Tag: Schizophrenia

  • Mantras To Overcome Fear Mental Disturbance

    I am providing some Mantras for  relief from mental disturbances, including Schizophrenia,Alzheimer’s,Deep depression,Melancholia, Cancer,Life threatening diseases and Possession from evil spirits.

    Some might wonder why I have included possession by Evil Spirits in this category.

    The answer is I have experienced this personally.

    While none could cure it, including famous psychiatrists, these Mantras have cured.

    I have discussed this issue with many psychiatrists and Neuro Physicians.

    Their answer is’ I do not know’

    Recite any of these Mantras for 45 Days, 18 times a day, begin on the sixth day of the waxing Moon, Sukla Paksha, early in the morning, Naivedya, Sakkarai Pongal.

    On the day of completion feed a poor man or woman and if you can afford give them Clothes.

    Cash offering is to be avoided.

    Make sure you give out to those who are in need of these.

    Do not inform people that you are reciting this Mantra.

    Relatives of those who are afflicted may perform this.

    Goddess Kamakshi
    Devi Kamakshi

    Sloka 1.

    Jagat soote dhaataa hariravati rudraha kshapayate
    Tiraskurvannetat swamapi vapu-reesa-stirayati
    Sadaa poorvaha sarvam tadida-manugrihnaati ca siva-
    Stavaajnaa maalambya kshanacalitayorbhroolatikayoh

    जगत्सूते धाता हरिरवति रुद्रः क्षपयते
    तिरस्कुर्व-न्नेतत् स्वमपि वपु-रीश-स्तिरयति ।
    सदा पूर्वः सर्वं तदिद मनुगृह्णाति च शिव-
    स्तवाज्ञा मलम्ब्य क्षणचलितयो र्भ्रूलतिकयोः ॥ 24 ॥

    Jagat soote creates the world
    dhaataa Lord Brahma, the creator [Generator]God
    harihi Lord Vishnu, the Organisor God
    avati maintains
    rudraha Lord Rudra, the Destructor God
    Kshapayate destroys
    G O D – generation – organization – destruction
    The whole world [of actions] or even the fourteen worlds consists of only these three functions.

    2. Sloka 2.From Subramanya Bhujangam

    Subramanya
    Lord Subrahmanya

    अपस्मारकुष्टक्षयार्शः प्रमेह_
    ज्वरोन्मादगुल्मादिरोगा महान्तः ।
    पिशाचाश्च सर्वे भवत्पत्रभूतिं
    विलोक्य क्षणात्तारकारे द्रवन्ते ॥२५॥
    Apasmaara-Kusstta-Kssaya-Arshah Prameha_
    Jvaro[a-U]nmaada-Gulma-Adi-Rogaa Mahaantah |
    Pishaacaash-Ca Sarve Bhavat-Patra-Bhuutim
    Vilokya Kssannaat-Taaraka-Are Dravante ||25||

    Meaning:
    25.1: (Salutations to Sri Subramanya) Apasmara (Epilepsy), Kussttha (Leprosy), Kssaya (Consumption), Arsha (Piles),Prameha (Urinary diseases like Diabetes), …
    25.2: … Jwara (Fever), Unmada (Madness, Insanity), Gulma (Enlargement of Spleen or other glands in the abdomen) and other formidable Diseases, …
    25.3: … as also all types of Pisachas (Evil Spirits), … (when) in Your Bibhuti (Sacred Ash) contained in a Leaf, …
    25.4: … sees You, Who is the Enemy of the formidable Taraka (i.e demon Tarakasura), they hasten to Run awayImmediately.

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  • Schizophrenia India Hospitals Costs

    Find the Hospitals in India in the following Link.

    http://yellowpages.sulekha.com/schizophrenia-treatment-centers_contacts

    Forums for Schizophrenia in India.

    http://www.schizophrenia.com:8080/jiveforums/index.jspa

     

    Some Statistics.

    Schizophrenia
    Schizophrenia facts

    Course of Schizophrenia.

    • Early intervention and early use of new medications lead to better medical outcomes for the individual
    • The earlier someone with schizophrenia is diagnosed and stabilized on treatment, the better the long-term prognosis for their illness
    • Teen suicide is a growing problem — and teens with schizophrenia have approximately a 50% risk of attempted suicide
    • In rare instances, children as young as five can develop schizophrenia.

