Schizophrenia – Uncommon signs to know

Schizophrenia – Uncommon signs to know

Schizophrenia is a critical mental disorder that ranges from mild to severe. This condition is usually diagnosed in people between 16 to 30 years of age. The early signs usually appear in adolescence and include extreme moodiness, difficulty concentrating, social withdrawal, strange thoughts, and odd behavior. Other uncommon symptoms of schizophrenia gradually increase in severity over time and can also impair daily functioning. The uncommon signs of schizophrenia can be classified into:

Delusions
These are false beliefs about something and are easy to prove wrong, but the person with schizophrenia believes them to be true. For example, people with schizophrenia may believe they are important, others are attempting to control them, or they have extraordinary powers or abilities. There are different types of delusions:

Persecutory delusions
The person believes that they are being stalked, hunted, or tricked.

Referential delusions
The person believes a particular song lyric or a gesture from a TV host is for them.

Somatic delusions
The person believes that they have an illness or a health problem.

Religious delusions
The person believes in a special relationship with a deity or is possessed by a demon.

Grandiose delusions
The person believes that they are a famous entertainer or politician.

Erotomanic delusions
The person believes to be in love with a celebrity or thinks that their partner is cheating on them.

Hallucinations
People with schizophrenia state that they can hear, see, smell, touch or taste things that do not exist. Among the different types of hallucinations, people with schizophrenia mostly experience auditory hallucinations. They hear things that are rude or unpleasant. Some schizophrenics also respond to the voices and appear to be talking to themselves. Visual hallucinations cause people to see lights, objects, people, or patterns. Mostly they see their loved ones or friends who are no longer alive. Olfactory and gustatory hallucinations cause them to believe they are being poisoned and refuse to eat. Tactile hallucinations are when they feel things moving on their body, such as hands or insects.

Confused thinking and speech
While speaking, schizophrenics often have trouble organizing their thoughts. Their sentences are jumbled, and they may jump from one topic to another, making no sense. People living with them often find it hard to understand what schizophrenic patients are talking about. Some may even invent new words without meaning or repeat a single word or phrase out of context.

Disorganized or unusual behavior
Schizophrenics may make unusual or abnormal body movements. Sometimes they may be perfectly still for hours, termed as catatonic, while other times, they may repeat their movements continuously. They may be smiling or laughing for no apparent reason and may have childlike silliness. Other examples of disorganized behavior are getting oddly dressed or making unusual gestures.

Lack of positivity
One may lack the motivation to perform everyday activities. Some negative symptoms include decreased facial expressions, withdrawal from social life, trouble planning, and sticking with activities. These symptoms are often considered indicators of other mental health illnesses like depression.

Cognitive issues
Schizophrenia patients may also experience cognitive symptoms like a short attention span and lowered concentration and memory retention. They may find it difficult to follow a conversation or remember appointments. Schizophrenics may also find it hard to organize their thoughts and make decisions. They also lack insight, which means they do not understand that they are ill. Loved ones and caregivers must be vigilant and provide support to control their symptoms.

These symptoms are psychotic symptoms which means schizophrenics have abnormal mental functions. These include:

The uncommon symptoms of schizophrenia can vary in type and severity. Though schizophrenia is challenging, it is manageable with early treatment and support. With the availability of better psychological treatments, most schizophrenics can now lead productive lives.

Popular Articles

01

7 popular plants that are dangerous for cats

Many people decorate their homes with indoor plants. But if you are a cat parent, your plant obsession can inadvertently harm your feline friend. Most plants are safe for cats to play and prod, but a few are dangerous. Eating or coming into contact with them can lead to unexpected consequences, mainly because of their poisonous compounds. Below we have listed seven such toxic plants that you must keep out of your cat’s reach: Azaleas A part of the rhododendron family, Azaleas are one of the most beautiful houseplants that can transform your living space. However, the slightest nibbles out of their leaves can cause serious heart problems in your cat. It can sometimes aggravate into a coma and even be fatal. Milder side effects of rhododendron ingestion include vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, drooling, and a lack of apatite. Hydrangeas Hydrangeas are common in flower arrangements in home gardens. Although the plant is toxic to cats because of its chemical content, it is not as dangerous. Only ingesting a large amount of the plant can cause damage. Nevertheless, they pose a threat, so avoid having them around your pets. If you grow hydrangeas in your garden, ensure your cat never wanders near it and keeps a safe distance.
Read More
02

Tips to prevent and manage prostate cancer

The prostate is a gland found in males. When unhealthy cells start to grow and multiply abnormally in that area, it leads to prostate cancer. There are various types of cancers that develop in the prostate gland, like small cell carcinomas, transitional cell carcinomas, sarcomas, and neuroendocrine tumors. It is essential to learn the signs and symptoms for timely treatment. Here are some ways of managing the condition and preventive methods to reduce the risk: Treatment options There are several treatment options available to manage prostate cancer, and each of the options has its possible risks or side effects. After a careful diagnosis and discussion with a health professional, they may suggest one of these: DR-TEST Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is a test in which the doctor inserts a lubricated and gloved finger inside the rectum to examine the prostate by touch. If they find any abnormalities in the prostate, the doctor can immediately suggest any more tests and make a treatment plan. Xofigo This is an invasive treatment option advised when other options like hormonal or surgical methods have not been successful in lowering the testosterone levels in the body. It is also used when cancer has specifically spread to the bone and no other parts of the body.
Read More
03

4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas

A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica.
Read More