When people talk to God, it’s called prayer. When God talks back, it’s called schizophrenia.
– Anonymus
In Focus : Schizophrenia in short
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder. The problems posed by this disease may be identified as such :
1) Difficulty in differentiating between what is real and not real
2) Problems in thinking clearly
3) Problems in normal emotional responses
4) Difficulty in acting normally in social situations
Symptoms
i) Auditory hallucinations
ii) Paranoid or bizarre delusions
iii) Disorganized speech and thinking
iv) Social or occupational dysfunction.
Etymology
Schizophrenia etymologically is derived from the Greek roots skhizein (meaning – “to split”) and phrēn (meaning – “mind”) and it means ‘splitting of mind functions’. It should however not be confused with ‘split personality’ or ‘multiple personality disorder’.
Causes
Schizophrenia is a complex disease and its exact causes are not yet identified. Studies have suggested a genetic connection, meaning that one is more likely to if one has a family member with the disease.
Diagnoses
There are medical tests to diagnose the disease. However brain scans and blood tests may help rule out other diseases with similar symptoms. The diagnoses is based on the interview of the patient and family members with a psychiatrist.
Treatment
Antipsychotic medications are the most effective treatment for schizophrenia. They change the balance of chemicals in the brain and can help control symptoms.