An Overview of Schizophrenia

Published on: 14 March 2016 Last Updated on: 12 July 2021

Schizophrenia remains one of the most misunderstood mental health disorders in the U.S. Many people assume that schizophrenia refers to a complete inability to accept life. However, schizophrenia actually describes a severe, chronic brain disorder characterized by abnormal thought processes and rationale. Many of the symptoms of schizophrenia are similar to other mental health conditions, which makes accurate diagnoses difficult for mental rehabilitation experts.

Prevalence of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia affects between 0.5 percent and 1 percent of individuals around the globe. The first episode tends to occur at age 21 for men and age 27 for women, explains the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). About 33 percent of those with schizophrenia attempt suicide and 10 percent will succeed. In a Canadian study, schizophrenia diagnoses resulted in a total cost of $6.85 billion for the U.S. and Canada.

Risk factors

Across mental health facilities, mental health professionals have yet to determine an exact cause of schizophrenia. However, a family history of schizophrenia, exposure to toxins while in utero, increased immune system response, older age of a person’s father, and exposure to psychotropic substances during adolescence have been thought to be the primary risk factors for developing schizophrenia (Mayo Clinic).

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms vary from person to person. According to the Mayo Clinic, most signs and symptoms reveal abnormal brain functioning and include the following:

1. Hallucinations :

Hallucinations may involve any of the five senses; however, hearing voices is the most common hallucination

2. Delusions:

Delusions are similar to hallucinations. Delusions occur when a person has a false belief about a given event or situation. For example, a person may believe he or she has a role in global politics when it is not true

3. Thought disorders:

Thought disorders are unusual, counter-productive ways of thinking

4. Movement disorders:

Movement disorders are characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements, which are most commonly noticed in the face. Alternatively, someone with schizophrenia may become catatonic, which means he or she does not move at all

5. Disruptive emotions and behaviors:

Emotional states in schizophrenic individuals may mirror the ups and downs of other mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder.

6. Poor cognitive functioning:

Someone with schizophrenia may be incapable of understanding information and making decisions on the basis of the information. Furthermore, working memory and difficulty concentrating are common aspects of poor cognitive functioning

Treatment Options

Depending on the severity of the episode, treatment for schizophrenia may occur in inpatient mental health facilities. However, outpatient treatment is a vital aspect of treatment after discharge.

1. Antipsychotic medications:

Antipsychotic and atypical antipsychotic medications focus on eradicating the symptoms of schizophrenia. Some of these medications may cause serious side effects

2. Psychosocial treatment:

Psychosocial treatment involves teaching a person to readapt to life through physical, speech, and occupational therapy

3. Integrated Treatment :

If a person with schizophrenia has a co-occurring mental health disorder, the treatment must include address all other disorders

Although schizophrenia can present some of the most difficult symptoms in mental health therapies, the disorder can be effectively managed. However, understanding the symptoms and treatment options of schizophrenia plays a significant role in preventing the disorder from developing further.

Abdul Aziz Mondol

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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7 Helpful Tips For Staging Interventions

