Mental health condition: Characteristics, origins, and remedies for schizophrenia
In a significant shift in the classification of mental health disorders, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) has eliminated the subtypes of schizophrenia, such as paranoid, disorganized, catatonic, undifferentiated, and residual, and instead, has adopted a severity-based rating approach [3]. This change emphasises the evaluation of the severity of symptoms across different dimensions, rather than categorising the disorder into distinct subtypes.
The schizophrenia spectrum disorders now encompass schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, and brief psychotic disorder. Schizophrenia is characterised by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and negative symptoms such as avolition [3]. Schizoaffective disorder requires a major mood episode for a significant portion of the disorder's duration, alongside symptoms of psychosis. Schizophreniform disorder and brief psychotic disorder, on the other hand, have shorter durations of symptoms compared to schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, respectively.
Catatonia, once a subtype, is now considered a specifier that can be applied to various disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and depressive disorders [3]. The DSM-5-TR allows for the use of specifiers such as "with catatonia" for schizophrenia, reflecting the current understanding of the disorder's complexity and variability [3].
A 14-year study comparing outcomes for treated and untreated schizophrenia patients found that those without treatment were more likely to be older, homeless, unmarried, live alone, without a caregiver, have more negative family attitudes, and have died from other causes [4]. It is crucial for a person to continue with their treatment plan, even if the symptoms improve, to prevent a relapse.
Symptoms of schizophrenia may include confused speech, lack of facial expression, lack of emotional expression, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, delusions, and hallucinations [2]. There is no diagnostic test for schizophrenia, and a doctor will diagnose it by observing the person's behaviour and asking about their history of physical and mental health [2].
Antipsychotic medications such as risperidone (Risperdal), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), clozapine (Clozaril), and haloperidol (Haldol) may be used to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia [2]. However, these medications can have adverse effects, including drowsiness and weight gain [2].
The development of schizophrenia is influenced by genetic inheritance, chemical imbalance in the brain, and environmental factors such as trauma during birth, malnutrition before birth, viral infections, psychosocial factors, cannabis use, and other factors [5]. In 2017, scientists found evidence to suggest that some substances in cannabis can trigger schizophrenia in those susceptible to it [6]. A 2023 study found that 50% of schizophrenia cases among males ages 21 to 30 may have links to cannabis use disorder [7].
Schizophrenia can have a profound effect on a person's life and the lives of those around them. Untreated schizophrenia increases the risk of self-harm and violence towards others compared to treated cases [1]. Support groups can help people affected by schizophrenia cope and connect with others who understand their experiences.
Treatment for schizophrenia can help manage symptoms, prevent relapses, and avoid hospitalization, with a tailored approach for each individual. Potential treatment options for schizophrenia include antipsychotic drugs, counseling, and coordinated special care [2]. Schizophrenia typically develops in a person's late teenage years or early 30s [8].
References: [1] National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Schizophrenia. Retrieved from
- The DSM-5-TR, in its revision, has removed the subtyping of schizophrenia, instead focusing on a severity-based rating approach.
- Schizophrenia, a mental health disorder, is characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and negative symptoms such as avolition.
- Schizoaffective disorder, a member of the schizophrenia spectrum disorders, requires a major mood episode for a significant portion of its duration, alongside symptoms of psychosis.
- Catatonia, once considered a subtype of schizophrenia, is now recognized as a specifier that can be applied to various disorders.
- A 14-year study indicated that untreated schizophrenia patients were more likely to experience negative outcomes, such as homelessness and earlier death.
- Treatment for schizophrenia is essential for managing symptoms, preventing relapses, and avoiding hospitalization.
- Antipsychotic medications, such as risperidone and olanzapine, may be used to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia, but can have adverse effects like drowsiness and weight gain.
- The development of schizophrenia is influenced by genetic inheritance, chemical imbalance in the brain, and environmental factors, with cannabis use being one such factor.
- Untreated schizophrenia increases the risk of self-harm and violence towards others compared to treated cases.
- In addition to antipsychotic drugs and counseling, coordinated special care is also a potential treatment option for schizophrenia.
- Symptoms of schizophrenia may include confused speech, lack of facial expression, lack of emotional expression, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, and hallucinations.
- Schizophrenia typically develops in a person's late teenage years or early 30s.
- Several health-and-wellness and mental-health organizations, such as the National Institute of Mental Health and the Mayo Clinic, provide resources and information about schizophrenia and its treatment.
