schizophrenia

For more information about schizophrenia check out Antipsychotic Help

Q: Schizophrenia?
How many symptoms of schizophrenia do you need to have to be diagnosed with it. Also, what would be the very, very fisrt signs of schizophrenia?

A: In order to be diagnosed with Schizophernia your must display at least 1-month duration of two or more positive symptoms, unless hallucinations or delusions are especially bizarre, in which case one alone suffices for diagnosis.

As far as early signs, everyone is different, but I did find this quite lengthy list:……..

Examples of Physical Symptoms—-

–A blank, vacant facial expression. An inability to smile or express emotion through the face is so characteristic of the disease that it was given the name of affective flattening or a blunt affect.
–Overly acute senses- lights are too bright, sounds are too loud.
–Staring, while in deep thought, with infrequent blinking.
–Clumsy, inexact motor skills
–Sleep disturbances- insomnia or excessive sleeping
–Involuntary movements of the tongue or mouth (facial dyskinesias). Grimacing at the corners of the mouth with the facial muscles, or odd movements with the tongue.
–Parkinsonian type symptoms- rigidity, tremor, jerking arm movements, or involuntary movements of the limbs
–An awkward gait (how you walk)
–Eye movements- difficulty focusing on slow moving objects
–Unusual gestures or postures
–Movement is speeded up- i.e. constant pacing
–Movement is slowed down- staying in bed (in extreme cases, catatonia)

Examples of Feelings/Emotions—-

–The inability to experience joy or pleasure from activities (called anhedonia)
–Sometimes feeling nothing at all
–Appearing desireless- seeking nothing, wanting nothing
–Feeling indifferent to important events
–Feeling detached from your own body (depersonalization)
–Hypersensitivity to criticism, insults, or hurt feelings

Examples of Mood—-

–Sudden irritability, anger, hostility, suspiciousness, resentment
–Depression- feeling discouraged and hopeless about the future
–Low motivation, energy, and little or no enthusiasm
–Suicidal thoughts or suicidal ideation
–Rapidly changing mood- from happy to sad to angry for no apparent reason (called labile mood)
–Severe Anxiety

Changes in Behavior associated with schizophrenia —-

–Dropping out of activities and life in general
–Inability to form or keep relationships
–Social isolation- few close friends if any. Little interaction outside of immediate family.
–Increased withdrawal, spending most of the days alone.
–Becoming lost in thoughts and not wanting to be disturbed with human contact
–Neglect in self-care- i.e. hygiene, clothing, or appearance
–Replaying or rehearsing conversations out loud- i.e. talking to yourself (very common sign)
–Finding it difficult to deal with stressful situations
–Inability to cope with minor problems
–Lack of goal-directed behavior. Not being able to engage in purposeful activity
–Functional impairment in interpersonal relationships, work, education, or self-care
–Deterioration of academic or job-related performance
–Inappropriate responses- laughing or smiling when talking of a sad event, making irrational statements.
–Catatonia- staying in the same rigid position for hours, as if in a daze.
–Intense and excessive preoccupation with religion or spirituality
–Drug or alcohol abuse
–Smoke or have the desire to want to smoke (70-90% do smoke) – note: this is a very normal behavior for people who do not have schizophrenia also!
–Frequent moves, trips, or walks that lead nowhere

Examples of Cognitive Problems Associated with Schizophrenia —-

–Ruminating thoughts- these are the same thoughts that go around and round your head but get you nowhere. Often about past disappointments, missed opportunities, failed relationships.
–Making up new words (neologisms)
–Becoming incoherent or stringing unrelated words together (word salad)
–Frequent loose association of thoughts or speech- when one thought does not logically relate to the next. For example, “I need to go to the store to buy some band-aids. I read an article about how expensive AIDS drugs are. People take too many street drugs. The streets should be clean from the rain today, etc” The need to go to the store to buy band-aids is forgotten.
–Directionless- lack goals, or the ability to set and achieve goals

–Lack of insight (called anosognosia). Those who are developing schizophrenia are unaware that they are becoming sick. The part of their brain that should recognize that something is wrong is damaged by the disease.
–Racing thoughts
–In conversation you tend to say very little (called poverty of speech or alogia)
–Suddenly halting speech in the middle of a sentence (thought blocking)