    Anti-psychotic medications are the generally recommended treatment for schizophrenia. If medication for schizophrenia is discontinued, the relapse rate is about 80 percent within 2 years. With continued drug treatment, only about 40 percent of recovered patients will suffer relapses.( Source: NIMH)

    Wide variation occurs in the course of schizophrenia. Some people have psychotic episodes of illness lasting weeks or months with full remission of their symptoms between each episode; others have a fluctuating course in which symptoms are continuous but rise and fall in intensity; others have relatively little variation in the symptoms of their illness over time. At one end of the spectrum, the person has a single psychotic episode of schizophrenia followed by complete recovery; at the other end of the spectrum is a course in which the illness never abates and debilitating effects increase. (source: Openthedoors). Recent research increasingly shows that the disease process of schizophrenia gradually and significantly damages the brain of the person, and that earlier treatments (medications and other therapies) seem to result in less damage over time.

    Therefore, the approximate number of people in the United States suffering from:

    The Course of Schizophrenia

    • Early intervention and early use of new medications lead to better medical outcomes for the individual
    • The earlier someone with schizophrenia is diagnosed and stabilized on treatment, the better the long-term prognosis for their illness
    • Teen suicide is a growing problem — and teens with schizophrenia have approximately a 50% risk of attempted suicide
    • In rare instances, children as young as five can develop schizophrenia.

    Anti-psychotic medications are the generally recommended treatment for schizophrenia. If medication for schizophrenia is discontinued, the relapse rate is about 80 percent within 2 years. With continued drug treatment, only about 40 percent of recovered patients will suffer relapses.( Source: NIMH)

    Wide variation occurs in the course of schizophrenia. Some people have psychotic episodes of illness lasting weeks or months with full remission of their symptoms between each episode; others have a fluctuating course in which symptoms are continuous but rise and fall in intensity; others have relatively little variation in the symptoms of their illness over time. At one end of the spectrum, the person has a single psychotic episode of schizophrenia followed by complete recovery; at the other end of the spectrum is a course in which the illness never abates and debilitating effects increase. (source: Openthedoors). Recent research increasingly shows that the disease process of schizophrenia gradually and significantly damages the brain of the person, and that earlier treatments (medications and other therapies) seem to result in less damage over time (source: UCLA NeuroImaging Lab , Other info – see “Early Treatment” section of this page).

    Cost of Treatment.

    In US outpatient treatment Attenders for a six month period is $274.(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15952946)

    Following Links will be useful.

    http://www.mindsfoundation.org/what-is-mental-illness/?gclid=CLSHk629sbsCFUlT4godomMA8A

    http://www.schizophrenia.com/szfacts.htm

    For cost of Treatment check http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2932983/

     

  • Schizophrenia Treatment Cure

    Diagnosis of Schizophrenia.

    Schizophrenia
    Schizophrenia Brain
    • Laboratory tests. These may include a complete blood count (CBC), other blood tests that may help to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, screening for alcohol and drugs, and imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan.
    • Psychological evaluation. A doctor or mental health provider will check mental status by observing appearance and demeanor and asking about thoughts, moods, delusions, hallucinations, substance abuse, and potential for violence or suicide.

    Diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia

    To be diagnosed with schizophrenia, a person must meet the criteria spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association and is used by mental health providers to diagnose mental conditions.

    Diagnosis of schizophrenia involves ruling out other mental health disorders and determining that symptoms aren’t due to substance abuse, medication or a medical condition. In addition, a person must:

    • Have at least two of the common symptoms of the disorder — delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior, or presence of negative symptoms for a significant amount of time during one month
    • Experience significant impairment in the ability to work, attend school or perform normal daily tasks
    • Have had symptoms for at least six months

    There are several subtypes of schizophrenia, but not everyone easily fits into a specific category. The five most common subtypes are:

    • Paranoid. Characterized by delusions and hallucinations, this type generally involves less functional impairment and offers the best hope for improvement.
    • Catatonic. People with this subtype don’t interact with others, get into bizarre positions, or engage in meaningless gestures or activities.
    • Disorganized. Characterized by disorganized thoughts and inappropriate expressions of emotion, this type generally involves the most functional impairment and offers the least hope for improvement.
    • Undifferentiated. This is the largest group of people with schizophrenia, whose dominant symptoms come from more than one subtype.
    • Residual. This type is characterized by extended periods without prominent positive symptoms, but other symptoms continue.

