Confessions

Good evening, my dear friends!

Today was the last day of my vacation with my family and I’m preparing to fly back home tomorrow morning. If you read last night’s blog, I want to say that I’m incredibly blessed by you all and your encouragement. I’m ready to go home, take care of business, and keep pressing forward in my life. We can do this together!

Speaking of pressing on, this week we are covering the rarest mental disorder that we’ve come across so far! Let’s get to it.

Schizophrenia:

What is it?

-Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects one’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, relate to others, and make decisions. It must be said that this disorder is chronic and as of now, there is no cure. It is extremely rare as well, as only 1% of the population is diagnosed with it.

What are its causes?

-Genetics

-Genetics plays a huge role in whether or not someone is diagnosed with schizophrenia. Having a family history of this disorder greatly increases the risk at attaining this disease. 10% of those who have a first-degree relative are typically diagnosed. NAMI also estimates that being the twin of one diagnosed increases their risk by 50%.

-Environment

-Brain Chemicals

-Dopamine and Glutamate are solely responsible for Schizophrenia.

-Substance Abuse

-Mind altering drugs

-Marijuana

What are the symptoms?

-Schizophrenia is an incredibly difficult disease to diagnose. This disorder is typically diagnosed during the teenage years and this is why it is increasingly difficult. Symptoms typically begin with “a change of friends, a drop in grades, sleep problems, and irritability—common and nonspecific adolescent behavior.”¹ Due to the vague nature of these symptoms, most cases are definitively diagnosed by these signs:

-Hallucinations¹

-Delusions¹

-Thought Disorders¹

-Movement Disorders¹

How is it treated?

-Psychotherapy

-Antipsychotic Medications

-Self-Management strategies

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Schizophrenia is a terrifying mental disorder and can greatly affect those around the one suffering. Hallucinations can be extremely intense and cause worry amidst the sufferer and those in close relation. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms such as the ones above, do not hesitate to contact a doctor. Such symptoms, regardless if Schizophrenia is diagnosed, can be extremely dangerous and indicate that there may be something wrong.

Thanks for reading! I’m beginning to get more and more excited the deeper we go. There are over 200 mental disorders and we haven’t even scratched the surface! The deeper we go the more rare disorders we will find. I hope that this has been as informational for you as it has for me!

Have a great day!

 

Citations:

–NAMI¹

–NIMH²

**This is not a professional opinion. All information has been researched and cited. Responsibility falls upon the reader to contact a doctor for any needs and will not fall back upon the author and/or this blog.**