Do you have a friend or family member who is dealing with an addiction to drugs or alcohol? If they don't realize the harm that their behavior is doing to their loved ones, an intervention may help. During interventions, people will get the chance to speak with a person about how their addiction is taking a toll on those who love them most. This process will give them the chance to get things off their chest. It will also open up an addicted person's eyes and mind so that they understand how they're affecting others. If you're currently planning an intervention, you should take steps to make it as effective as possible. Here are some tips for staging interventions. 1. Pick the Right People to Attend the Intervention : Who is going to be present at your intervention? That's the first thing you should decide before you set anything else up. It's a great idea to get a good mix of people representing the different aspects of a person's life. You might want to invite the following people to interventions: The romantic partner or spouse of the addicted person The parents of the addicted person The siblings of the addicted person The children of the addicted person The close friends of the addicted person A professional who can keep everything running smoothly Of course, you don't need to invite all of these people. If the addicted person doesn't have a great relationship with his father, you might want to leave him out. You might also want to leave out anyone who could potentially be too emotional to speak clearly during an intervention. But in general, you want all of the people who are most important to a person to be in attendance at interventions. 2. Find a Good Time and Place to Hold It : Once you have decided on who will attend an intervention, decide when and where you will hold it. Pick a time when the addicted person will be sober and most willing to listen. The last thing you want to do is hold the intervention when they're high or intoxicated since they won't be in the right state of mind to listen to others talk to them. Choose a place that will provide a safe and comfortable environment for your intervention. At the same time, you should avoid holding it in a place like your home since there could be a lot of negative emotions attached to your intervention in the future. A church meeting hall or community center might be a better option. 3. Decide Who Will Speak During the Intervention : When you're preparing to hold interventions, you want to make sure everyone knows who is going to talk. After all, you don't want to have everyone talking at once when the intervention begins. Each person should have their time to speak. That's why they're being invited to the intervention. But there should be an order to it. At most interventions, the first and last speaking slots will be reserved for those people whose words will likely have the most impact. You will want a person's spouse or one of their parents to speak during those time periods. 4. Rehearse What Everyone Will Say : Ask the participants to rehearse what they plan to say. Practice your speech before the addicted person arrives. You want to steer clear of just speaking off the cuff. This could lead to you saying something that will upset the person and put a halt to the intervention before everyone has spoken. Take pointers from others who will be attending the intervention. Tweak your words so that they fit into the context of the meeting. 5. Try Not to Lose Your Temper at Any Point : You might be fuming mad at the person who will be at the center of the intervention. Every fiber in your body might be telling you that you should stand up and yell at them. Don't do it. No matter how mad you are, your intervention should provide a safe space for the addicted person to sit and listen. The second you raise your voice, they could potentially get up and leave. You want them to sit and listen to what everyone has to say. Resist the urge to raise your voice. Speak firmly, but not angrily. 6. Prepare Yourself for Whatever Might Happen : Unexpected things tend to happen at interventions. The addicted person might: Break down in tears and beg you to take them to a treatment center Get up and storm out of the room before everyone has talked Yell at those who have come to speak to them Unfortunately, you need to be prepared for just about anything. You never know what's going to happen during an alcohol or drug intervention. If a person demands to go to rehab right away, put a plan in place so you know who will drive them. See more here if you need to find the right rehab for your loved one. If they get angry and start to storm off, have one person they trust give chase and try to convince them not to leave. When you prepare properly, you'll be ready for anything. 7. Understand If the Intervention Doesn't Go According to Plan : At the end of the intervention, the addicted person might get up and walk out without saying a word to anyone. They might show that they're completely unwilling to get the help you think they need. While you'll probably be disappointed, don't let it stop you from continuing to help that person. Who knows? They might come to their senses in a day or two and come around to the idea of getting help. All you can do is speak your mind at the intervention and then allow them to make the next move. Interventions Can Help Break the Cycle of Addiction : If you want to assist your loved one as they search for help for alcohol or drug addiction, consider holding interventions. You should also find out what it's like in a drug recovery center so that you can prepare yourself and your loved one for it if they choose to check into one. Need more tips? Check out our lifestyle blog for more information on dealing with drug and alcohol addiction! Read Also : 10 Reasons To Stop Drinking Alcohol Today Tequila, The Alcoholic Cure-All? 10 Weird Facts About Antidepressants

