Schizophrenia

The brain is one of the most vital organs of the central nervous system along with the spinal cord. It controls physical body functions like the heart rate and respiration, and also controls our emotions, thoughts, etc.

The brain is a collection of 10 billion interconnected neurons in which messages are passed from one neuron to another through neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

Schizophrenia is a syndrome characterized by disturbances in emotions, thought, activity, and language, that leaves patients fearful and withdrawn.

The cause of schizophrenia is not entirely clear. It may occur due to an increase in the level of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway which leads to positive symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations and conceptual disorganization.

Schizophrenia may also occur due to a decrease in the level of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex which leads to negative symptoms such as loss of function, lack of interest, impaired concentration, lack of energy and lack of motivation.

There are four main types of Schizophrenia

·  Catatonic

·  Paranoid

·  Disorganized and

·  Residual

Treatment for Schizophrenia includes

·  Psychological counseling and

·  Antipsychotic drugs such as

§         Chlorpromazine

§         Loxapine

§         Haloperidol

§         Clozapine