Schizophrenia Prognosis: Psychiatric Treatment at Delray Beach

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that can be difficult to diagnose, in part because the symptoms often include reclusive behavior. The prognosis for schizophrenia varies from person to person, and there are many factors that contribute to a poor schizophrenia prognosis. However, there are also many factors that can improve a schizophrenia patient’s outlook. In this article, we will discuss the diagnosis of schizophrenia, the different factors that lead to a poor schizophrenia prognosis, and the treatment options available for those living with schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia can be tricky to diagnose, especially if it is comorbid with other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. However, there are a few symptoms unique to schizophrenia that are necessary to confirm a diagnosis. The patient in question must have at least one of the following traits:

·      Hallucinations, or seeing things that aren’t there

·      Delusions, or fantastical beliefs that are easily proven wrong

·      Disorganized speech

In addition to at least one of the above symptoms, the patient in question must also present with either:

·      Disorganized or catatonic behavior

·      Or negative symptoms, such as a loss of enjoyment in life or interests, presenting little or no emotion, decreased motivation, or a flat affect

While there are several different kinds of schizophrenia, there are some common symptoms that are typical of a general diagnosis. These present in the following three different categories: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms.

The word “positive” in this case is not indicative of pleasant characteristics per se, but rather describes symptoms that occur as an addition to a patient’s normal processes or state of being. In the case of schizophrenia, positive symptoms include hallucinations and delusions, scrambled sentences, bizarre or purposeless behavior, and catatonic responses and movements. Not all of these symptoms have to be present in order for a patient to have schizophrenia.

As you might have guessed, negative symptoms are the opposite of positive symptoms—meaning that these symptoms represent a removal or decrease in normal processes or behavior. Negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia can include alogia (poverty of speech), avolition (decreased motivation), inappropriate or lacking emotional responses, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Because these types of symptoms tend to be subtler, they are harder to associate with schizophrenia from the onset unless the patient is clearly presenting with crucial positive symptoms. These cognitive or mental symptoms affect learning, understanding, and memory, and can be the most troublesome for patients trying to live a normal life.

Schizophrenia affects each individual patient differently than the next—but there are several warning signs to look out for should you be at risk for schizophrenia which may make your prognosis worse. These include:

·      Family history of schizophrenia

·      Drug addiction or history of it (including nicotine and alcohol)

·      Low-nutrient diet

·      Lack of exercise

·      Schizophrenia tends to affect men more severely than women

·      Incomplete medical care

·      Lack of a support system

·      Structural abnormalities of the brain

·      History of early or prenatal infection

·      Autoimmune disorders like Celiac Disease

·      Acute negative symptoms

·      Acute cognitive symptoms

·      And an early onset of the diagnosis

While there are some indications that a patient may experience more hardship or even a significantly shortened lifespan with a poor schizophrenia prognosis, there are some indicators that may create a better outlook as well. These include:

·      Lack of family history of schizophrenia

·      Stable relationships and personal history prior to diagnosis

·      No comorbidities, including mood disorders

·      Acute onset, especially at an older age

·      Females tend to fare better than males

·      Having a good support system

·      Late onset

·      Fewer negative or cognitive symptoms

Because there are still so many unknowns about schizophrenia including its origins, there is no way to definitively say why women tend to have an easier go of it than men—but some scientists think that schizophrenia has to do with the D2 dopamine receptor in the brain, which can be influenced by the presence of estrogen. (For more information on the role of estrogen and other hormones, click here.)

According to 11 studies conducted in 2016, life expectancy decreased by an average of 14.5 years for individuals with schizophrenia, though this number was typically greater for men at 15.9 than women at 13.6. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be experiencing schizophrenia, it is crucial that you seek medical help right away.

While there is no known cure for schizophrenia, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms. With regular treatment and medication, it is possible for patients with schizophrenia to integrate into the workforce and lead happy, productive lives.

Treatment for schizophrenia typically involves an antipsychotic medication to control any positive symptoms like hallucinations or delusions. This is one of the first steps a patient can take to help regain some sense of normalcy in their lives, but medication alone is not often recommended.

In addition to medications like antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, or antipsychotics, psychiatrists treating schizophrenia will frequently recommend some form of therapy, like talk therapy.

Psychopharmacology is the study of how medicines interact with mental health disorders—so it is a complex, ever-evolving field. In this study, a psychopharmacologist will understand polymorphic genes, or how genes vary from person to person, drug-to-drug interactions, the half-life of certain medications, and how readily processed the medicine is to the body. A psychopharmacologist will also understand how the body processes the medicine as well as how the medications affect the body. This field may be helpful for folks experiencing schizophrenia as it may provide hope and relief.

Schizophrenia is a serious condition for which there is no known cure—but this does not mean that the symptoms cannot be managed. With the proper care, adequate support, effective medication, and a late onset, a patient’s schizophrenia prognosis can improve dramatically, potentially affording them several extra years of life.

If you or a loved one is struggling with schizophrenia, it is imperative that you take action; with the proper medical attention, you can take control of your life and better manage your symptoms. Are you ready to seek care? Contact Delray Beach Psychiatry today!