Schizophrenia Stages: Identified Symptoms, Potential Causes, and Available Treatments
Schizophrenia, a chronic mental illness, affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional, and treatment is available to manage the symptoms.
The illness has three distinct stages: prodromal, active, and residual.
In the prodromal stage, subtle changes in mood, behavior, and thinking may occur. These changes, which can include social isolation, anxiety, and sleep problems, may foreshadow psychosis. The causes of this early phase are believed to be a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental stressors or changes in brain chemistry.
The active (acute) stage is characterized by the full appearance of psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and motor disturbances. This stage is thought to be caused by a complex interplay of altered neurotransmitter activity, brain structural and functional abnormalities, and environmental triggers interacting with genetic vulnerability. Stressful or traumatic life events can precipitate or worsen this active phase in predisposed individuals.
The residual (chronic) stage involves fewer or less severe symptoms than the active stage. In this phase, active psychotic symptoms usually improve, but negative symptoms (e.g., avolition, blunted affect) and cognitive deficits may persist.
Schizophrenia is thought to result from a multifactorial etiology, including genetic risk factors, environmental factors, neurochemical imbalances, brain structure and connectivity abnormalities, and exposure to viruses, stress, poverty, lifestyle choices, trauma, substance misuse, and changes in brain structure and function.
It's important to note that the symptoms of schizophrenia do not result from another medical condition, substance abuse, or medication.
If an individual is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting dangerous behaviors, emergency care should be sought immediately by dialing 911, visiting the nearest emergency department, or calling the NAMI HelpLine, SAMHSA's National Helpline, or a local extended observation unit or crisis stabilization unit.
Although schizophrenia is a lifelong condition, it is treatable, and receiving timely and effective treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent relapses. Treatment options may include antipsychotic drugs, psychotherapy such as CBT, psychodynamic therapy, ACT, family therapy, and coordinated specialty care.
It's crucial to remember that help is always available. Resources such as the 988 Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, or Befrienders Worldwide are available 24/7 for those in need.
[1] Mental Health America. (2021). Schizophrenia Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/issues/schizophrenia [2] National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Schizophrenia. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml [3] World Health Organization. (2021). Schizophrenia. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia [4] National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2021). Schizophrenia. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Schizophrenia [5] American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.
- While asthma and migraine are separate health conditions, science has started exploring the possible link between asthma and mental health, particularly depression.
- Atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition, can sometimes be associated with asthma and other allergic diseases.
- Having HIV increases the risk of various health issues, including certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and mental health problems, such as depression and schizophrenia.
- Research involving AQ, a gene associated with schizophrenia, has opened new pathways for developing predictive and targeted treatments for this mental illness.
- People living with schizophrenia often face challenges related to Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases due to the side effects of certain medications and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
- Psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition affecting millions worldwide, is also associated with mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety.
- Treatment for hepatitis C has significantly improved in recent years, offering hope for those suffering from this liver disease and reducing the risk of associated complications, like mental health disorders.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, it is essential to address mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia alongside physical health issues to achieve holistic well-being.
