SCHIZOPHRENIFORM DISORDER

What is SCHIZOPHRENIFORM DISORDER?

Schizophreniform disorder is a psychotic disorder which can be seen in someone who may show the symptoms of schizophrenia for about one or six months . And if the symptoms lasts for more than six months it may then lead to schizophrenia . When a person is affected by this schizophrenia disorder then it becomes very difficult for them to differentiate between reality and imagination which may lead to affect their thought , emotions , feelings and behavior .And it is most likely to occur in both men as well as in women .

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS DISORDER ?

The symptoms of schizophreniform disorder and schizophrenia are some what same and they may include the following :

1. DELUSIONS

It is a false belief of the reality and which may lead to abnormality in the affected persons thought , mind and behavior. And there may be a chance like that the person may think that someone is spying on him/her or talking something about him/her or unnecessary comments are heard etc these are some thoughts that may come in the imagination .

2. HALLUCINATIONS

It is all about the imagination of our mind . In which we imagine about some things had happened like seeing , hearing or feeling things etc. that are not real which is just our imagination and are created by our mind . This can affect our five senses .

3. DISORGANISED SPEECH

It is all about the abnormalities in the verbal communication of the a person . The speech which is delivered will not be making any sense . And they may be skipping randomly from one topic to another quickly.

4. ODD OR STRANGE BEHAVIOUR 

It is the sudden change that happens to one’s behavior . It may lead to to some odd behaviors such as writing constantly or walking in circles etc. .

5. LACK OF ENERGY

Like the normal energy of the person will change . And due to this lack of energy he/she will not be able to do any work or may not be able to concentrate in things , situations etc.

6. HYGIENE AND GROOMING 

The hygiene of he/she will be affected very badly . And also there grooming habits will be alter in a big manner. Because a sudden change in hygiene and grooming can be noticed in the affected person .

7. WITHDRAWAL

When a person is affected by this disorder then he/she might be withdrawing themselves from their family , friends and social activities . They may also lose there interest and pleasures of their life .

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF THIS DISORDER ?

Since the exact cause of schizophrenia disorder is not known the researchers believe it is a combination of genetic , biochemical and environmental factors .

1. GENETIC ( HEREDITY )

This is all about that there might be a chance that those people who are affected by this schizophrenia disorder , this can be transferred to their children ( since a child is born of the mix of both their parents heredity ) there does not exist any full guarantee that this may pass to their children . There exist a high risk in comparing this affected people with the unaffected population .

2. BRAIN CHEMISTRY 

If you are affected by schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder there will be an imbalance in certain chemicals in the brain . these chemicals in our brain is known as neurotransmitter , they are the messengers which carries messages from the nerve cells across the synapse tonthe target cell . And if there is any small change in the balance of this chemicals then this can lead to the transmission of these messages that lead to the symptoms .

3. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Certain environmental factors which may induce  the schizophreniform disorder in people . Sometimes there are some tendency in people in developing this disorder . This is due to the stressful habits , decrease in the social interactions like between family , friends etc.

 

COMPLICATIONS OF THIS DISORDER

There are some severe complications when it is not identified or treated properly . Those people who are affected by this disorder may have a tendency to commit suicide and have suicide thoughts in their mind always . Depression , anxiety , loss of attention in studies or work . Normal family issue’s like financial issue’s or joblessness or homelessness etc. Aggressive behavior towards everything .

TREATMENT OF THIS DISORDER 

The treatment of this disorder can be done by the following :

1. MEDICATION

Proper medication for the appropriate symptoms at the right time can cure this disorder .The primary medication is for the psychotic symptoms of schizophreniform disorder like delusions , hallucinations and disordered speech etc. are therefore known as Anti-psychotics . A newer medicine known as Atypical antipsychotics .

2. PSYCHOTHERAPY 

It is a way of treatment where those people who have poor mental health talk to a psychiatrist or psychologist . During this therapy we will be able to know about our moods , feelings , conditions , behavior and also about our thoughts . This therapy plays a very critical role in preventing the schizophreniform disorder .

3. COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY

It is a mode of therapy in which they are able to find out those disturbing and destructive thoughts which have a negative influence on our behavior and emotions .It mainly focuses on how the negative thoughts can lead us to depression , anxiety , emotionally broken etc. By doing this therapy the affected people will be able to improve their approach towards thesis issue’s and they will be able to understand how to behave in our society .