    Despite the widespread misconception that people with schizophrenia have no chance of recovery or improvement, the reality is much more hopeful. Think of schizophrenia as similar to a chronic medical condition like diabetes: although currently there is no cure, it can be treated and managed with medication and supportive therapies.

    A diagnosis of schizophrenia is not a life-sentence of ever-worsening symptoms and hospitalizations. Recovery is possible. In fact, the majority of people with schizophrenia get better over time, not worse. According to the UK’s Royal College of Psychiatrists, for every five people who develop schizophrenia:

    • 1 in 5 will get better within five years of their first episode of schizophrenia.
    • 3 in 5 will get better, but will still have some symptoms. They will have times when their symptoms get worse.
    • 1 in 5 will continue to have troublesome symptoms.

    What does recovery mean?

    Recovery from schizophrenia is a lifelong process. It doesn’t mean you won’t experience any more challenges from the illness or that you’ll always be symptom-free. What it does mean is that you are continuing to work toward your goals, learning to manage your symptoms, developing the support you need, and creating a satisfying, purpose-driven life.

    Successful treatment for schizophrenia aims to relieve current symptoms, prevent future psychotic episodes, and restore your ability to function and enjoy a meaningful life. A treatment plan that combines medication with supportive services and therapy is the most effective approach.

    Encouraging facts about schizophrenia

    • Schizophrenia is treatable. Currently, there is no cure for schizophrenia, but the illness can be successfully treated and managed. The key is to have a strong support system in place and get the right treatment for your needs.
    • You can enjoy a fulfilling, meaningful life. When treated properly, most people with schizophrenia are able to have satisfying relationships, work or pursue other meaningful activities, be part of the community, and enjoy life.
    • Just because you have schizophrenia doesn’t mean you’ll have to be hospitalized. If you’re getting the right treatment and sticking to it, you are much less likely to experience a crisis situation that requires hospitalization to keep you safe.
    • Most people with schizophrenia get better over time, not worse. People with schizophrenia can regain normal functioning and even become symptom free. No matter what challenges you presently face, there is always hope.
    • Your attitude towards treatment matters

      • Don’t buy into the stigma of schizophrenia. Many fears about schizophrenia are not based on reality. It’s important to take your illness seriously, but don’t buy into the myth that you can’t get better. Associate with people who see beyond your diagnosis, to the person you really are.
      • Communicate with your doctor. Make sure you’re getting the right dose of medication—not too much, and not too little. It’s not just your doctor’s job to figure out the dosage and drug that’s right for you. Be honest and upfront about side effects, concerns, and other treatment issues.
      • Pursue therapies that teach you how to manage and cope with your symptoms. Don’t rely on medication alone. Supportive therapy can teach you how to challenge delusional beliefs, ignore voices in your head, protect against relapse, and motivate yourself.
      • Set and work toward life goals. Having schizophrenia doesn’t mean you can’t work, have relationships, and get involved in your community. It’s important to set meaningful goals for yourself and participate in your own wellness.

      Schizophrenia treatment & recovery tip 2: Build a strong support system

      Support makes an immense difference in the outlook for schizophrenia—especially the support of family and close friends. When you have people who care about you and are involved in your treatment, you’re more likely to achieve independence and avoid relapse. You can develop and strengthen your support system in many ways:

      • Turn to trusted friends and family members. Your closest friends and family members can help you get the right treatment, keep your symptoms under control, and function well in your community. Tell your loved ones that you may need to call on them in times of need. Most people will be flattered by your request for their help and support.
      • Find ways to stay involved with others. If you’re able to work, continue to do so. If you can’t find a job, consider volunteering. If you’d like to meet more people, consider joining a schizophrenia support group or getting involved with a local church, club, or other organization.
      • Take advantage of support services in your area. Ask your doctor or therapist about services available in your area,  contact hospitals and mental health clinics, or see Resources & References section below for links to support services in your country.

      The importance of a supportive living environment

      Treatment for schizophrenia cannot succeed if you don’t have a stable, supportive place to live. Studies show that people with schizophrenia often do best when they’re able to remain in the home, surrounded by supportive family members. However, any living environment where you’re safe and supported can be healing.

