Schizophrenia is a complex and chronic mental health disorder that affects a person's way of thinking, feeling and behaving. Although relatively rare, affecting approximately 1% of the world's population, it is a severe disease that requires lifelong treatment and support. Schizophrenia, characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking, can significantly affect a person's ability to function in everyday life. This article provides an in-depth look at schizophrenia, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options, while also explaining how to manage and live with the disorder. So don't miss reading this article. What is schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that usually appears in late adolescence or early adulthood. This disease distances a person from reality and often leads to psychosis. While the exact cause of schizophrenia is not fully understood, a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors play a role in its development. People with schizophrenia often struggle to distinguish between the real and the unreal, making it difficult to maintain relationships, keep a job, and manage daily activities. The ethics and behavior of people with schizophrenia may be very suspicious and scary, and they may even undergo sudden changes in personality and behavior. When these people are unable to distinguish between reality and fantasy, it is known as "psychotic episode". The severity of this disease varies from person to person. These changes can include hallucinations (false sensory experiences such as hearing voices), delusions (false and unreal beliefs), and impaired speech and behavior. Read more: Hypnosis Types of schizophrenia Paranoid, agitated, catatonic, undifferentiated schizophrenia, etc. are among the types of this disease. ### Paranoid One of the types of this disorder is paranoid-type schizophrenia. The main feature of this type of disorder is auditory hallucinations and delusions, but the rational, intellectual function and expression of the person's feelings are relatively normal. Delusions associated with the paranoid type are mostly in the form in which the person claims to be being persecuted for no reason. This can include false claims about persecution, conspiracy, the existence of characters who harm him. In addition to delusions, paranoid type patients can show different states of anger, coldness, anxiety and rationality. ### Confused Disturbed schizophrenia is one type of disorder and is associated with symptoms such as mental and behavioral confusion, distress, inability to control emotions and thoughts, verbal and behavioral disorder, inability to answer questions, and incomplete sentences. Different methods are used to treat disturbed schizophrenia. Electroshock therapy (ECT) is one of the treatment methods that uses alternating electric current to reduce the symptoms of this type of disease. This method is usually used in severe cases and when other treatment methods are not effective. Psychotherapy is also important in the treatment of disturbed schizophrenia. Psychotherapy includes counseling and treatment sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist, which helps the patient to cope with his complications and problems, learn ways to cope with them and improve the ability to manage daily life. Antipsychotic drugs are also commonly used for treatment. These drugs help to control the symptoms and complications of this disease and can have a positive effect on the mental and behavioral disturbances of patients. Rehabilitation courses are also used as part of treatment. These courses include physical and occupational rehabilitation activities that help patients improve their daily abilities and prepare them to work in the workplace. Overall, the treatment of disturbed schizophrenia requires a combined approach and collaboration between different specialist teams. The choice of treatment methods depends on the severity and needs of each patient, as well as the doctor's recommendations in this regard. Read more: Sleep disorder treatment ### Catatonic Catatonic is a type of schizophrenia that is associated with movement disorder and certain symptoms. In this type of disorder, patients may make repetitive movements, imitate other people's voices, mimic other people's body movements (echopraxia), experience restlessness, and react abnormally to environmental stimuli and events. Also, patients may develop strange facial and body expressions (mannerism). Catatonic disorder is less common than other types of schizophrenia. This type is often seen in patients with bipolar disorder or depression. To diagnose catatonic disorder, the psychiatrist uses various tests to evaluate the physical and mental health of the patient. Also, to check the structure and function of the patient's brain, MRI or CT scan is generally prescribed. This is because brain damage is one of the important factors in the occurrence of schizophrenia. Also, the evaluation of the health of the heart, lungs, blood pressure and general condition of the patient is also considered in the evaluation of this disease. Controlling drug or alcohol addiction can also help in the correct diagnosis of this disease. Some of the symptoms of catatonic schizophrenia are similar to other psychological disorders such as depression. Therefore, it is very important to accurately diagnose the disease in psychotherapy sessions. This disease does not recover completely and is with the patient permanently. But by using different treatment methods, it is possible to help reduce the symptoms of the disease and control its severity. Schizophrenia treatment often involves a combination of drugs and non-drug methods. The use of anti-depressant and anti-psychotic drugs, including antipsychotics and anti-anxiety drugs, can help stabilize the patient's mood and emotions and reduce the symptoms of the disease. Of course, every schizophrenic disease needs special