Ways To Balance Your Life With Healthy Hearing

If you are looking for ways to maintain healthy hearing, there are several options to consider. These include eating a healthy diet, avoiding cigarette smoke, and keeping your ears clean. You can also take frequent breaks from listening, so your ears can get a rest. Here Are Five Prime Ways To Balance Your Life With Healthy Hearing 1. Eating healthy Eating healthy is the best way to keep your hearing health in top-notch condition. If you're looking for a quick and easy fix, consider making a habit of eating well and being physically active. This will improve your overall health and reduce your risk of chronic disease. Getting enough sleep is another smart move. While you're at it, don't forget to get your fill of vitamins and minerals. Boosting your Vitamin D intake will help you maintain good health and prevent otosclerosis. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish also aid in improving your acoustic performance. One of the best ways to make sure your ears are in tip-top shape is to include a wide range of food types in your diet. Some popular food choices include fish, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. A balanced diet will also help you manage your weight and avoid common health conditions. For example, if you're looking for the most important component of a well-rounded meal, try incorporating fresh ingredients into your recipe. Not only will you be healthier, but you'll also enjoy a more satisfying meal. Also, make sure to get your vitamins and minerals from a variety of sources. As a final point, you should make the time to try something new. Experiment with different foods to see what works for you. The most gratifying aspect of eating healthy is that it can lead to improved mood, more energy, and more social activities. Lastly, it's an opportunity to build a healthy habit you can enjoy for years to come. You'll never regret it. Get started by taking a look at the USDA's dietary guidelines. You might even be surprised by the quality of the recommendations you receive! 2. Exercising regularly If you want to keep your hearing healthy, then you must exercise regularly. Studies have shown that people who exercise have better hearing and a lower risk of developing presbycusis. Exercise increases blood circulation, which helps in keeping the brain and ears healthy. It also helps improve cardiovascular health and strengthens the immune system. Regular physical activity also reduces inflammation. Inflammation damages hair cells, capillaries, and nerve cells. By reducing inflammation, exercise also protects against age-related hearing loss. When mice were unable to exercise, they experienced worse damage to their ears than those who were active. Exercise can protect the ear from age-related inflammation and prevent presbycusis. Regular aerobic exercise and strength training can protect hearing in later life. The cochlea is the key component of hearing, and it is essential to maintain its health as one age. Many Americans are motivated to improve their physical and mental well-being, including their hearing. Exercise has many benefits for all parts of the body. A daily exercise routine can increase energy, improve sleep, and decrease stress. A study by the University of Florida found that exercise can slow age-related hearing loss. Exercise also reduced inflammation and increased the blood supply to the ear. Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy body weight, which is associated with hearing. Exercising for 20 minutes five times a week can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. For more information on how to exercise for healthy hearing, talk with a qualified personal trainer. Make sure you choose a form of exercise you enjoy. Choose a routine that fits your lifestyle and schedule. Exercise will protect your hearing for the rest of your life. 3. Taking listening breaks Taking listening breaks is one way to keep your hearing health in check. This could mean something as small as taking a nap during the day, or as big as switching out your hearing aids. Regardless of your circumstances, a little TLC now and then can make a world of difference in your quality of life. The fact of the matter is, a good old fashion nap is not always feasible during the work week. For that reason, it's important to take care of the ears on a regular basis. Luckily, many modern-day smartphones have apps that track your exposure to various noise sources. While it may be difficult to avoid all noise, reducing the amount of background noise is the most important step in the process. If you're stuck at the office, you can opt to try out eye yoga, or read a book on your Kindle or another portable reading device while taking a stroll along a park or other public space. Other activities to consider include attending a museum or visiting your local zoo. These activities are all great ways to get out and about while giving your brain a much-needed break. Another useful tip is to use headphones that are specifically designed for people with hearing loss. You can pick up a pair at your nearest electronics retailer or order a pair online. Using over-the-ear headphones is an excellent way to minimize your exposure to background noise. They also help ensure you get a better seal. Some of these devices even offer an optional earbud kit if you don't have one already. The best part is that a healthy ear is an invaluable asset that you can rely on for many years to come. So be sure to take the time to test out your hearing and reap the rewards! 4. Preventing water from entering your ear canal When you are swimming, you might get water trapped in your ear canal. This can cause discomfort and hearing loss. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent water from entering your ear canal. Before you start swimming, make sure you have some earplugs to use to block the entrance of the water. These are especially useful for swimmers. Swimming eardrops are also available. They contain alcohol and can help prevent water from entering your ear canal. After swimming, you may need to dry your ears. This is important because water can get into your ear canal any time you are underwater. If you can't keep the water out, you may experience a bacterial infection or fungal infection. If you have a bacterial or fungal infection, you should see a doctor. Your otolaryngologist can treat the infection with antibiotics. The doctor can also remove any remaining water from your ear. You can also try using hydrogen peroxide to clear out any debris in your ear. However, hydrogen peroxide should be avoided if you have an infected eardrum or tubes. Another way to remove water from your ear is to pull on your earlobe. You can do this by holding your earlobe with your thumb behind your ear. With your ear bent upwards, pull on the tip of your earlobe. You can also tilt your head to one side. That way, gravity will force the water out. Also, yawning or chewing will move the water to the outer ear. There are also swimming caps that can prevent water from entering your ear. You can also get custom-made swimmer plugs. Depending on your ear shape and size, your otolaryngologist can order one that will fit perfectly. 5. Cigarette smoking Smoking is associated with a higher risk of hearing loss. Cigarette smoke contains hundreds of toxic chemical compounds. The effects of cigarette smoking are primarily related to the number of cigarettes smoked and the total lifetime exposure to cigarette smoke. A large prospective cohort study of women in the United States has demonstrated a relationship between smoking and the risk of hearing loss. Compared with non-smokers, smokers are at increased risk of moderate to severe hearing loss. However, the mechanisms through which the adverse influence of cigarette smoke on hearing may occur are not fully understood. In order to better understand the mechanisms of the adverse influence of cigarette smoke, a study was conducted at the University of North Texas Hearing Clinic. This study evaluated the relationship between the level of cigarette smoke and auditory test measures, including central and peripheral auditory pathway measures. Behavioral and electrophysiologic test measures were administered to measure CO level. These measures were combined with other variables to predict the outcome measure. Using ordinary least squares estimation procedures, a predictive multiple linear regression model was selected to analyze the association between the auditory tests and the breath CO level. The results showed that the magnitude of the elevated risk was higher among past smokers than current smokers. For past smokers, the MVRR was 1.30 (1.09, 1.55). But the risk was reduced with a longer time since smoking cessation. Similarly, the MVRR was 1.21 for current smokers. There are many ways to quit smoking. Some of these include finding a quit program, medications, or individual counseling. You can also make your home and car smoke-free. Keeping your children away from the smoke reduces their chance of respiratory infections. Read Also: Seeking a Healthy Career: 10 Tempting Medical Careers to Check Out 8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate Different Types Of Blood Circulation Exercise