–Trouble with social cues- i.e. not being able to interpret body language, eye contact, voice tone, and gestures appropriately. –Often not responding appropriately and thus coming off as cold, distant, or detached.
–Difficulty expressing thoughts verbally. Or not having much to say about anything.
–Speaking in an abstract or tangential way. Odd use of words or language structure
–Difficulty focusing attention and engaging in goal directed behavior
–Poor concentration/ memory. Forgetfulness
–Nonsensical logic
–Difficulty understanding simple things
–Thoughts, behavior, and actions are not integrated
–Obsessive compulsive tendencies- with thoughts or actions
–Thought insertion/ withdrawal- thoughts are put it or taken away without a conscious effort
–Conversations that seem deep, but are not logical or coherent

Examples of Delusions—-

The most common type of delusion or false beliefs are paranoid delusions. These are persecutory in nature and take many forms:

–Overpowering, intense feeling that people are talking about you, looking at you
–Overpowering, intense feeling you are being watched, followed, and spied on (tracking devices, implants, hidden cameras)
–Thinking that someone is trying to poison your food
–Thinking people are working together to harass you
–Thinking that something is controlling you- i.e. an electronic implant
–Thinking that people can read your mind/ or control your thoughts
–Thinking that your thoughts are being broadcast over the radio or tv
–Delusions of reference- thinking that random events convey a special meaning to you. An example is that a newspaper headline or a license plate has a hidden meaning for you to figure out. That they are signs trying to tell you something.
–Religious delusions- that you are Jesus, God, a prophet, or the antichrist.
–Delusions of grandeur- the belief that you have an important mission, special purpose, or are an unrecognized genius, or famous person.
–Delusions that someone, often a famous person, is in love with you when in reality they aren’t. Also called erotomania or de Clerembault syndrome.

Examples of Hallucinations—-

–Hallucinations are as real as any other experience to the person with schizophrenia. As many as 70% hear voices, while a lesser number have visual hallucinations.
–Auditory hallucinations can be either inside the person’s head or externally. When external, they sound as real as an actual voice. Sometimes they come from no apparent source, other times they come from real people who don’t actually say anything, other times a person will hallucinate sounds.
–When people hear voices inside their heads, it is as if their inner thoughts are no longer alone. The new voices can talk to each other, talk to themselves, or comment on the person’s actions. The majority of the time the voices are negative.
–Visual hallucinations operate on a spectrum. They start with the overacuteness of the senses, then in the middle are illusions, and on the far end are actual hallucinations.

Disclaimer: The following symptoms overlap with many other diseases such as bipolar disorder, major depression, the various kinds of personality disorders (specifically paranoid and schizotypal personality disorders), and other problems such as brain tumors and temporal lobe epilepsy. There is no “typical” case of schizophrenia. Everyone has different symptoms. Seek the opinion of your doctor always.

Q: schizophrenia……………………?
ok im 13 and some of my friends are saying they think i have schizophrenia but then i heard that schizophrenia isn’t there until your in your old teens or early 20’s so is it even possible that i could have it?
is it something thats genetic cause my dad has it?
and im not really sure what exactly schizophrenia is either so could you please make that clearer to me?
is it only voices in your head telling you to die
or is it also schizophrenia when you hear voices in your head telling you to do things that aren’t always bad?
PLEASE HELP!

A: My guess is that you’re okay so far, because KIDS CAN BE CRUEL and they may just be saying it because they 1. don’t understand what schizophrenia really is anyway, and 2. might just want to hurt your feelings, and/or 3. maybe there is something unique about your personality, so they blame it on schizophrenia.

OR…. you COULD possibly have it….. but only a doctor can tell you for sure. Since your dad has it, I’m sure any doctor will take you seriously.

Here is some info to help (click on the link to get more help):

Schizophrenia is diagnosed with a medical history, physical exam, and a mental health assessment.

If a health professional suspects that you may be depressed or considering suicide, a suicide assessment may also be taken.

Other tests, such as a CT scan or an MRI, and blood tests may be done to rule out other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to schizophrenia.

New evidence suggests that the structure of the brain may be different in those who develop schizophrenia.7 Brain imaging studies (such as a CT scan or an MRI) may be done to evaluate the size, structure, and functioning of the brain.

Schizophrenia is accurately diagnosed when:

* You have at least two of the following symptoms in the active phase of the disorder, each having lasted for at least 1 month:
o Hallucinations
o Delusions
o Disorganized speech
o Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
o Negative symptoms (no emotion, inability to experience pleasure, difficulty concentrating)
* Problems functioning on the job or with other people.
* Continuous signs of schizophrenia that have been present for at least 6 months, with symptoms being active for at least 1 month.
* No other mental health or substance abuse problems.

