Hello everyone!
My name is Robby Williams, and I am a Psychologist working in the Mental Health field. I am also a Health Coach as well as a Life Skills Coach. I want to talk to you about schizophrenia. What exactly is schizophrenia?
Well, it's a complex and chronic mental health disorder that can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Symptoms can vary, but some common ones include disorganized speech, hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and difficulty concentrating. Mental health awareness is crucial, and understanding conditions like schizophrenia can help break down stigma and provide support to those who need it.
According to the DSM-5 manual, you will need two (or more) of the following symptoms, each present for a significant amount of time during
1 month (or less if successfully treated). At least one of these must be
delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech:
• Delusions are false beliefs that persist despite practical evidence to the contrary.
• Hallucinations are false perceptions of sensory experiences that seem real but aren't.
• Disorganized speech may manifest as jumping from one topic to another, making it hard to follow the person's thoughts.(frequent derailment or incoherence).
• Catatonic behavior is a multifaceted neuropsychiatric illness defined by significant disruptions in motor activity, encompassing both excessive and unusual movements as well as total immobility.
• Grossly disorganized behavior includes a range of unpredictable, disorganized, or inappropriate actions, making it hard for a person to retain a lucid train of thought.
• Negative symptoms (diminished emotional expression or lack of motivation and initiation).
When it comes to treatment, a combination of medication, therapy, and support services can be effective in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Individuals with schizophrenia must have a strong support system, including family, friends, and mental health professionals.