Best Mattress for Back Pain

It's estimated that 80% of adults in Canada have chronic back pain problems and experience frequent sleep distractions occasioned by the constant discomfort. Back pain can disrupt your life, including your sleep. If you suffer from excruciating back pain, it is vital to get a comfortable and supportive mattress. You are likely to exacerbate your back pain problem along with its repercussions upon sleeping on the wrong mattress. A comfortable, supportive mattress dramatically reduces aches and pains during the night. Ultimately, it leaves you well-rested and very alerts the next morning. There are many issues to consider when you visit the best Mattress Ottawa for a suitable mattress for Back Pain. These include the following: The material used for construction The thickness of the mattress The firmness of the mattress Your body weight Your preferred sleep position Price What to Look For in the Mattress for Back Pain: Whenever you want to buy the best mattress designed for back pain, there are things we thought would be useful: Spinal Support: Although the lower neck commonly experiences back pain, you can as well feel it in other areas of your body. Hence, you should look for a pressure-relieving mattress that offers continuous support for your body. A good mattress will evenly distribute your body's weight to alleviate the stress on your spine. Avoid mattresses that can result in gaps between your body and the mattress. When there is a gap between your mattress and your body, it means you lack the necessary support. This could eventually cause joint pain when you wake up. Spinal Alignment: Your spine is comprised of three (3) natural curvatures: The C-shaped cervical spine of the neck The inverse C-shaped thoracic spine of the mid-upper back The c-shaped lumbar spine of the lower back It's critical to put these curvatures into consideration when buying a mattress for back pain. Maintaining these natural curvatures is essential when lying in bed. Your Weight: Bodyweight determines the ideal firmness of a mattress. Individuals who weigh 130 pounds or less—especially those fond of sleeping on their sides—can feel comfortable on medium (5) or softer mattresses. They tend to experience better pressure relief and close conforming courtesy of less-firm surfaces. On the other hand, people who weigh 230 pounds or less are better off with firmer mattresses—medium-firm or firmer. The reason is that firmer mattresses do not sink too far. Your Sleep Position: A softer mattress that conforms to your figure is suitable for individuals who prefer sleeping on their sides. Such a mattress is better equipped to align your spine. On the same token, firmer mattresses are suited to stomach sleepers as they do not sink too profoundly below their stomachs. Temperature: Temperature is also critical when shopping for the best mattress for back pain. You are recommended to get a mattress that is breathable. A breathable mattress proves handy when it comes to allowing for a more relaxed and more comfortable sleeping temperature. Comfort: Finding a comfortable mattress is as important as buying one that is supportive. Before you invest in any mattress, make sure that it is entirely comfortable, never buy a mattress that would need you to frequently turn and toss in bed trying to locate a more comfortable position. Read Also: Natural Latex Mattress Vs Foam Mattress What You Need To Know About Electric Mattress Pad Which One Of The Memory Foam Mattresses Out There Worth Your Money

An Overview of Schizophrenia

Prevalence of schizophrenia

Risk factors