Q: My friend has schizophrenia and I want to know if she will ever act violent ?
Are schizophrenia people easy to get along with? Do schizophrenia people take orders well? Are schizophrenia people easy to control? Do schizophrenia people laugh loudly in crazy way?

A: they usually don’t take orders well,actually. and why would you want to control anyone? that is downright evil.

violence amongst schizophrenics is actually quite rare. still, i wouldn’t do anything to provoke anyone,regardless. It’s just not nice.

there is a stigma attached to this illness and you seem to have been taken in by that. Your friend is still the same friend you had before you found out about this. Be there for her,talk with her about things,and be good to her.

Q: Does schizophrenia affect schizophrenics differently? How many types of schizophrenia are there?
Also, how bad does schizophrenia get? Something that always comes to my mind about schizophrenia is the gray matter of a schizophrenics brain. How does “gray matter” affect someone’s intelligence?

A: Schizophrenia nearly always affects people differently. Currently there are six types of schizophrenia: paranoid, catatonic, undifferentiated, disorganized, residual, and childhood-onset schizophrenia. Each of the different types have a variety of symptoms that occur most often within each type. In a general sense, some people may experience auditory and visual hallucinations but never have disorganized thoughts or speech. Other people may experience catatonic behavior and disorganized speech. Nearly any combination of symptoms is possible and nearly any degree of severity is possible.

People with schizophrenia may go on to lead highly productive and independent lives (not requiring assistance from others. Others may fall on the complete opposite end of the spectrum and always require care from a hospital or residential treatment center. Most people fall in the middle and can maintain somewhat productive lives as long as they have a strong support system of doctors, therapists, family members, and friends.

As for the gray matter, that is a term used to describe the cerebral cortex. The gray matter consists of neuron cell bodies. It controls functions such as muscle control, sensory perceptions, seeing, hearing, memory, emotions, and speech. Therefore, people who have schizophrenia that has damaged the gray matter of the brain tend to have problems in these areas. They are not less intelligent. Instead they may have memory problems, difficulty showing emotions (flat affect), disorganized or jumbled speech, and more severe hallucinations. This is not always true but it does tend to be the pattern. Gray matter becomes more damaged the more psychotic episodes a schizophrenic has. Also, only 25-40% of people with schizophrenia have gray matter damage that can be detected my an MRI scan. This makes it difficult to know if all schizophrenics have gray matter damage or if it is a condition that is not always consistent with the illness.

Q: What is the difference between schizophrenia and severe depression with psychotic features?
It appears to me that the two diagnoses are very similar..could it be that severe depression with psychotic episodes is a more conservative diagnisis than schizophrenia? Maybe the first step of diagnosis for schizophrenia? Insight please, and try to explain your answers as in depth as possible.

A: Depression is not part of the diagnositic criteria for schizophrenia, although many schizophrenics do have depression. You might find this description helpfull:

http://www.behavenet.com/capsules/disorders/schiz.htm

Q: What if a person without Schizophrenia took medication for schizophrenia?
If a person that is completely normal that does not have schizophrenia takes medication that is only intended for schizophrenic patients, what could happen to the normal person? What would happen to their brain? What are some side effects?

A: I was on Seroquel for a while and all it did was make me really tired all the time. It was like a sedative, I felt drugged. I don’t think it had any lasting harmful effects.

I was only on it for a couple of weeks, so I’m not really sure about long-term use.

Q: How is schizophrenia different than bipolar disorder?
I have states that are incredibly intense when I have nonstop racing thoughts that I can’t stop.

I found Zyprexa helps, which is also prescribed for schizophrenia. The closest term I heard is that I have mixed episodes; but it’s truly terrifying; like a bad acid trip.

A: Schizophrenia doesn’t involve mood swings. Practice one of the relaxation methods in sections 2, 11, 2c, or 2i, daily, and when needed, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris

Bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are addressed in sections 10, and 40, at ezy build.

(The following is a variant of EMDR therapy, which has been used successfully for those people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, insomnia, and anxiety: it is easily learned, quick to use, yet can be very effective. It is easy to be dismissive of such a seemingly unusual technique, but give it a good tryout, for at least a few weeks, to see if it is effective in your case.). Prior to using either of the methods in the above paragraph, first sit comfortably, and take a deep breath. Then, without moving your head, move your eyes from the left, to the right, and back again, taking around a second to do so (say: “a thousand and one”: this takes approximately a second). Repeat this procedure (without the words, although you can count, subvocally, if you like) 20 times. Then close your eyes and relax. Become aware of any tension or discomfort you feel.

