Symptoms
Schizophrenia is a complex condition involving a number of cognitive, behavioral and emotional symptoms, all of which can present differently depending on the person. Diagnosing schizophrenia can be difficult, as there is such a singular test or metric to determine its presence. However, medical practitioners must also be aware of some notable signifiers. Primary symptoms of schizophrenia are connected to disturbances in thinking. They can include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized behavior or speech, or issues of emotional expression. In addition, there are a number of symptoms that can help to diagnose schizophrenia. Anxiety, inappropriate affect, irregular sleep patterns, depersonalization and even derealisation. The presence of any of these symptoms is optional but often conducive to making a correct diagnosis.
DSM-V Configuration
DSM-V outlines a number of symptoms that are relevant to making a schizophrenia diagnosis. Two or more of them must be present at the same time over a long period of time (a month or longer), in order to accurately classify the condition. Symptoms include – delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, negative symptoms, and disorganized or catatonic behavior. The signs of disturbance must also be maintained for at least half a year without necessarily experiencing the symptoms themselves (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). The disturbance in question must not be caused by drug intervention, addiction, or other mental health conditions (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Additionally, the DSM notes that symptoms experienced by a person must correlate with a disturbance in functioning, such as problems with work, relationships, or self-care.
Medications, Patient Education, Side Effects
Medication for schizophrenia mainly pertains to controlling or mitigating the symptoms of the disorder. Anti-psychotic, anti-hallucinogenic and anti-anxiety medications are often used in order to help individuals with schizophrenia to maintain regular levels of functioning during onset times (The American Psychiatric Association, 2021). Side effects can often include feelings of depression, drowsiness, forgetfulness, nausea and vomiting. In addition, patient education plays a vital role in helping people to better manage their condition (Ema Komala et al., 2018). An evidence-based, personal and compassionate approach allows people to feel in control of their life and accept the realities of their condition without being judged.
Therapy Options and Appropriate Interventions
Interventions and therapy focus on helping people mitigate the effects of schizophrenia on their daily lives, and feel fulfilled and autonomous. Cognitive-based theories and strategies focus on building a sense of support, understanding and community, making it easier to cope with schizophrenia or treat it as a part of life (Ema Komala et al., 2018). In addition, such approaches are conducive to building an understanding of schizophrenia in families and larger communities.
References
Ema Komala, E. P., Anna Keliat, B., & Yulia Wardani, I. (2018). Acceptance and commitment therapy and family Psycho-Education for clients with schizophrenia.EnfermerÃa ClÃnica, 28, 88–93.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Table 3.22, DSM-IV to DSM-5 schizophrenia comparison – impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and health – NCBI bookshelf. Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health [Internet].
The American Psychiatric Association. (2021). The American Psychiatric Association practice guideline for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia, Third edition.