Understanding Schizophrenia and the Common Differences

A well-known and frequently discussed mental health condition Schizophrenia is on the talk due to its severe impact on affected individuals. You probably have heard or seen characters with schizophrenia in movies or television shows or without your knowing you might have come across elderles that have the symptoms of this illness. 

The evolution of diagnostic criteria also has kept this illness in focus within the psychiatric community. From its early description, it has been categorized as a distinct disorder. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 24 million people are affected by Schizophrenia disorder worldwide which is 1 in every 300 people. People with this illness are 2 to 3 times more likely to die early than the common population. 

Common Facts

There are many misconceptions and stigma for people with Schizophrenia such as they have multiple personalities or are dangerous. But, what exactly is schizophrenia and how can we identify it from the other common symptoms and illnesses? We shall now explore what it is, and the different types, symptoms, and common diseases surrounding it. 

Identifying Schizophrenia and its Symptoms

Schizophrenia is a severe mental health condition that affects the thinking, feeling, and behavior patterns of a person. It is categorized by different types of symptoms that includes positive symptoms, negative symptoms, Cognitive symptoms, and other symptoms. Let’s understand in detail.

Positive Symptoms

• Hallucination- Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there in reality. 
• Delusions- Strongly held false beliefs that are out of touch with reality. 
• Disorganized thinking- Difficulty organizing thought, almost impossible to understand when they talk. 
• Abnormal Motor Behaviour- Unpredictable agitation, childlike tantrums, stillness for long hours. 

Negative Symptoms

• Diminished Emotional Expression- A reduced expression of emotions through facial expressions, voice, or body language. 
• Anhedonia- Decreased ability to experience joy and pleasure. 
• Avolition- Complete withdrawal from any motivation. 
• Social withdrawal- Isolation, avoiding any social interaction and activities. 

Cognitive Symptoms

• Poor Functioning- Difficulty understanding and making decisions. 
• Trouble concentration- Trouble paying attention and focusing.
• Memory difficulties- Difficulty in memorizing and recalling.

Other symptoms

Other symptoms may include, Mania, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and forgetting the diagnosis of the disease. 

Different Types of Schizophrenia

The Cause of schizophrenia is still unidentified. Scientists believe an imbalance in the brain chemical (Especially Dopamine) may be the cause of the illness. Traditionally, schizophrenia was classified into several subtypes based on the predominant symptoms. However, in recent psychiatric classifications, such as the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), these subtypes no longer identify the subtypes of schizophrenia. Despite this, let’s understand the historical subtypes. 

Paranoid

Paranoid used to be the most common subtype of schizophrenia. Due to the similarity in symptoms paranoia was later considered to be part of schizophrenia. Individuals with this subtype often experience:

• Delusion of Persecution: A false belief that everyone is trying to harm them. 
• Delusion of Grandeur: Belief that they possess extraordinary power, knowledge, or abilities. 
• Hallucination: Hearing voices that are perceived by them to be someone else’s other than their inner voice. 

Hebephrenic (Disorganized Schizophrenia) 

Hebephrenic which was also known as disorganized schizophrenia is still recognized by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD 10). This subtype is categorized by disorganized behavior and speech effects. This is considered to be one of the most chronic courses due to its tendency to manifest earlier than other schizophrenia. Its symptoms may include:

• Disorganized Speech: Illogical speech which is hard to understand.
• Disorganized behavior: Unpredictable behavior, Inappropriate emotional responses, strange or purposeless movements. 
• Flat Affect: Lack of emotional expression or inappropriate emotional expression to no expression at all. 

Undifferentiated 

This subtype is named Undifferentiated schizophrenia due to its undifferentiated list of symptoms. This Subtype does not come under a single or two subtypes but covers a broader spectrum of mixed symptoms from various subtypes. 

This subtype may include positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms. 

• Hallucination
• Disorganized behaviour pattern
• Flat affect
• Social withdrawal
• Attention deficit 
• Memory problems

Residual

This subtype is considered to be the less severe and acute phase of schizophrenia. Individuals with Residual schizophrenia have a history of multiple episodes but noe show fewer episodes. Although these symptoms might not be severe they can still interfere with daily functioning. Some of the common symptoms that can be noticed:

• Social Withdrawl
• Lack of motivation 
• Disorganized speech
• Hallucination
• Flat Affect

Catatonic

This subtype is characterized by a disturbance in movement, which can range from extreme physical agitation to complete immobility. Due to improved treatment, catatonic remains less common. The symptoms may include:

• Purposeless body movement
• Staying motionless for a longer period
• Mutism
• Imitating others movement

Differences Between Schizophrenia and Related Mental Conditions

Due to its complexity and severity, it is characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, sense of self, and behavior resulting in several other mental conditions with overlapping symptoms. This can lead to confusion in identifying and potential misdiagnosis. Let’s understand the difference between schizophrenia and related mental conditions. 