Then open your eyes, and take another deep breath, and repeat step one, closing your eyes, and relaxing afterwards, in the same manner. Then, repeat the procedure one last time. Some people may find that this is all they need do. With experience, you may find that you can practise this in public, with your eyes closed, which greatly widens the window of opportunity for its use, and avoids attracting unwanted attention. I have found that the 2 – 3 minutes spent using the EMDR markedly reduces distractions to the relaxation process, and is repaid many times over.

Consider taking classes in t’ai chi, and/or yoga. Chamomile tea may help.

Q: What are my chances of having schizophrenia if my mother had it?
I’m worried about my chances of being diagnosed with schizophrenia since my mother has been suffering from it since she was in her thirties. I’m a 19 yr. old male. I wouldnt say I’ve always been antisocial but I do tend to prefer smaller crowds and enjoy alone time. I realize that If I were predisposed to getting schizophrenia I could decrease my chances by taking certain precautions, but how affecting are they and what are they specifically?

A: first don’t worry until something happens to make you worry. yes this kind of illness does run in family’s and can be genetic but that’s not to say your going to get it no matter what, all it means is that your at higher risk then the general population of having it. relax live your life for the now and very important that you don’t do drugs. If you are that concerned you can get a brain scan done as that disorder shows a number of differences in the brains activates. take care good luck

Q: How does Schizophrenia work in genetics?
I’m making up a character for my class assignment; we’re making a book about the character.

The guy I made up has Schizophrenia and I was wondering if Schizophrenia skips a generation or not?

A: It will help you greatly to read about Twin Studies experiments. Google will tell you all you need to know. They are the most famous and most accurate forms of proving the theory of genetics playing a part in the development of schizophrenia.

Q: What exactly is borderline schizophrenia, and how would you know if you had it?
I was curious as to what borderline schizophrenia was, and how you would know if you had it.

A: “Borderline Schizophrenia” is not a real term as far as I know, but it may have been an old fashioned term for Borderline Personality Disorder many years ago.

Schizophreniform Disorder is an early stage form of schizophrenia where the patient has some symptoms but not others; this diagnosis isn’t used very often, though.

Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders are have some similarities to schizophrenia but are not as severe. Some people diagnosed with these personality disorders may later develop schizophrenia.

The basic symptoms of schizophrenia are psychosis (hallucination and/or delusions), disorganized thinking, blunted emotions and social withdrawal.

Q: What is the difference between psychotic Depression and Schizophrenia?
I am having for the first time auditory alucinations. I suffer from Psychotic Depression but I am so afraid to get Schizophrenia. What is the difference between psychotic depression and schizophrenia???

A: “silkyegg…” — Do your research…SCHIZOPHRENIA and MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER – ARE *NOT* THE SAME THING…IDIOT!

This is from a doctor. The question is asked about schizoaffective & not plain schizophrenia, but I think you you will get the differences:

this info is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions that apply directly to you or your care, ask your healthcare provider(s). This may be more than you were looking for, but here goes:

What is the difference between bipolar disorder with psychotic episodes and schizoaffective disorder?

This is somewhat of a confusing distinction…
• Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by depressive episodes with manic or mixed episodes. A person with bipolar disorder can have psychotic episodes during either a manic phase or depression phase. They key here is that the mood disorder is always present, the psychosis is not.
• In schizoaffective disorder, both symptoms of mood disorder and schizophrenia are present. The patient experiences mood swings and at least 2 psychotic symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking) simultaneously – but the psychosis is the dominant feature (the mood swings may come and go). Even if the mood episode(s) clear, psychosis is still present to some degree.

