Schizophreniform Disorder - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Schizophreniform disorder is characterized by the presence of criterion A symptoms of schizophrenia. Schizophreniform disorder is mental illness. It is also called "psychosis," in which a person cannot tell what is real from what is imagined. This dissorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, like almost all the other dissorders. Schizoaffective disorder and mood disorder with psychotic features must be excluded, based on determining that (1) no major depressive, manic, or mixed episodes have occurred concurrently with the active-phase symptoms or (2) if mood episodes have occurred during active-phase symptoms, their total duration has been brief relative to the duration of the active and residual periods.The symptoms of schizophrenia, including delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms. The disorder, including its prodromal, active, and residual phases, lasts longer than 1 month but less than 6 months. Patients with schizophreniform disorder and patients with schizophrenia share many anatomic and functional cortical deficits in neuropsychological, MRI, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET) studies

Schizophreniform Disorder is more likely to occur in people if they have family members with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (also called manic depression). The disorder occurs equally in men and women, although it often strikes men at a younger age, between the ages of 18 and 24. Schizophreniform disorder appears to be related to abnormalities in the structure and chemistry of the brain, and appears to have strong genetic links. Treatment of schizophreniform disorder is generally the same as that for schizophrenia. Treatment aims to protect and stabilize the patient, to minimize the psychosocial consequences, and to resolve the target symptoms with minimal adverse effects. Antipsychotic medications are the most common type of medication used to treat this disorder, but other medications such as tranquilizers and antidepressants may also be of value. The patient who may be at risk of harming himself or herself or others requires hospitalization. This allows for complete diagnostic evaluation and helps to ensure the safety of the patient and others. A supportive environment with minimal stimulation is most helpful. As improvement progresses, help with coping skills, problem-solving techniques, and psychoeducational approaches may be added for patients and their families. Patients may benefit from a structured intermediate environment, such as a day hospital, during the initial phases of returning to the community.

Causes of Schizophrenia

Common Causes and Risk factors of Schizophrenia

• Genetics factors.
• Environmental factors.
• Stress.
• Abnormal brain development
• Brain chemistry ( Imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain.).

Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Sign and Symptoms of Schizophrenia

• Hallucinations.
• Delusions.
• Paranoia.
• Disorganized speech.
• Disorganized or catatonic behavior.

Treatment of Schizophrenia

Common Treatment of Schizophrenia

• Antipsychotic medication-These medications are often very effective in treating SFD.
• Mood-stabilizing drugs similar to those used in bipolar disorder may be used if there is little response to other interventions.
• Postpartum psychosis is also treated with antipsychotics and possibly, hormones.
• Supportive therapy and education about mental illness is often valuable.
• Psychotherapy: is generally not very effective as a treatment for this disorder. It may be of benefit to both the patient and family members to assist in acceptance of the diagnosis.
• If the SFD is a persistent postpartum psychosis, Avoid having additional children.