      Living with family is a particularly good option when your family members understand the illness well, have a strong support system of their own, and are willing and able to provide whatever assistance is needed. But your own role is no less important. The living arrangement is more likely to be successful if you avoid using drugs or alcohol, follow your treatment plan, and take advantage of outside support services.

      Schizophrenia treatment & recovery tip 3: Put medication in its place

      If you’ve been diagnosed with schizophrenia, you will almost certainly be offered antipsychotic medication. But it’s important to understand that medication is just one component of schizophrenia treatment.

      • Medication is not a cure for schizophrenia. Rather it works by reducing the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and disordered thinking.
      • Medication only treats some of the symptoms of schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medication reduces psychotic symptoms, but is much less helpful for treating symptoms of schizophrenia such as social withdrawal, lack of motivation, and lack of emotional expressiveness.
      • You should not have to put up with disabling side effects. Schizophrenia medication can have very unpleasant—even disabling—side effects such as drowsiness, lack of energy, uncontrollable movements, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction. Your quality of life is important, so talk to your doctor if you or your family member is bothered by side effects. Lowering your dose or switching medications may help.
      • Never reduce or stop medication on your own. Sudden or unsupervised dosage changes are dangerous, and can trigger a schizophrenia relapse or other complications. If you’re having trouble with your medication or feel like you don’t need to take it, talk to your doctor or someone else that you trust.

      Finding the right schizophrenia medication

      Since many people with schizophrenia require medication for extended periods of time—sometimes for life—the goal is to find a medication regimen that keeps the symptoms of the illness under control with the fewest side effects.

      As with all medications, the antipsychotics affect people differently. It’s impossible to know ahead of time how helpful a particular antipsychotic will be, what dose will be most effective, and what side effects will occur. Finding the right drug and dosage for schizophrenia treatment is a trial and error process. It also takes time for the antipsychotic medications to take full effect.

      Some symptoms of schizophrenia may respond to medication within a few days, but others take weeks or months to improve. In general, most people see a significant improvement in their schizophrenia within six weeks of starting medication. If, after six weeks, an antipsychotic medication doesn’t seem to be working, your doctor may increase the dose or try another medication.

      Types of medications used for schizophrenia treatment

      The two main groups of medications used for the treatment of schizophrenia are the older or “typical” antipsychotic medications and the newer “atypical” antipsychotic medications.

      The typical antipsychotics are the oldest antipsychotic medications and have a successful track record in the treatment of hallucinations, paranoia, and other psychotic symptoms. However, they are prescribed less frequently today because of the neurological side effects, known as extrapyramidal symptoms­, they often cause.

      Common extrapyramidal side effects of the typical antipsychotics include:

      • Restlessness and pacing
      • Extremely slow movements
      • Tremors
      • Painful muscle stiffness
      • Temporary paralysis
      • Muscle spasms (usually of the neck, eyes, or trunk)
      • Changes in breathing and heart rate 

      The danger of permanent facial tics and involuntary muscle movements

      When the typical antipsychotics are taken long-term for the treatment of schizophrenia, there is a risk that tardive dyskinesia will develop. Tardive dyskinesia involves involuntary muscle movements, usually of the tongue or mouth. In addition to facial tics, tardive dyskinesia may also involve random, uncontrolled movements of the hands, feet, trunk, or other limbs. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia is 5 percent per year with the typical antipsychotics.

      In recent years, newer drugs for schizophrenia have become available. These drugs are known asatypical antipsychotics because they work differently than the older antipsychotic medications. Since the atypical antipsychotics produce fewer extrapyramidal side effects than the typical antipsychotics, they are recommended as the first-line treatment for schizophrenia.

      Unfortunately, these newer atypical antipsychotic medications have side effects that many find even more distressing than extrapyramidal side effects, including:http://www.helpguide.org/mental/schizophrenia_treatment_support.htm

    •  

      Source.

      • Loss of motivation
      • Drowsiness
      • Feeling sedated
      • Weight gain
      • Sexual dysfunction
      • Nervousness

      If you or a loved one is bothered by the side effects of schizophrenia medication, talk to your doctor. Medication should not be used at the expense of your quality of life. Your doctor may be able to minimize side effects by switching you to another medication or reducing your dose. The goal of drug treatment should be to reduce psychotic symptoms using the lowest possible dose.

