What is schizophrenia?

Are you tired of hearing about schizophrenia and not really understanding what it means? Are you starting to think that maybe you are the one with this mysterious condition, since all your friends seem so normal compared to what the media (and some TV shows) make it out to be? Well, look no further! In this article, we’ll help answer all your burning questions about schizophrenia (but don’t worry – we won’t set anything on fire).

Brief Introduction

First off, let’s get down to brass tacks; what even is schizophrenia? At its core, schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by an abnormal perception of reality. This may include hallucinations, delusions or disordered thinking patterns. While there might have been times where writers got their inspiration for horror movies from schizophrenic perceptions of reality (cue “The Shining” music), this doesn’t necessarily mean everyone who has extreme realizations and experiences these perceptual changes automatically has schizophrenia.

Now that we’ve given a general definition base line for reference purposes, let’s delve into the actual causes and symptoms of schizophrenia.

Possible Causes

Before jumping straight into defining every symptom related directly to Schizophrenia (otherwise known as positive symptoms) , but first let’s go over what could cause such an odd occurrence!? The general consensus among professionals within psychology is that a variety ot things can cause Schizophrenia. Here are just a few:

  • Genetics

    • Having family members with psychotic disorders or increased stress sensitivity may impact whether someone develops this condition.
  • Environmental Factors

  • Exposure in the womb during fetal development isn’t quite understood yet-but factors like prepregnancy malnutrition v maternal illness decrease odds baby obtains congenital brain damage!
  • Living environment: urban areas vs rural locales could be more stressful which can also heighten probability of developing the condition.

It isn’t fully found out as to whether these only occur singularly or in unison; more research is necessary!

Positive Symptoms

There are 3 major subsets of symptoms someone who has schizophrenia may experience.

Hallucinations

One subset exceptionally noticed are hallcuinations, which might just mean one thing: They’re baaaackkkk!!!! But this time you can’t blame it on your ex’s grandma (like always). Hallucinations can strike anyone with Schizophrenia, and make them think they see, hear, smell and even feel things that aren’t real.

Delusions

Next up we have some downright bizarre thoughts called delusions. These “crazy train” thoughts end up strong enough to be deemed beliefs from those experiencing them. Here are a few examples:
– Thinking people follow you according everywhere regarding their followership desire.
– Believing tv shows gave messages solely to speak directly to you via unique meaning hard decoder ring required!

Can we just say – these individuals have got some weird minds because when I had ‘silly’ mind-overthinking episodes like there being ghosts in my house every time the lights went out,I could still walk away knowing logically it wasn’t true 🤪.

Disordered Speech & Behavior

Lastly for positive syptomatic traits witnessed in schizophrenic patients that should not go unnoticed are abnormal speech patterns / actions! This includes switching topics mid sentence based off seemingly unsupported reasons or speaking in ‘word salad’. Along side nonsensical talk comes unexpected movements such as agitated fidgeting , catatonic states & outward conduct appearing without any cause nor context . Not quite what everyone considers morning exercises!

Negative Symptoms

While all hope seems lost with potential onset schizophrenia after good reads above; there’s an less known arsenal including “negative symptoms”. Unlike positive symptons however, these change behaviors for the worst when mental capabilities & motivation just purely plummet!
Here are three types of symptoms seen in negative symptomatology:

Apathy

With apathy comes lack of any sort of energy to initiate tasks, or the usually-fun human’s traits that take easy-going interactions to more involved outings. This can result in slow retorts or even flat out boringness all around.

Avolition

Avolition has people developing an inability to put things into action, like literally stuck within their basic bodily functions whilst neglecting work/relationships/hobbies etc.

Anhedonia

Last but by no means least is ‘Anhadonia’ , best described as coming from nowhere; it strips down positive feelings so instead what used to bring joy turns into mere necessities keeping one alive and functioning.

Unfortunately (or fortunately), we seem to have run out of space/time/clarity (pick your own excuse) before exploring everything overladen with schizophrenic details .We didn’t want this article being a lifeless fact pile mono-blob after all!

Hopefully however through our hilarious (at least WE think so!) puns/speculations regarding these symptoms exhibited demonstrated how they manifest; now don’t skip seeking help from licensed practioners! While 2021, there are still myths abound regarding Schizophrenia & who gets it 😔.

Take care everyone 🥳

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