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  Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for Schizophrenia

  A severe mental disorder, schizophrenia impacts how an individual thinks, reacts to emotions, and perceives reality. It results in a variety of symptoms including delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia that can cause the patient to isolate themselves from the rest of the world. At present, roughly 1% of the total population suffer from this mental disorder.

  Schizophrenia cannot be cured, however, it can be managed with the help of medications and therapy. This disorder can affect anyone. It typically develops in men during their late teens or early twenties. On the other hand, in women, the symptoms of schizophrenia begin to surface during their twenties or early thirties.

  The following are some commonly observed symptoms of this condition:

  • Delusions: People suffering from schizophrenia often have delusions that can impair their day-to-day life. For example, they might believe they are being subjected to unjust prejudice, or they are exceptionally famous, or a big disaster is about to occur.
  • Hallucinations: Typically, patients experiencing schizophrenia mention seeing things or hearing sounds and/or voices that don’t exist. Hallucinations can also involve smelling strange odors or experiencing odd sensations in the body.
  • Disorganized speech: Schizophrenia impairs the brain’s ability to think clearly which leads to disorganized speech. Simply put, the patient will talk about things that are completed or partially unrelated to the current conversation. In rare cases, they might put together random words that don’t make sense.
  • Abnormal motor behavior: This symptom can manifest in a number of ways. For example, the individual might act silly, be unnaturally childish, or get absurdly angry. Since the behavior isn’t directed towards a goal, it can become tough to manage routine tasks as one might disobey instructions, not respond, keep repeating movements, and hold an awkward pose for a long time.
  • Negative symptoms: The negative symptoms of schizophrenia refer to the diminished ability to do things normally. For instance, the person may always have a nonchalant expression on their face, they may speak in a monotone, not make eye contact while talking, and neglect their personal hygiene. This can also cause them to withdraw from social engagements.

  The doctor will run a few tests of medical tests and conduct a physical exam to be sure of the condition and rule out other conditions. The patient then might be referred to a psychiatrist to evaluate the extent of this disease. symptoms are observed for more than six months, then the diagnosis of schizophrenia.

  Causes of schizophrenia
  Experts haven’t narrowed down the exact cause of schizophrenia. However, investigations have concluded that this mental disorder has a biological basis and is not necessarily a consequence of personal weaknesses or bad parenting. The following are some factors that can strongly contribute to the development of schizophrenia:

  • Genetics: The risk of developing this condition is 10% if a parent was diagnosed with it. For people with no family history of schizophrenia, the risk factor is less than 1%.
  • Brain abnormality: Some studies demonstrate how an abnormal brain structure can trigger schizophrenia. Although, this type of abnormality is not found in all schizophrenics.
  • Environmental factors: Researchers also suggest that a few environmental factors like prolonged exposure to marijuana, highly stressful situations, and viral infections can trigger schizophrenia in people genetically predisposed to develop it. In a similar vein, it is most likely to manifest during one’s teen and young adult years when the body is undergoing major hormonal and physical changes.

  Treating schizophrenia
  The objective of the treatment for schizophrenia is to inhibit the symptoms and reduce the possibility of a relapse. The doctor can use multiple antipsychotics that can help assuage symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, and cognitive issues. Another option is CSC (Coordinated Specialty Care) where a combination of medications and therapy is used along with employment and educational initiatives, and social services. The family of the patient is also actively involved in this kind of therapy.

  To resolve various psychological, social, and occupational issues, the doctor may recommend psychosocial therapy that involves various learning techniques. These can help improve one’s attention, planning, problem-solving skills, and memory. Likewise, such therapy can also strengthen a person’s interpersonal skills so that they can function efficiently in professional and personal circles.

  People dealing with severe symptoms of schizophrenia, like inciting suicidal thoughts, may have to get treatment in a hospital on an outpatient basis until the condition stabilizes. If medications fail or if the patient suffers from serious episodes of depression or catatonia, then ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) can be used. In this procedure, small electric shocks are delivered to the brain to improve thinking patterns and moods. This treatment is administered once every 2 to 3 weeks.

  At the moment, research is underway about DBS (Deep Brain Simulation), a neurological procedure that is already used for severe cases of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremors. In this treatment, electrodes are implanted in specific areas of the brain that control functions related to thinking and perception.

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  Treatment plans and medications for depression

  Treatment plans and medications for depression
  According to the World Health Organization, the estimated number of people around the world affected by depression are around 350 million. It is the most common illness worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. WHO states that it is a common mental disorder that is characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that a person usually enjoys, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities for at least two full weeks.

  What causes depression?
  While the cause of depression is not fully understood, it is likely to be a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and biological and psychosocial factors. Also, while depression can affect people of all ages from all walks of life, poverty, unemployment, life events like the death of a loved one or a relationship break-up, physical illness, and problems caused by alcohol and drug use are likely to increase the risk.

  The symptoms involve losing interest in doing things that one would usually enjoy, change in appetite and sleep patterns, and feeling sad for at least 2 weeks.

  Approaches to treat depression
  If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, patients are advised to get professional help from a therapist who can evaluate the symptoms and recommend the right approach for treatment. It is a condition that can be treated by therapy, medication, or both, and the treatment approaches vary depending on the type of depression. Here are some psychotherapy approaches to know about:

  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
    This approach focuses on the past and present social roles and interpersonal interactions of the patient and attempts to help them find better ways to deal with their current problems.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    It focuses on helping patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behavior. Additionally, this approach helps patients identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that affect them negatively.
  • Problem solving therapy
    This approach helps patients address problem orientation, define their problems, brainstorm and evaluate solutions, and then take action. It focuses on helping patients cope with difficulties and proactively seek solutions and implement them.