      Common Schizophrenia Medications
      Typical antipsychotics (1st generation) Atypical antipsychotics (2nd generation)

  • Schizophrenia Symptoms Causes Detail

    Schizophrenia ‘is a cruel disease.  that affects the brain and the patients develop symptoms of Delusions, hallucinate,altered sensations,an inability to sort and interpret incoming sensations, and an inability therefore to respond appropriately ,an erratic and totally unexpected behavior.

    They hear voices and obey voices they imagine they hear and they may enter depression and high elation alternatively.

    Schizophrenia.
    Schizophrenia symptoms.

    All of us have emotions , but they are at an acceptable level

    In the case of Schizophrenic patients,their reaction is disproportionate to the sensations or events.

    They become hysterical, though all hysteria does not translate into Schizophrenia.

    We feel very low and highly elated at time.

    We do not normally sink into despair in the former case nor do we go out of control in the latter.

    In the case of the Schizophrenic patients, they either go into depression or Manic or hyper activity when they are happy or in agreeable conditions

    this goes to such an extent, in the initial stages, we take these reactions to be normal.

    But as it develops it becomes unbearable and one does not know how to deal with it.

    The patients may harm themselves or others.

    They may not know what they have been upto for they will return to normalcy in a jiffy to begin with and be normal.

    But these will gaps between normal and abnormal behaviour will increase and slowly they will lose touch with Reality and be totally unconnected to what is happening around them.

    Who gets Schizophrenia?

    Schizophrenia affects men and women equally. It occurs at similar rates in all ethnic groups around the world. Symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions usually start between ages 16 and 30. Men tend to experience symptoms a little earlier than women. Most of the time, people do not get schizophrenia after age 45.3Schizophrenia rarely occurs in children, but awareness of childhood-onset schizophrenia is increasing.4,5

    It can be difficult to diagnose schizophrenia in teens. This is because the first signs can include a change of friends, a drop in grades, sleep problems, and irritability—behaviors that are common among teens. A combination of factors can predict schizophrenia in up to 80 percent of youth who are at high risk of developing the illness. These factors include isolating oneself and withdrawing from others, an increase in unusual thoughts and suspicions, and a family history of psychosis.6 In young people who develop the disease, this stage of the disorder is called the “prodromal” period.

    The Symptoms of Schizophrenia.

    • Social withdrawal
    • Hostility or suspiciousness
    • Deterioration of personal hygiene
    • Flat, expressionless gaze
    • Inability to cry or express joy
    • Inappropriate laughter or crying
    • Depression
    • Oversleeping or insomnia
    • Odd or irrational statements
    • Forgetful; unable to concentrate
    • Extreme reaction to criticism
    • Strange use of words or way of speaking

    While these warning signs can result from a number of problems—not just schizophrenia—they are cause for concern. When out-of-the-ordinary behavior is causing problems in your life or the life of a loved one, seek medical advice. If schizophrenia or another mental problem is the cause, treatment will help.

    Misconceptions about Schizophrenia.

    MYTH: Schizophrenia refers to a “split personality” or multiple personalities.

    FACT: Multiple personality disorder is a different and much less common disorder than schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia do not have split personalities. Rather, they are “split off” from reality.

    MYTH: Schizophrenia is a rare condition.

    FACT: Schizophrenia is not rare; the lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia is widely accepted to be around 1 in 100.

    MYTH: People with schizophrenia are dangerous.

    FACT: Although the delusional thoughts and hallucinations of schizophrenia sometimes lead to violent behavior, most people with schizophrenia are neither violent nor a danger to others.(This is debatable)

    MYTH: People with schizophrenia can’t be helped.

    FACT: While long-term treatment may be required, the outlook for schizophrenia is not hopeless. When treated properly, many people with schizophrenia are able to enjoy life and function within their families and communities.