What are the different types of psychoses?
• Schizophrenia
o A person must meet 3 criteria to be schizophrenic:
 Display 2 or more of the following symptoms, each present for most of the time during a one-month period:
• Delusions (bizarre/illogical thoughts”)
• Hallucinations (ex: hearing voices)
• Disorganized speech
• Grossly disorganized behavior (ex: dressing for a snowstorm in 90 degree weather) or catatonic behavior
• Negative symptoms (decline in emotional response, decline of speech or motivation)
 The above symptoms must significantly impact the person’s ability to function (maintain relationships, work, go to school, etc.)
 There must be continuous signs of the disturbance persist for at least six months. This six-month period must include at least one month of symptoms
• Shchizoaffective disorder – as described above
• Schizophreniform – related to schizophrenia, with two differences:
o The total duration of the illness is at least 1 month but less than 6 months
o Significantly impaired function is not required, though it may be present as well.
• Brief psychotic episode: A person may experience psychotic symptoms that are of sudden onset, short lived, and followed by return to baseline function. Not associated with another illness, medical condition or medication/drug
• Delusional Disorder: Person does not meet the criteria for schizophrenia (though may experience tactile/olfactory hallucinations), however, experiences delusions. Delusions are typically not bizarre (jealous delusions very common), person is usually highly-functioning.
• Shared psychotic episode: Rare! Psychotic symptoms are shared between 2 individuals such as siblings/spouses.
• Important to note that various medical conditions such as alzheimer’s disease, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, lyme disease, electrolyte disturbances etc. can cause psychotic symptoms. As can many medications/drugs/alchohol.

Is it possible to be manic and depressed at the same time?
• Yes, this is referred to as a “mixed” state or episode, where symptoms of depression and mania occur simultaneously.

HOPE THIS HELPS!

EDIT: Please note that if you are ever diagnosed w/schizophrenia, do to your depression you will more than likely will receive the diagnosis of schioaffective instead — the affective simply means that you some type of mood disorder along w/schizophrenia -

EDIT: “matt” you did a good job at giving characteristics of schizophrenia, however, you obviously have no idea what psychosis is: “People experiencing psychosis may report hallucinations or delusional beliefs, and may exhibit personality changes and disorganized thinking. This may be accompanied by unusual or bizarre behavior, as well as difficulty with social interaction and impairment in carrying out the activities of daily living.” SCHIZOPHRENIA & PSYCHOSIS ARE SYNONOMUS” –”COOKIE” has written a well thought out/well organized question -I HARDLY THINK SHE IS “WHACKED”!!! That being said, from my experience w/depression I would have to agree you – depression is a battle that must eventually fought internally — MEDS & THERAPY, though can be a great comfort blanket for those waiting to realize this!

Q: What is the difference between Schizophrenia and Schizo Effective?
I have heard of Schizophrenia, but now I recently heard about another disorder called Schizo Effective.
What is the difference in them?

A: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizoaffective_disorder

Sorry I can’t be of more help.

Q: What are the chances of me passing on schizophrenia?
Ok, I’m 25. I have 3 younger brothers that which 2 out of 3 have schizophrenia. I do NOT. My boyfriend & I want kids, but I don’t think I can deal with this again. What do you think are my honest chances of passing on schizophrenia?

A: I found a webpage with a **fantastic** chart:

http://www.schizophrenia.com/family/FAQoffspring.htm

It’s about 1/5 of the way down the page.

Personally, I don’t think it’s a good idea. Consider a donated egg. I have a mental disorder, and life sucks. No way I would do that to a child. Cruel.

Q: What are some statistics about schizophrenia?
I am doing a research projects about schizophrenia and I cant find any good statistics about it.. Can you help me, please?

A: The best source in the world for any and all mental health disorders is the DSM IV-TR. It should be available in the library of a university, but if psychology is an interest of yours it would be a good buy. If psychology is your major it is most likely that you will need one in the future, anyway. the DSM IV-TR has diagnostic and statistical information for every recognized mental disorder, and a very extensive section on schizophrenia.

Q: What are some illnesses that have similar symptoms to Schizophrenia?
I’m just curious and this is not to offend anyone, but a lot of the symptoms of Schizophrenia sound like symptoms of other mental illnesses.
Since there is no proven way of diagnosing someone Schizophrenic, then what are some illnesses that could be mistaken for Schizophrenia?
You can be diagnosed with it but there is no way to prove for sure. They have to go by what symptoms a person has and assume, which I think is pretty much BS, because like the first answerer said, it could just be anxiety overload.

A: I am not an expert but I have known some people with schizophrenia and it truly is a distinct illness. There can be different kinds I realize but when people are hallucinating or being directed to do or think irrational things by their own thoughts it is not just anxiety. True schizophrenia is not BS is it a real illness. I know some illnesses are not as clearly recognizable and may be used for people inappropriately but I have never known schizophrenia to be like that. Unless you think the person is making up their symptoms for some reason. I think time is the greatest factor because unfortunately schizophrenia does not go away. Some people can be treated effectively with medication but many can’t and sometimes the meds loose their effectiveness or cause too many side effects. If you have someone in your life with this problem you should try to be supportive and be there for them however you can.

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