Disorganized schizophrenia is a sub type of schizophrenia and is a complex and chronic psychiatric condition. It is also known as hebephrenic schizophrenia. Prompt diagnosis of the disorder and appropriate management are very crucial.
It’s not known what causes schizophrenia; however, experts postulate that a combination of genetic factors and environmental conditions contribute to the occurrence of the disorder.
A problem with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals – neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate, may cause schizophrenia.
Signs And Symptoms Of Disorganized Schizophrenia
- Disorganized, confused speech. The person will jump from one subject to another; he may even talk nonsense. They stop talking in mid-sentence. They even make up their own words. A confused speech is because of an illogical thought process.
- Disorganized behavior. They have zero motivation for a particular job and fail to complete the task at hand. Day-to-day activities become grossly difficult. They cannot shower, cannot dress up and have a dirty unkempt appearance.
- Inappropriate expression and response. The person expresses little or no emotions at all. He always has a blank, impassive face.
Alternative Treatments For Disorganized Schizophrenia
Disorganized schizophrenia is characteristically associated with an early manifestation of the symptoms – often between 15 – 25 years and has rather poor prognosis due to the swift development of negative symptoms and a decline in social functioning.
The condition needs lifelong treatment, even once the symptoms have abated. Treatment with medications and psycho-social therapy can help deal with the condition. When the symptoms are too severe, hospitalization is necessary to make certain the – nutrition, sufficient sleep, safety and hygiene of the individual.
- An experienced psychiatrist usually guides the treatment regimen. The management team comprises of a psychologist, social worker, and psychiatric nurse.
- Medications are the foundation stone for the treatment of schizophrenia. On the other hand, medications for schizophrenia are known to cause serious rare side effects; people are unwilling to take them.
- By and large, the doctor will prescribe anti-psychotic medications to deal with schizophrenia. They control the symptoms by affecting the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.
- It can take several weeks after starting your medication that you will notice amelioration in the symptoms. The aim of the treatment with anti-psychotic drugs is to successfully control the signs and symptoms at the lowest possible dose. Your doctor will try various medications, varied doses as well as combinations over time to attain the looked-for result.
- Alongside, the doctor may also prescribe anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs.
- Individual therapy is very crucial. Learning to deal with and handle stress and identify the initial warning signs of relapse can help manage the disorder better.
- Social skill training is done to focus on enhancing communication and social interfacing.
- Family therapy is perhaps the most vital of all; it helps provide support and education to families dealing with schizophrenia and teaches them to handle the person better. Support from family and friends is an integral part of the treatment program.
- Vocational rehabilitation helps people with schizophrenia get ready for, look for and keep jobs.
- Most of the people suffering from schizophrenia need some form of everyday help and support – with jobs, housing, and crisis situations. With the correct treatment, most people with schizophrenia can manage their condition.