    Delusions

    A delusion is a firmly-held idea that a person has despite clear and obvious evidence that it isn’t true. Delusions are extremely common in schizophrenia, occurring in more than 90% of those who have the disorder. Often, these delusions involve illogical or bizarre ideas or fantasies. Common schizophrenic delusions include:

    • Delusions of persecution Belief that others, often a vague “they,” are out to get him or her. These persecutory delusions often involve bizarre ideas and plots (e.g. “Martians are trying to poison me with radioactive particles delivered through my tap water”).
    • Delusions of reference – A neutral environmental event is believed to have a special and personal meaning. For example, a person with schizophrenia might believe a billboard or a person on TV is sending a message meant specifically for them.
    • Delusions of grandeur – Belief that one is a famous or important figure, such as Jesus Christ or Napolean. Alternately, delusions of grandeur may involve the belief that one has unusual powers that no one else has (e.g. the ability to fly).
    • Delusions of control – Belief that one’s thoughts or actions are being controlled by outside, alien forces. Common delusions of control include thought broadcasting (“My private thoughts are being transmitted to others”), thought insertion (“Someone is planting thoughts in my head”), and thought withdrawal (“The CIA is robbing me of my thoughts”).

    Hallucinations

    Hallucinations are sounds or other sensations experienced as real when they exist only in the person’s mind. While hallucinations can involve any of the five senses, auditory hallucinations (e.g. hearing voices or some other sound) are most common in schizophrenia. Visual hallucinations are also relatively common. Research suggests that auditory hallucinations occur when people misinterpret their own inner self-talk as coming from an outside source.

    Schizophrenic hallucinations are usually meaningful to the person experiencing them. Many times, the voices are those of someone they know. Most commonly, the voices are critical, vulgar, or abusive. Hallucinations also tend to be worse when the person is alone.

    Disorganized speech

    Fragmented thinking is characteristic of schizophrenia. Externally, it can be observed in the way a person speaks. People with schizophrenia tend to have trouble concentrating and maintaining a train of thought. They may respond to queries with an unrelated answer, start sentences with one topic and end somewhere completely different, speak incoherently, or say illogical things.

    Common signs of disorganized speech in schizophrenia include:

    • Loose associations – Rapidly shifting from topic to topic, with no connection between one thought and the next.
    • Neologisms – Made-up words or phrases that only have meaning to the patient.
    • Perseveration – Repetition of words and statements; saying the same thing over and over.
    • Clang – Meaningless use of rhyming words (“I said the bread and read the shed and fed Ned at the head”).

    Disorganized behavior

    Schizophrenia disrupts goal-directed activity, causing impairments in a person’s ability to take care of him or herself, work, and interact with others. Disorganized behavior appears as:

    • A decline in overall daily functioning
    • Unpredictable or inappropriate emotional responses
    • Behaviors that appear bizarre and have no purpose
    • Lack of inhibition and impulse control

    Negative symptoms (absence of normal behaviors)

    The so-called “negative” symptoms of schizophrenia refer to the absence of normal behaviors found in healthy individuals. Common negative symptoms of schizophrenia include:

    • Lack of emotional expression – Inexpressive face, including a flat voice, lack of eye contact, and blank or restricted facial expressions.
    • Lack of interest or enthusiasm – Problems with motivation; lack of self-care.
    • Seeming lack of interest in the world – Apparent unawareness of the environment; social withdrawal.
    • Speech difficulties and abnormalities – Inability to carry a conversation; short and sometimes disconnected replies to questions; speaking in monotone.

    Types of schizophrenia

    There are three major subtypes of schizophrenia, each classified by their most prominent symptom:

    • paranoid schizophrenia
    • disorganized schizophrenia
    • catatonic schizophrenia

    Signs and symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia

    The defining feature of paranoid schizophrenia is absurd or suspicious ideas and beliefs. These ideas typically revolve around a coherent, organized theme or “story” that remains consistent over time. Delusions of persecution are the most frequent theme, however delusions of grandeur are also common.

    People with paranoid schizophrenia show a history of increasing paranoia and difficulties in their relationships. They tend to function better than individuals with other schizophrenic subtypes. In contrast, their thinking and behavior is less disordered and their long-term prognosis is better.

    Signs and symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia

    Disorganized schizophrenia generally appears at an earlier age than other types of schizophrenia. Its onset is gradual, rather than abrupt, with the person gradually retreating into his or her fantasies.
    The distinguishing characteristics of this subtype are disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, and blunted or inappropriate emotions. People with disorganized schizophrenia also have trouble taking care of themselves, and may be unable to perform simple tasks such as bathing or feeding themselves.
    The symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia include:

    • Impaired communication skills
    • Incomprehensible or illogical speech
    • Inappropriate reactions (e.g. laughing at a funeral)
    • Emotional indifference
    • Infantile behavior (baby talk, giggling)
    • Peculiar facial expressions and mannerisms

    People with disorganized schizophrenia sometimes suffer from hallucinations and delusions, but unlike the paranoid subtype, their fantasies aren’t consistent or organized.

