schizophrenia treatment in chennai
schizophrenia treatment in chennai Schizophrenia is a group of severe brain disorders which interfere with a persons interpretation of reality (happenings around him) resulting in combinations of hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking and behavior.
Schizophrenia is an illness which yields best results when treated early. If not treated early it may become refractory to treatment and may not respond to treatment. If untreated the ability of people with schizophrenia to function normally and to care for themselves tends to deteriorate over time.
Contrary to some popular belief, schizophrenia isn’t split personality or multiple personality. The word “schizophrenia” does mean “split mind,” but it refers to a disruption of the usual balance of emotions and thinking.Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder. It is important to understand that the person is not deliberately behaving abnormally – it is not within his control.
Schizophrenia is caused by biological factors leading to disturbances in chemicals in the brain. Sometimes the problem may disappear on its own, but most often it occurs with no apparent reason. The episode may start at the time of great stress and then the illness runs its course.
A combination of genetics and environment contributes to development of the disease. In a person with a genetic predilection, an environmental trigger causes an imbalance in certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate, thereby causing the symptoms of schizophrenia. Neuroimaging studies support evidence that schizophrenia is a brain disease.
Risk factors
Certain factors seem to increase the risk of developing or triggering schizophrenia, including:
Having a family history of schizophrenia
Exposure to viruses, toxins or malnutrition while in the womb, particularly in the first and second trimesters
Stressful life circumstances
Taking psychoactive drugs during adolescence and young adulthood
Complications
Left untreated, schizophrenia can result in severe emotional, behavioral and health problems, as well as legal and financial problems that affect every area of life. Complications that schizophrenia may cause or be associated with include:condition that requires lifelong treatment, even when symptoms have subsided. Treatment with medications and psychosocial therapy can help manage the condition. During crisis periods or times of severe symptoms, hospitalization may be necessary to ensure safety, proper nutrition, adequate sleep and basic hygiene.
Medications
Medications are the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment. Today we have a wide range of medication with little or no side effects that can help a person with schizophrenia to lead a “normal” productive life. We have a large number of patients with schizophrenia who are leading productive lives as software engineers, top level managers, financial consultants etc.
Antipsychotic medications are the most commonly prescribed to treat schizophrenia. They’re thought to control symptoms by affecting the brain neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. A person’s willingness to cooperate with treatment may affect medication choice. Someone who is uncooperative may need to be given injections instead of taking a pill.
Psychosocial treatments
Although medications are the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment, once psychosis recedes, psychosocial treatments also are important. These may include:
Social skills training. This focuses on improving communication and social interactions.
Family therapy. This provides support and education to families dealing with schizophrenia.
Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment. This focuses on helping people with schizophrenia find and keep jobs.
Individual therapy. Learning to cope with stress and identify early warning signs of relapse can help people with schizophrenia manage their illness.