NCP Articles

A delusion is a false belief that is held despite evidence to the contrary. People with schizophrenia may have paranoid delusions, such as believing that others are out to get them or that they are being watched.

A hallucination is a false sensory perception, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there. People with schizophrenia may experience visual hallucinations, auditory hallucinations, or both.

Disorganized thinking is characterized by a lack of logical flow and coherence in one’s thoughts. This can make it difficult for people with schizophrenia to carry on a conversation or complete tasks.

Disorganized speech is characterized by a disruption in the flow of thought, making it difficult for people with schizophrenia to communicate their ideas. This may manifest as tangentiality, derailment, or word salad.

Negative symptoms refer to a loss or decrease in normal functioning, such as social withdrawal, apathy, and poverty of speech. People with schizophrenia may appear emotionless or flat due to their negative symptoms.

Catatonia is a state of motor immobility and behavioral abnormality. People with Catatonia may maintain bizarre postures or exhibit repetitive movements for long periods.

Inappropriate affect refers to an inappropriate display of emotions, such as laughing at something that is not funny or crying at something that is not sad. This can be confusing and off-putting for those around the individual with schizophrenia.

Poor hygiene is often seen in people with schizophrenia due to neglectful self-care habits. This can lead to problems such as skin infections, body odor, and dental decay.

Social isolation is common among people with schizophrenia due to the illness’s nature and its negative symptoms. This can make it difficult for people with schizophrenia to maintain relationships and participate in activities they enjoy.

One of the most significant risk factors for developing the schizoaffective disorder is genetics. If a person has a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with the disorder, their risk of developing it increases. Additionally, genetic mutations have been linked to an increased risk of schizoaffective disorder.

Certain abnormalities in brain structure have also been linked to an increased risk of schizoaffective disorder. For example, people with the schizoaffective disorder often have enlarged ventricles and cavities in the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid. Additionally, people with the schizoaffective disorder often have reduced gray matter volume in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow communication between nerve cells in the brain. Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, have been linked to an increased risk of schizoaffective disorder.

Infections during pregnancy or early childhood have also been linked to an increased risk of schizoaffective disorder. For example, mothers who contract influenza during pregnancy are more likely to have a child with schizoaffective disorder. Children who experience viral infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis, are also at an increased risk of developing the disorder.

People who abuse drugs or alcohol are also at an increased risk for developing the schizoaffective disorder. Substance abuse can cause changes in brain chemistry that may lead to psychotic symptoms. Additionally, people who abuse substances are often more likely to experience trauma, another risk factor for developing schizoaffective disorder.

Traumatic experiences, such as physical or sexual abuse, can also increase a person’s risk of developing the schizoaffective disorder. Trauma can cause changes in brain chemistry and structure that may lead to the development of psychotic symptoms