Sep 29, 2023
Oh No! Is this Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions.

Recognizing the warning signs of schizophrenia early on can open opportunities for treatment interventions before a full-blown episode occurs. Dito may mahalagang gampanin ang pamilya because usually it is the members of the family who notice first the changes in the way a loved one thinks or behaves. Increased awareness of the whats and hows of this complex mental disorder can prove helpful, for both the sufferer and carer, prior to and during treatment.

Schizophrenia symptoms and signs are varied and can manifest differently for each individual at different phases of the illness. 

Many of its early symptoms like social withdrawal and increased anxiety are non-specific markers that are also associated with other mental health conditions, dahilan kung bakit karaniwang mahirap tukuyin ang mga ito as warning signs preceding the emergence of active-phase symptoms.

 

PRODROMAL PHASE ACTIVE PHASE RESIDUAL PHASE
  • loss of interest in regular activities
  • social withdrawal or isolation
  • trouble concentrating
  • neglecting personal hygiene
  • increased anxiety
  • delusions
  • hallucinations
  • jumbled thoughts
  • disorganized speech
  • flat affect
  • some symptoms in this phase resemble symptoms in the prodromal phase like isolation
  • difficulty understanding complex ideas

The active phase of the disorder is characterized by hallmark symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations that can cause patients to lose their sense of self and reality. Ang mga pasyenteng nakakaranas ng delusions have a firm belief on thoughts that do not fit reality, like thinking that they are being watched or followed despite contradictory evidence. Some may also experience grandiose delusions where they believe na sila ay sikat o mayaman o may superpower kahit ang katotohanan ay hindi naman o wala naman. 

Ang mga pasyente naman na nakakaranas ng hallucinations o guni-guni see and hear things that don’t exist. Sila ay nakakarinig ng mga boses that no one else hears, o kaya ay nakakakita ng mga bagay o imahe that are not really there.

If undiagnosed and left untreated, ang schizophrenia ay maaaring lumala at ang may sakit ay tuluyan na mawalan ng kakayahan to function normally in society. Best to seek professional help as early as possible, when you notice signs, para sa proper diagnosis at treatment.

 

Treatment and Management

Schizophrenia treatment focuses on managing symptoms, preventing relapses, and improving day-to-day functioning of patients. The best choice of treatment should be the outcome of a collaborative discussion between the patient/carer and the doctor.

Treatment often involves schizophrenia medication—such as antipsychotic drugs to control psychosis symptoms. Ang mga oral second-generation antipsychotics (SGA) na tulad ng Aripiprazole Tablet (ABDIN®), Olanzapine Film-Coated Tablet (OLZADIN®), and Risperidone (RISDIN®) ang kadalasang ginagamit bilang initial treatment in the acute phase of the illness dahil sa kanilang more favorable adverse reaction profile.

 

Family Support and Care

Patients with schizophrenia need consistent support from family and friends. Higit na kailangan nila sa kasalukuyang pinagdadaanan ang kalinga ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay at galing ng kanilang mga doktor at medical care team para sa mahusay na pangangalaga ng kanilang kalusugang pangkaisipan. With a great and knowledgeable support system, prompt and accurate diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment plan — people with schizophrenia can get access to better choices that can empower them to live better lives.

 

DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only, and should not be substituted for professional medical advice. The purchase and use of the pharmaceutical products featured in this article requires the proper prescription of a medical doctor. The purchase, possession, and dispensing of ethical drugs without a doctor’s prescription is illegal.

 

Sources:
Ernest, D., Vuksic, O., Shepard-Smith, A., & Webb, E. (2017). Schizophrenia: An Information Guide. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Hany M, Rehman B, Azhar Y, et al. Schizophrenia. [Updated 2023 Mar 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539864/
Kammoun, A. (2022). A Short Note on Schizophrenia: Causes and its Symptoms. Journal of Psychology and Psychotherapy 12(S7), 1. DOI: 10.35248/2161-0487-22.S7.002.
Lieberman, J., Perkins, D., Belger, A., Chakos, M., Jarskog, F., Boteva, K., & Gilmore, J. (2001). The Early Stages of Schizophrenia: Speculations on Pathogenesis, Pathophysiology, and Therapeutic Approaches. 
Patel KR, Cherian J, Gohil K, Atkinson D. Schizophrenia: overview and treatment options. P T. 2014 Sep;39(9):638-45. PMID: 25210417; PMCID: PMC4159061.