Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder in which the perception of things, feelings, and general behaviour are affected, very often leading to disturbances in daily life. Schizophrenia can also cause mood changes, which alter the behaviour from apathy and withdrawal to agitation and aggression. It is as if your emotions are on a roller coaster: highs and lows that seem impossible to control or predict. It affects approximately 0.3-0.7% population in their lifetime. In India, the lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia spectrum disorders is 0.42%.
Symptoms of schizophrenia include:
- Delusions-Strong, unfounded beliefs, such as the conviction that you are being watched or hurt by someone or getting coded signals.
- Hallucinations-Seeing or listening to non-existent entities (like voices).
- Incoherent speech- halting in the middle of a sentence, switching ideas quickly, or using absurd language.
- Disorganization-repeated actions, atypical posture, or disturbed gait.
- Negative symptoms- not engaging in routine activities like self-care, personal hygiene, interacting with others, cleaning, or expressing emotion.
Schizophrenia symptoms in adolescents
Early-onset schizophrenia is the term used to describe schizophrenia diagnosed in people under the age of 18. Teenage schizophrenia can be difficult to identify since many of its symptoms are common to normal development, such as:
- Social withdrawal
- Challenges in staying up to date with assignments
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Easily agitated or depressed
- Low motivation
Adolescents who consume marijuana, meth, or LSD may also exhibit symptoms like those of schizophrenia.
Living with schizophrenia is very hard for the person affected and also their close ones. More often than not, it requires complete treatment, which might include medication, therapy, and support in the treatment approach to control the symptoms and improve the quality of life. It should be remembered that schizophrenia is a mental disorder; therefore, no matter what, one should not feel he is a failure or weak. With proper treatment and support, many people with schizophrenia can attain a fulfilled and meaningful life. It is also essential to reduce stigma and misinformation about schizophrenia and promote understanding and compassion for individuals living with this complex condition.
