disorder can cause people to think illogically.
Negative Symptoms
These types of symptoms are mentally challenging. People may often lose motivation or interest, lack enjoyment in daily activities or withdraw from society. People with schizophrenia usually exude these symptoms by struggling to show emotions or difficulty functioning normally. In many cases, those with schizophrenia struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Cognitive Symptoms
A person’s level of cognitive functioning is intricately connected to their day-to-day life and activities. Cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia include:
- Having trouble focusing
- Inability to use information just learned
- Struggling to process information and make decisions
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important that you visit your doctor. Visit us here to find one near you. You aren’t alone; we’re here for you.
Treatment Options for Schizophrenia
Although there’s no cure for schizophrenia, it’s treatable. Treatment typically includes a combination of therapy and medication. Antipsychotic medications can ease the intensity and frequency of schizophrenia symptoms, and they can be injected or taken in a pill or liquid form.
Those with schizophrenia often benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or other supportive psychotherapies. Therapy can help reduce symptoms, enhance mental functionality and restore a sense of normalcy to daily living.
How to Support Someone With Schizophrenia
The first step in helping a loved one with schizophrenia is educating yourself. Most Americans are unaware of how it affects them, often resulting in less support. Ways you can help someone with schizophrenia include:
- Asking how you can help
- Building your support system
- Continuing to be there for them, even when they start to pull away
- Encouraging them to seek or continue treatment
- Listening to and validating them
- Reminding them that they are loved and supported
- Supporting small goals
- Watching for signs of relapse
Oftentimes, the stigma that’s portrayed in media makes it seem like those with schizophrenia are a lost cause, but this isn’t the truth. It’s important to support family members and friends with this diagnosis to the best of your ability while maintaining your support system as you navigate the treatment process.
Your Family’s Dedicated Partner in Whole Health
While navigating schizophrenia can feel challenging, know that you aren’t alone. At AdventHealth, we treat the whole body, including your mind and spirit. We’re here to provide you and your loved ones with the compassionate care you deserve. Our behavioral specialists are here to support you when you need a helping hand and create a personalized treatment plan that honors who you are.
Visit us here to learn more about our behavioral health services. We also offer a variety of psychiatric services to help you find the peace you’re longing for.
