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What Does Having Schizophrenia Really Feel Like?

Schizophrenia is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Each person who has schizophrenia is not violent with a split personality. The disease is a complex condition. Since 2013, mental health professionals diagnose schizophrenia along a spectrum. Before that it was broken into five subtypes:

1. Residual schizophrenia
2. Paranoid schizophrenia
3. Catatonic schizophrenia
4. Undifferentiated schizophrenia
5. Disorganized type schizophrenic

Schizophrenia symptoms are broken into three different categories:

1. Psychotic (aka positive) symptoms
2. Negative symptoms
3. Cognitive symptoms 
4. Psychotic (positive symptoms) are when a person has an altered view of reality, they have loss their sense of what’s happening, and it is hard for them to maintain relationships and connect to others.

Some examples of psychotic symptoms include:

1. Paranoia- This can make a person feel an intense distrust of others. They may also feel like they’re being watched, followed or spied on.
2. Delusions- A delusion is a thought or belief someone insists is true even though there’s a lot of evidence to prove that it’s false.
3. Hallucinations-Hallucinations are when a person experiences something that isn’t happening. This can include seeing images, hearing sounds or voices, or smelling things that aren’t really there.

The negative symptoms are the absence of typical behaviors. This can be a lack of interest in doing things they used to enjoy or a loss of motivation in general. They have low energy, talk in a dull voice, have unorganized speech, withdraw from social settings, show limited facial expression, and have a hard time expressing emotions.

The cognitive symptoms are loss of memory, concentration and attention. The person finds it hard to focus on tasks, conversations or situations. They also have difficulties making decisions or remembering things.

Schizophrenia affects 1 in 300 people, which is about 0.32 percent of the population worldwide. So statistically speaking the chance of one having schizophrenia is pretty low. However, if someone has the following symptoms for six months. They should seek psychiatric help.

1. Delusions
2. Hallucinations
3. Hearing voices
4. Incoherent speech
5. Negative symptoms (e.g. flattening of emotions)

The causes of schizophrenia are a combination of the following factors:

1. Genetics

(a) in a 2017 study it was found that a person’s chances of developing

schizophrenia are over six times higher if he or she has an

immediate relative (sibling or parent) who also has the disorder.

2. Brain Chemistry

(b) there is an imbalance of neurotransmitters like glutamate,

dopamine, and serotonin

3. Environmental Factors

(a) prenatal malnutrition

(b) prenatal exposure to certain viruses.

4. Drugs 

         (a) the following drugs do not cause schizophrenia but they trigger symptoms

              weed, amphetamines, cocaine and LSD         

There is no cure for schizophrenia. However, antipsychotic medications can make symptoms less intense and less chronic.

The right therapist can help you develop positive patterns and cope with your symptoms. Vocational rehabilitation can help you find a job that works for you and your unique comfort level skillThe following are resources for help and treatment:

1. The Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance (S&PAA)

Call toll-free 800 493 2094 or email them at [email protected] Team members are available Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm across all U.S. time zones.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline-it is free and confidential and open 24/7. Call them at 800 273 TALK (8255) or text “HOME” to 741741

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA.

https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

RESOURCES:

https://greatist.com/health/what-does-schizophrenia-feel-like#what-is-it-like

Signed: Renee D. Warring of Uniquely and Wonderfully Made Ministries