Schizophrenia Duration & Treatment

Schizophrenia Symptoms- This illness carries related symptoms such as hallucinations, delusion, disorganized thinking, and abnormal behaviors. The cause of the illness has not been identified.

Duration- Symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and 1 month of active symptoms to be diagnosed. 

Treatment- It can be treated with anti-psychotic medication, psychotherapy, and supportive services. 

Schizophrenia vs. Psychosis

Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by disconnecting from reality. People experiencing psychosis may experience difficulty distinguishing what is real and what is not. Psychosis is often considered as a part of Schizophrenia. 

Symptoms- Symptoms also may include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

Duration- The duration of psychosis may vary depending on the severity of the condition.  

Treatment- The treatment can depend on the underlying cause. The most common treatments can be psychotherapy and antipsychotic medication. 

Schizophrenia vs. Schizoaffective

While schizophrenia involves psychotic symptoms, Schizoaffective involves psychotic and mood disorders. Schizoaffective is a mental health condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorder. Along with hallucinations, delusion, and the individual may also experience severe depression and manic episodes. 

Schizoaffective Symptoms- The symptoms may include false beliefs, delusion, persistent sadness, and bipolar symptoms (peak manic symptoms).

Duration- The psychotic symptoms may last for a longer duration while the mood disorders may last for a certain period. 

Treatment- Treatment may include, clinical assessment, mood stabilizer, Antidepressant, and psychotherapy. 

Schizophrenia vs. Bipolar Disorder

Schizophrenia primarily involves psychotic symptoms, while bipolar disorder is characterized by mood episodes. Bipolar Disorder is also known as manic depressive disorder. Individuals affected by bipolar disorder may experience extreme mood swings that include heightened emotions (Euphoria) and lows (depression). You can read more on Bipolar Disorder here.

Bipolar Symptoms- Bipolar includes mood disorders such as manic symptoms (Increased energy, reduced need for sleep, grandiosity, and risk-taking behaviors) and Depressive symptoms (Prolonged sadness, fatigue, low self-esteem, and reduced motivation). 

Duration- Bipolar disorder may last somewhere from one week to any duration and may sometimes require hospitalization. 

Treatment- Bipolar disorder symptoms can be reduced with mood stabilizers, Antidepressants, Psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. 

Schizophrenia vs. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Borderline Personality Disorder differs significantly from schizophrenia in its underlying causes and treatment approaches. BPD is characterized by instability of mood, behavior, and functioning. 

BPD Symptoms- The symptoms may include emotional instability, fear of abandonment, mood swings, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. 

Duration- BPD is considered to be a long-term condition, but many people see improvement with treatment.

Treatment- Focuses on psychotherapy (especially DBT), focusing on skills for managing emotions and improving relationships.   

Most Influential People with Schizophrenia

If you find yourself and your loved ones alone in this illness, let us bring you some influential figures who have also dealt with Schizophrenia. These people were not only diagnosed but have overcome it and have built a suited coping mechanism for themselves. 

Darrell Hammond

An actor turned announcer best known for his impersonation of Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and other famous stars. Hammond was abused by his mother and due to his childhood trauma he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, he rejected the diagnosis worked on his drug and alcohol abuse habits, and has headed to heal his childhood trauma.

Lionel Aldrige

After his football career in the 1960s, in his 30s due to his paranoia, he had hallucinations and was later diagnosed with schizophrenia. After a struggling homeless journey, with proper medication, he has regained control and made many people aware of his condition. 

John Nash Jr.

He was known as one of the world’s best mathematicians. The paranoia and delusion took hold of him and he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. His mental illness lasted up to 20 years, but he slowly recovered and returned back to Princeton University. In 1994, he won a novel prize in economics and also played Russle Crowein in the Oscar-winning movie A Beautiful Mind. 

Vincent Van Gogh

The world-famous painter is said to believe that Van Gogh was a patient suffering from schizophrenia. Due to hallucinations and unstoppable voices, he once took a knife and cut off his ear to stop the voices. He is a world-renowned painter and Starry Night is the most loved painting worldwide. 

Brian Wilson 

Wilson was diagnosed with bipolar-type schizophrenia. During his recovery, Wilson said Medication and therapy have changed his life and made it more productive. 

Conclusion

Even though there is no way of prevention, identifying the symptoms and risk factors can prevent symptoms from getting worse. The symptoms of Schizophrenia may come and go, however, with proper meditation, healthy lifestyle habits, and doctors-recommended therapy one can simply lead a beautiful life even if fully not recovered. 

According to studies 3 out of 5 people diagnosed with Schizophrenia can get better with treatment. It is best to consult with your doctor if you find yourself or anyone in your friends or family showing such symptoms. Remember that mental health is as equally important as physical health and we should always put more priority on our mental health.

Frequently Asked Questions