  Apart from psychotherapy, patients might need medication to help them recover from this disorder. Here are some of the common medications to know more about:

  • Aplenzin
    Used to treat depression, it is also taken to prevent seasonal affective disorder, which is a type of depression that occurs each year at the same time, like during winters. It improves mood and feelings of well-being, and it may also work to restore the balance of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
  • Abilify Mycite
    This is a combination of aripiprazole and a patch. Aripiprazole may be used in combination with other medicines to treat depression, and it is also known as an antipsychotic drug that helps restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.
  • Emsam
    It is a medication used as a patch on the skin. Its common name is selegiline, which is an antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitor, that treats depression by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.
  • Rexulti
    Its common name is brexpiprazole, and it belongs to the atypical antipsychotic class of medicines. This medication helps improve mood, sleep, energy levels, and appetite.
  • Spravato
    Its common name is esketamine, which is an antidepressant, and this medicine improves mood and restores interest in living.
  • Marplan
    Its common name is isocarboxazid, and it is an antidepressant. It restores the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain and helps improve mood and feelings of well-being.

  These medications should be taken only with a prescription, so it is important to consult a professional psychiatrist to diagnose the condition and prescribe medication accordingly. Remember that help is always available, and you are not alone. Reach out.

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  12 Tips to Relieve Stomach Pain Due to Gas and Bloating

  Stomach gas and bloating are disorders that could seem as simple as typical discomfort. However, it could even be a symptom of a more serious, underlying condition. Gas accumulates in the body as a natural byproduct of the digestive process.

  However, when this gas is not passed out through flatulence or burping, it builds up in the gut and causes bloating. Read on to find some tips to get relief from stomach gas and bloating.

  Remedies to get relief from stomach pain due to gas

  Quick relief

  Avoid resisting the sensation of passing gas: Many people try to avoid passing gas so that they are not embarrassed in public. However, doing this will lead to the accumulation of gas and more bloating. It is advisable to try and find a somewhat private place and pass gas to stop any stomach pain. If you find it difficult to release gas, try taking a short yet brisk walk or lying down and relaxing your muscles.

  Consume chamomile or mint tea: Both mint and chamomile can soothe the stomach and aid with digestion. One can consume these teas available in the form of tea-bags after steeping it in hot water.

  Take activated charcoal supplements: These can relieve cramps due to gas and bloating. It is relatively more effective as compared to other remedies for stomach pain due to gas. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking these, especially if you are on any other medications.

  Apply a hot water compress: For immediate relief, lie down and place a hot water bottle or compress across your stomach. It will help relieve abdominal pressure due to gas and bloating. This remedy truly helps people get relief from pain due to excessive stomach gas and bloating.

  Lifestyle changes

  Avoid foods that tend to cause bloating: Several foods contain compounds that are difficult for stomach bacteria to break down. While not all of these foods cause gas in all people, it is advisable to take note of the following list of foods and examine how each of them affects your digestive system:

  • Beans, peas, and other legumes
  • Fibrous fruits and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli
  • Dairy products made from cow’s milk
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Carbonated beverages like soda water

  Change the order in which you eat different foods: The body naturally produces hydrochloric acid to break down proteins whenever you start a meal. If you eat carbohydrates first, the acid gets used up before you begin eating protein. Then, the undigested protein ferments and causes gas and bloating.

  Thus, it is helpful to start with proteins like meat or fish before moving on to the carbohydrate portion of your meal. You can also take over-the-counter hydrochloric acid supplements which can provide relief from bloating and gas.

  Eat less food at a time and chew food well: Quite often, people experience the sensation of bloating because they eat too much at one go. Eating smaller portions during meals can help. It is also necessary to chew your food well for two reasons:

  • In the first place, chewing more will cut down the amount of air swallowed with the food, which is one cause for bloating.
  • Additionally, chewing more means that you tend to eat more slowly, which translates into eating smaller portions and thus feeling less bloated.

  Go gluten or dairy-free: Dairy products contain lactose, which is hard to digest for some people. Lactose-free dairy alternatives include almond or soy milk. Gluten is a hard-to-digest protein found in wheat, rye, and other grains, and one can substitute them with gluten-free options.

  Cut down on sugar and simple carbohydrates: These are difficult for the body to digest. Going on a sugar-free diet may help you if you experience bloating after eating sugary food. However, one should not pick artificial sweeteners as well because this ingredient also leads to bloating.

  Add healing herbs and spices to your diet: Several herbs and spices have carminative properties which means that it helps to expel gas from the system. Most prominent among them are ginger, peppermint, dill, basil, caraway, parsley, and cumin.

  It is recommended to consume these foods in their original form rather than herbal supplements, as the latter may interact adversely with any medication that you are already taking.

  Eat fermented foods: Fermented foods contain probiotics, which aid in digestion. Thus, it is one of the best remedies for stomach pain due to gas. Some foods that are rich in probiotics are kefir, kimchi, yogurt, sauerkraut, and tempeh. These probiotics are also available as dietary supplements.

  Have digestive aids: Several over-the-counter medicines can help relieve bloating. Lactase drops or tablets are useful for those with lactose intolerance, and people should take it before consuming dairy products.

  Beano is a supplement that contains alpha-galactosidase, a compound that helps break down beans and other hard-to-digest vegetables. One should take these digestive aids before the meal so that the body is ready to digest food by the time you start eating.

  Other disorders that can lead to stomach gas:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This ailment occurs in the colon and causes symptoms like cramping, bloating, and diarrhea.
  • Leaky gut syndrome: It occurs due to a perforation in the epithelial lining of the gut, causing toxins to leak into the blood, resulting in bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and skin diseases.
  • Celiac disease: This is a digestive complaint that occurs due to an inability to process gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other grains.
  • Crohn’s disease: This is a gastrointestinal complaint that can become very serious without timely medical intervention.