Causes And Symptoms In The Elderly
As with many other mental health disorders, there’s no exact cause of schizophrenia. But several factors play into it.
Genetics, family relationships, chemical imbalances in the brain, environments, and the use of drugs are all aspects that can contribute to the onset of this disorder. With the proper treatment, people that have schizophrenia can live a happy life.
And even though there isn’t a cure, symptoms can be managed. Medications are often prescribed to relieve delusions and hallucinations. Antipsychotics, for instance, can help with chemical imbalances in the brain.
Sadly, as with any other medication, there’s a risk of side effects, especially in seniors. Although, by combining an assortment of medical and non-medical treatments, a person with this disorder can live a healthy life.
Common side effects encountered by seniors due to the use of antipsychotic drugs are:
- Low white blood cell count
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Uncontrolled movements
- Seizures
- Restlessness
- Low blood pressure
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting
There are also non-drug treatments, including seeking out therapy. The types of therapy used to treat schizophrenia are:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Family therapy
- Self-help groups
- Integrated substance abuse treatment
- Rehabilitation
Is it possible to have a relationship with someone who has been diagnosed? This person is so Inteligent and is enjoyable to be around half the time, but then can turn on a dime into a complete jerk and make messes and damage things in my home, even stealing items. Until I read this article I had no idea that these behaviors are common. I don’t know what to do because I care dearly for this person, and we’re trying to have a relationship, but it’s no wonder why all of my best efforts have been dethwarted.
As far as I know he has been prescribed an anti-depressant and Xanax which he doesn’t take most days. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Didn’t see the 5 signs of Schizophrenia???
Ou have to go to page 2,3…
You did not discuss the onset of Schizophrenia beyond the 20’s for men and 30’s for women.
Developing Schizophrenia as the result of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and/or traumatic events.
Informative and concise! I learned about schizophrenia way back in nursing school almost 50 years ago. But this article was very interesting to read.
Thank you!
So what are the 5 signs? You didn’t say what they were.
What r signs of schizophrenia
I read that talking to yourself could be a sign? Sorry but I am single, and live alone most of the day. I often talk to myself as i love my own company more than others..what is wrong with that?
What is this lable placed on some and others are listed as having a cognitive disability? Is there a difference?
My mom had dementia. After she passed I was going through everything she had at the nursing home and it said delirium and Schizophrenia. I’m not so sure those 2 would be accurate as the symptoms are the same as some people with dementia. She passed at 78 in 2024.
My son was 12 years old when he encountered his problems, they said it was Schizophrenia and medicated him, he is now 40 and nothing has worked, he is on the same medicine is there medication that can bring him out of this, he still hears voices and talks to them. However, he sings in the Choir we took him out of the system where he was in a home where they left him alone. So we brought him home to live with us where he has gotten better but still hears the voices and etc. Are there doctors that deal with that.
Another part that caused Schizophrenia is PTSD Postramatic Stress Disorder a lot of service members suffer from PTSD and battle with their schizophrenia and diagnosed, I am one of them who does not suffer as I treated myself and recovered my life by getting sober and clean and going to self help groups AA was a big factor in my recovery.
I forgot to mention I am 75 and started my recovery back in 1994 and life did get better, now I deal with my finances which is had now that I am unemployed and on SSI but I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel so to speak.
My daughter who is 48 now was diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar depression disorder when she was 30. She have been treated in the local state hospital several time during that this time because she would not stay on medication or refused to acknowledge that anything was wrong with her. She face most of all symptoms. She’s find until we try to make her do something she refuses to do. The way we handling situations is just accepting where she’s at with the illness. Other than praying constant for a breakthrough!🙏🏽 I don’t know what else I can do.
A member of our family told us that she was diagnosed with schizophrenia, but refuses to take the prescription. What can you do? Nothing. They won’t admit that there is anything wrong, therefor, why take the medicine? When things get bad, we take them to the emergency room. They hold them for 72 hours and then release them because they aren’t a harm to themselves or others. Then it starts all over again. We tried to get them to sign a power of attorney, but they refused. It’s a Catch 22. The government makes it so the “crazy” person is in charge of their treatment. Now THAT’S crazy! We can’t deal with this anymore. They will end up on the street without the help they need. I say bring back the asylums, but with close oversight. Something has to be done and quickly!