    Causes:

    The causes of schizophrenia are not fully known. However, it appears that schizophrenia usually results from a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors.

    Genetic causes of schizophrenia

    Schizophrenia has a strong hereditary component. Individuals with a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) who has schizophrenia have a 10 percent chance of developing the disorder, as opposed to the 1 percent chance of the general population.

    But schizophrenia is only influenced by genetics, not determined by it. While schizophrenia runs in families, about 60% of schizophrenics have no family members with the disorder. Furthermore, individuals who are genetically predisposed to schizophrenia don’t always develop the disease, which shows that biology is not destiny.

    Environmental causes of schizophrenia

    Twin and adoption studies suggest that inherited genes make a person vulnerable to schizophrenia and then environmental factors act on this vulnerability to trigger the disorder.

    As for the environmental factors involved, more and more research is pointing to stress, either during pregnancy or at a later stage of development. High levels of stress are believed to trigger schizophrenia by increasing the body’s production of the hormone cortisol.

    Research points to several stress-inducing environmental factors that may be involved in schizophrenia, including:

    • Prenatal exposure to a viral infection
    • Low oxygen levels during birth (from prolonged labor or premature birth)
    • Exposure to a virus during infancy
    • Early parental loss or separation
    • Physical or sexual abuse in childhood

    Abnormal brain structure

    In addition to abnormal brain chemistry, abnormalities in brain structure may also play a role in schizophrenia. Enlarged brain ventricles are seen in some schizophrenics, indicating a deficit in the volume of brain tissue. There is also evidence of abnormally low activity in the frontal lobe, the area of the brain responsible for planning, reasoning, and decision-making.

    Some studies also suggest that abnormalities in the temporal lobes, hippocampus, and amygdala are connected to schizophrenia’s positive symptoms. But despite the evidence of brain abnormalities, it is highly unlikely that schizophrenia is the result of any one problem in any one region of the brain.

    Effects of schizophrenia

    When the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia are ignored or improperly treated, the effects can be devastating both to the individual with the disorder and those around him or her.  Some of the possible effects of schizophrenia are:

    • Relationship problems. Relationships suffer because people with schizophrenia often withdraw and isolate themselves. Paranoia can also cause a person with schizophrenia to be suspicious of friends and family.
    • Disruption to normal daily activities. Schizophrenia causes significant disruptions to daily functioning, both because of social difficulties and because everyday tasks become hard, if not impossible to do. A schizophrenic person’s delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thoughts typically prevent him or her from doing normal things like bathing, eating, or running errands.
    • Alcohol and drug abuse. People with schizophrenia frequently develop problems with alcohol ordrugs, which are often used in an attempt to self-medicate, or relieve symptoms. In addition, they may also be heavy smokers, a complicating situation as cigarette smoke can interfere with the effectiveness of medications prescribed for the disorder.
    • Increased suicide risk. People with schizophrenia have a high risk of attempting suicide. Any suicidal talk, threats, or gestures should be taken very seriously. People with schizophrenia are especially likely to commit suicide during psychotic episodes, during periods of depression, and in the first six months after they’ve started treatment.
    • Source:

    http://www.helpguide.org/mental/schizophrenia_symptom.htm

  • ‘Killer’ stayed with parents’ bodies.

    He should have been sick for quite some time.Parents should have  taken corrective action  much earlier and institutionalized him and not loved him to come home.I know it is tough.

    Now they paid with their lives.

    Story:

    The schizophrenic Staten Island man accused of slaughtering his parents spent the night with their mutilated corpses in the family home before fleeing to Israel, sources told The Post yesterday.

    Investigators also suspect that brilliant-yet-disturbed Eric Bellucci fatally stabbed his mom, Marian, in a frenzy Tuesday night as she frantically tried to phone for help after the 30-year-old Williams College grad killed his father, Arthur, upstairs, sources said.

    The blooded-drenched phone was found off its cradle when cops discovered the couple’s bodies Wednesday night.

    http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/staten_island/corpse_companion_aZCryGqTcq2rx5juPuomAI#ixzz12Wp5rr67


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