- Schizophrenia includes five main subtypes. Paranoid schizophrenia is a common type that may offer the potential for a better quality of life than other schizophrenia types. Catatonic schizophrenia occurs rarely in modern times and is characterized by extreme behavior shifts. Disorganized schizophrenia is severe and can have catastrophic effects on daily life. Undifferentiated schizophrenia can be difficult to diagnose, and residual schizophrenia means that most symptoms have stopped but a few features may still be present.
- The official cause of schizophrenia is unknown but there are several leading theories as to its origination, as well as several risk factors and warning signs that appear to precede its onset. Most notable of these risk factors are brain structure and genetics, or a combination of the two. Other factors are trauma from birth, environmental conditions and possible exposure to viruses in the womb. These viruses are usually associated with winter births.
- Schizophrenia seems to occur along with brain chemistry changes such as excessive dopamine levels. Dopamine is a monoamine neurotransmitter in the brain that is necessary for the central nervous system to function normally. It works by carrying signals between the brain and the nerve endings. It is believed that people with schizophrenia and other psychotic conditions produce too much dopamine in their brains. There have been scientific tests that both counter and support the dopamine theory.
- One common denominator in schizophrenia is the presence of an abnormal brain structure, which is found in most schizophrenic people and is thought to be a possible cause. These abnormalities include asymmetrical hemispheres and enlarged ventricles. Brain abnormalities such as these that are found in advance can foretell certain psychotic disorder symptoms and help pinpoint problems early on. They can be spotted with computerized brain imagery if some of the other risk factors are already present.
- Schizophrenia symptoms are widely varied. They include auditory and visual hallucinations, delusions or feelings of being persecuted by peers, anxiety, anger and violence, disorganized speech and behavior, agitation, catatonia, hyperactivity and suicidal behavior. Schizophrenia affects people differently and not everyone will experience each of the symptoms. Schizophrenia symptoms may also change over a period of time; some may disappear and new ones may occur, especially if left untreated.