drugs that are prescribed by a specialist doctor. In cases where drug treatment is not effective and the disease remains chronic, other methods such as electroshock therapy (ECT) and hospitalization are recommended. Electroshock therapy, by creating controlled seizures in the brain, tries to affect the patient's brain function. This method is usually used in severe cases of schizophrenia. In addition to drug treatment and electroshock therapy, psychotherapy sessions and rehabilitation courses also help patients. These courses can help patients to accept their illness and take medications regularly, and prepare them for independent living, finding a job, and communicating effectively with others. Read more: Treatment of borderline personality disorder ### Undifferentiated Undifferentiated schizophrenia is a type of schizophrenia used for patients whose symptoms do not fully fit into any of the other subtypes of schizophrenia. These patients may have behavioral, emotional and cognitive abnormalities in which it is difficult to diagnose a specific type of schizophrenia. Treatment of undifferentiated schizophrenia includes prescribing antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. The type and dosage of drugs depends on the severity of the disease and the physical condition of the patient. In addition, psychotherapy sessions and psychological support are also recommended as part of the treatment. In more severe conditions of the disease and in cases where it is needed, hospitalization may also be necessary. It is important that the treatment of undifferentiated schizophrenia is planned by an expert treatment team and according to the specific needs of each patient. ### remaining Residual schizophrenia is another type of schizophrenia that has a partial improvement in the symptoms of the disease. In this type of disorder, the symptoms of delusions, hallucinations and lack of control of behavior and emotions are less. People suffering from this disease usually experience isolation and seclusion and may have difficulties in observing personal hygiene. They get excited in expressing their feelings and also show signs of indifference and depression. Clinical examinations, medical tests to evaluate physical and mental health are important tools in disease diagnosis. The treatment includes drug therapy and individual and group psychotherapy, which are used as the main solutions for the treatment of this type of disorder. ### Childhood schizophrenia Children's schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that usually occurs before puberty and is common in children. Poverty, rape, divorce of parents, unfortunate and sudden events, and one of the parents suffering from this disease are among the causes of this disease. These factors can have a direct or indirect effect on children's mental health. The novel of this disease includes a combination of psychological interventions, family counseling and in some cases prescribing drugs. Symptoms of schizophrenia Schizophrenia symptoms are usually divided into three categories: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms ### Positive symptoms Positive symptoms refer to behaviors that are not normally present in healthy individuals. These include: - Hallucinations: People with schizophrenia may hear, see, or feel things that aren't really there. Auditory hallucinations, such as hearing voices, are the most common. - Delusions: Delusions are false beliefs that are not based on reality. For example, a person with schizophrenia may believe that they are being persecuted or that they have extraordinary abilities. - Disturbed thinking and speech: This can appear as incoherent speech, jumping from one subject to another without making a logical connection. - Movement disorders: Some people with schizophrenia may exhibit abnormal movements or in some cases may remain motionless for long periods of time, a condition known as catatonia. ### negative symptoms Negative symptoms include decreased or loss of ability to function normally. These include: - Lack of emotional expression: the person may show a decrease in facial expressions, monotonous speech or lack of eye contact. - Decreased ability to feel pleasure\*\*: This is known as anhedonia, where a person finds little pleasure in activities that were once pleasurable. - Difficulty performing daily tasks: These include a lack of motivation or energy to engage in self-care, social interactions, or other daily responsibilities. - Social withdrawal: People with schizophrenia may become increasingly isolated and avoid social situations and relationships. ### cognitive symptoms Cognitive symptoms affect memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. These symptoms often make it difficult for people with schizophrenia to live independently or hold down a job. Cognitive symptoms include: - Poor executive function: difficulty in understanding information and using it to make decisions. - Difficulty concentrating or paying attention. People may have trouble concentrating on tasks or conversations. - Memory problems: active memory problems, such as forgetting information immediately after learning. Living with schizophrenia Living with schizophrenia brings challenges, but with the right treatment and support, people can live fulfilling lives. Family support, early intervention and adherence to treatment plans play an important role in managing this disease. Building a strong support system, learning stress management techniques, and maintaining a routine are also essential strategies for living with schizophrenia. **Conclusion** Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While the disease presents significant challenges, advances in treatment have made it possible for people with schizophrenia to manage their symptoms and live meaningful lives. Early diagnosis, personalized treatment and ongoing support are key to improving outcomes for those affected by the disease.