What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is defined as a long-term mental illness that includes a breakdown between thought, emotion and behavior. It is characterized by inconsistent or contradictory thoughts. Symptoms of schizophrenia include auditory hallucinations, paranoid delusions and/or disorganized speech and thinking. The illness is associated with significant social or occupational function. Symptom-onset often occurs during young adulthood. Diagnosis is made with observed behavior and reported experiences from the patient.

The illness is suggested to mainly affect cognition, but also contributes to chronic problems with behavior and emotion. Major depression and anxiety disorders are comorbid conditions that often accompany schizophrenia. Lifetime substance abuse is almost 50%; and long-term unemployment, poverty and homelessness are common in patients with schizophrenia.

Causes

Key contributing factors of schizophrenia include genetics, early environment, neurobiology and psychological and social processes; recreational and prescription drugs appear to cause or worsen symptoms. No single isolated organic cause has been identified, but current research is focused on the role of neurobiology, in the illness.

A debate has been triggered over the various possible combinations of symptoms and whether the diagnosis represents a single disorder or several distinct syndromes.

Treatment

ICD-10 criteria are typically used to diagnose schizophrenia in European countries. However, in the United States, the DSM-IV-TR criteria are used and to varying degrees across the world.

The current treatment for schizophrenia is antipsychotic medication. Medication suppresses dopamine and sometimes serotonin receptor activity. Psychotherapy, vocational and social rehabilitation are also necessary in treatment. Involuntary hospitalizations may occur in serious cases of schizophrenia where there is risk to self and others. Drop-in clinical centers, visits by members of a community mental health team, supported employment and support groups are common in treatment. Additionally, data indicate regular exercise has a positive effect on the physical and mental health of those with schizophrenia.

The average life expectancy of people with schizophrenia is 12 to 15 years less than those without the illness — the result of increased physical health problems and a higher suicide rate.

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