Note: Schizophrenia requires a diagnosis from a psychiatrist. The disorder has complex symptoms that are detailed in the current DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition).

Schizophrenia, which affects around 0.32% of the global population, is a serious mental disorder in which an individual’s feelings, behavior, and cognition are negatively impacted due to genetic mutations, hormone imbalance, environmental factors, and more. 

Understanding the Causes: 

Although the exact cause of schizophrenia is yet to be determined, researchers have found many environmental and genetic factors that have been noticed in many people who are diagnosed with this mental disorder. 

• Genetic Factors: It isn’t a single gene that is responsible for the onset of schizophrenia but many genetic factors or functions that contribute to certain people being vulnerable to this condition. For example, if there is a family history of schizophrenia it is more likely for that individual to be vulnerable to this condition rather than an individual who has no family history with schizophrenia. 

• Brain Chemistry: Another factor contributing to the onset of this disorder is the excess of certain hormones or chemicals that are released such as high amounts of cortisol (a stress hormone released to deal with troubling situations). Other research suggests that an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin are leading causes of schizophrenia. 

• Environmental Factors: Many environmental factors and childhood traumas (along with genetic factors) leave individuals with an increased chance of developing schizophrenia. These include experiences such as childhood neglect or abuse, prenatal exposure, postpartum issues as well as substance abuse. 

Recognizing the Symptoms:

The symptoms of schizophrenia are categorized into two different types known as positive and negative symptoms. 

• Positive Symptoms: Keep in mind that in this context ‘positive’ doesn’t mean good, it’s for added behaviors or experiences that an individual has not experienced before. These positive symptoms that are not commonly seen in healthy individuals include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking (difficulty organizing their thoughts or connecting them- may lead to trouble with speech), and movement disorders (agitated body movements or lack of movement for long periods). 

• Negative Symptoms: These symptoms include disruptions to certain behaviors. A few examples of this are reduced emotional expressions, social withdrawal or isolation, anhedonia (reduced pleasure in everyday activities), and avolition (lack of motivation to sustain previously interesting activities). 

Early Intervention and Treatments:

Although schizophrenia isn’t a curable disorder (like most mental illnesses), there are things that we can do to make sure patients with onset schizophrenia can get the help and treatments they need. 

1. First of all, you can ask the individual what you can do for them. I know it seems obvious but this is a step that is often overlooked. Whether it may be getting them groceries, medication, or going to the doctor with them, you can help them with the things they need or think they need. 

1. Focus on feelings and not experiences. This can truly help an individual with schizophrenia. Not all but some people with this disorder experience hallucinations that we cannot see. But instead of simply telling them to calm down or that it isn’t there, try to get them to talk through what they’re feeling; remember, even though we aren’t exposed to what they think, the experience feels completely real to them. According to the website, Mind, if someone turns around and says it’s not real, it makes you feel more alone than ever. So try to understand where they’re coming from before shutting them down. 

1. Research more about schizophrenia to understand its symptoms. Through learning more about them you can try to help them come up with coping strategies and work through their problems. 

1. Plan for difficult times. According to Mind, while your relative or close friend is feeling well, try to set up a plan or how you can help them if a crisis does occur. If they’re in the beginning of an episode you can: 1) encourage them to write a crisis plan. 2) discuss which symptoms you can look out for. 3) learn their triggers and plan how to cope with them.

Conclusion: 

Schizophrenia is a difficult mental disorder to understand since we still have limited knowledge of the workings of this illness. By choosing to help and understand what your peers are going through you’re already on the right track. By recognizing symptoms early on and seeking appropriate medical and therapeutic interventions you can help individuals struggling around you feel more supported through tough times. 

Written By: Poorvi Deshpande, Mental H2O Youth Resource Writer