Symptoms of Schizophrenia Research Essay

Paranoid schizophrenia

Paranoid schizophrenia is categorized as one of the most common mental illness. It is a form of insanity in which an individual’s mind loses the ability to differentiate between reality and illusion. An individual is unable to relate with current events that are contrary to their reality. The disorder influences how one reason and behave and in turn significantly influence the way the victims perceive and relate with the world. The conditions manifest differently and at altered intervals even with the same patient. The condition often begins during late adolescence ages. The victims of paranoid aberrations tend to be excessively distrustful of others. This affects their performance at work, maintain their clinic schedules, run their daily errands or even maintain healthy relations.

Delusions

Nine out of every ten victims of schizophrenia experience a strong attachment to beliefs that are incorrect. The patients accept their fixed belief as a reflection of reality despite the existence of contrasting evidence. The delusions differ from one patient to another since they are often a reflection of individuals’ deep fear and worry along with the ability to differentiate between reality and fantasy. The victims experience different forms of delusions which affect them and the people around them. An individual who experiences delusion of control believes that an external force is trying to dictate their actions (Mazumdar, Chaturvedi and Gopinath, 1991). They tend to be extremists when it comes to topics about conspiracy. They believe that the government is closely monitoring their actions which makes them live in isolation. They retreat to their houses where they feel safe and take measures to prevent any outside interactions with strangers. The patients might also experience the delusion of grandeur whereby they tend to believe they are exceptional and people are out to harm them. This delusion often affects their attitude towards their family members and not the public. They feel unsafe at home and do not trust their family members. The patients might become violent when they feel threatened or are pushed beyond their comfort zone.

Hallucinations

Hallucinations are also common symptoms among the patients. They experience impressions as a result of their senses not working properly. The victims might hear speeches and see things that are not there in reality. Some of them can even talk to themselves and imagine they are having a conversation with someone else. The voices are mostly associated with the people they know. They also have difficulty in communication since they experience disorganized speech and end up repeating themselves. They are also incapable of controlling their emotions and impulses which makes them a danger to others and themselves. This disorder makes an individual inconsiderate of the consequences of their actions towards others. They are not enthusiastic and lack sentiments and are unable to form emotional connections with others. The patients experience a decrease in interest in the world which makes them vulnerable to suicidal thoughts. These symptoms are severe when the patient is isolated from others or their disorder is left untreated.

Treatment

The ailment cannot be treated but can only be managed to ensure the patients and their family cope with life easily. The causes of the disorder can vary from one individual to the other. Some individuals develop the disorder from childbirth-related complications whereby they did not receive sufficient oxygen or were exposed to a virus. It might also be a result of a tortured childhood whereby the patient was abused or tragically lost the parents. The treatment technique will vary from one patient to the other depending on the cause of the condition. An effective, durable treatment comprises of a combination of both medication and therapy. Medication is administered to the patients to help relieve symptoms such as hallucinations. Group therapies are also equally effective as the patient gets to interact with those facing the same challenges as them. The group gives a sense of belonging which helps manage isolation, which often leads the patients to suicide. The therapy sessions improve the patient’s attitude about life, enabling them to cope with life (Mazumdar, Chaturvedi and Gopinath, 1991). They are taught about the importance of communicating their past and present experiences and seeking help when they are encountered with a challenge they cannot handle alone. They are taught to be mindful of the people around them and practice stress management practices such as exercise and meditation whenever they feel troubled. Hospitalization is also used when the patient is not responding to therapy and medication. This is often experienced among patients with advanced symptoms who pose a risk to themselves and others. This ensures that the patients receive around the clock attention and support.

Criticisms

Some authors have publicized their work criticizing mental illness as a disease. Jasper argues that other ailments are described in a detailed and empirical form about their causes, symptoms, and specific treatment procedures which are lacking in cases of mental ailments. He argued that for medical illnesses a general account is maintained and the doctors and patients perception does not contribute to the diagnosis (Wolman, 1978). He argued that the diagnosis of mental illnesses solely depends on the doctor’s assessment and sometimes the treatment can be confession where an individual shares their burdens and later feel relieved and are no longer ailing. According to Karl, he argues that mental illness is not a medical disease since it cannot be defined without the input of the patient. The patient’s attitude about their condition and their conscious acceptance of their ailment is an essential part in mental disorders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mental illness varies from one individual to another, from their causes to their treatment options. Its symptoms and treatment options affect the lifestyle of both the patient and their family members. If the ailment is ignored, the victim can inflict harm to themselves and also cause pain to those close to them. It is evident that mental illness is still a mystery that cannot be defined adequately. The disorder causes financial loss and constraints since the patients lose their job, and their families have to spend money to ensure they acquire adequate care. The disorder also causes emotional strain to the affected individuals since the ailment cannot be treated but only managed. The ailment is a drastic termination of the capacity to converse.

References

Mazumdar, P., Chaturvedi, S. and Gopinath, P. (1991). A Study of Thought Disorder in Paranoid Schizophrenia. Psychopathology, 24(3), pp.166-169.

Wolman, B. (1978). Clinical diagnosis of mental disorders. New York: Plenum Press.