Schizophrenia: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychosis characterized by a distortion of reality affecting thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It manifests through delusions, hallucinations, and behavioral disorders, with persistent symptoms that can cause severe disability. Schizophrenia is not a split personality, as often mistakenly perceived, but rather a psychological disorganization with profound alterations in cognitive, affective, and social functioning. It affects about 0.7% of the world population and generally appears in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Etiology

The etiology of schizophrenia is multifactorial:  Genetic hypothesis: Individuals with a close parent with schizophrenia have an increased risk of developing the disease. Studies show a strong hereditary influence, but other non-genetic factors also contribute.  Neurodevelopmental hypothesis: Early disturbances in central nervous system development, often due to in utero or perinatal assaults, are considered possible causes.  Socio-environmental factors: Stress, isolation, exposure to certain childhood traumas, and drug use, especially cannabis, are also significant risk factors.

Symptoms

The symptoms of schizophrenia are varied and generally divided into three main categories:  Positive (or productive) symptoms: These are manifestations of reality distortion such as hallucinations (often auditory), delusions (persecution, grandeur), and disorganized thinking.  Negative symptoms: These include apathy, abulia (lack of will), and social withdrawal, with a reduction in emotional and affective abilities.  Behavioral disorganization: Thought disorders with incoherent speech and inappropriate or absurd behavior.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of schizophrenia relies on prolonged clinical observation, often after one or more acute psychotic episodes. Diagnostic criteria include the presence of hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized behaviors over a prolonged period. It is necessary to rule out other pathologies such as bipolar disorders or neurological diseases.

Treatment

Treatments include:  Antipsychotics: They are essential for controlling acute symptoms and preventing relapses. Atypical neuroleptics are preferred to limit side effects. In case of treatment resistance, clozapine can be used.  Psychotherapy and psychosocial rehabilitation: Psychosocial care is recommended to improve quality of life, including cognitive rehabilitation and family support.