Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Schizophrenia: A Brain Disorder

Expert Author Kimberly Ann Omandam
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a kind of mental disorder that makes it difficult to differentiate between the real and unreal experiences, to think rationally, to have normal emotional management and to be sociable to others. People who have this brain disorder have an altered reality perception. They may able to hear and see things that do not exist, speak in weird or unclear ways, and believe that someone is trying to hurt them, or even feel like someone is constantly watching them. However, this condition can be manageably treated and cured.
Types of schizophrenia:
  • Paranoid schizophrenia
  • Catatonic schizophrenia
  • Disorganized schizophrenias

What causes schizophrenia?
There are several factors which cause schizophrenia:
  • Genes and environment

Experts believe that this kind of mental illness has strong hereditary component. People who have family members with schizophrenia are at risk in some factors that would trigger this ailment like infection during development in the mother's womb or psychological stressful experiences.
  • An abnormality within the brain

Studies show that brain abnormalities such as slight enlargement of the fluid-filled ventricles in the brain, and slightly smaller size of some areas of the brain can somehow cause schizophrenia.
  • Brain chemistry

Some researchers believe that people with this type of sickness are very sensitive to a brain chemical known as dopamine, substances that allow nerve cells to transmit message to the brain. An imbalance of this chemical can affect the way how a person acts.
Signs and Symptoms of schizophrenia
  • Delusions
  • Hallucinations
  • Disorganized speech
  • Confusing behavior
  • Social withdrawal
  • Suspiciousness
  • Unsuitable crying or laughter
  • Oversleeping or insomnia
  • Expressionless gaze
  • Reacts overly to criticism

How to treat schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia can be treated in several ways. These include:
  • Antipsychotic medications
  • Rehabilitation
  • Individual Psychotherapy
  • Family Therapy
  • Self-Help groups

Unlike other ailments, there is no way to prevent schizophrenia. That is why; if you have this kind of condition, it would be best to take medication prescribed by the doctor to prevent the symptoms from coming back.
Check out some of Kimberly's great articles on Cat Nutrition. Also see Cat Health and learn more!

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