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What causes schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a major mental illness that causes you to interpret reality incorrectly. About 50% of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia exhibited signs of drug abuse or alcohol dependence.
Do you know someone diagnosed with schizophrenia who shows signs of substance abuse? A study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that about 50% of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia exhibited signs of drug abuse or alcohol dependence.
You will notice that the correlation between substance abuse and schizophrenia is strong, even though there isn't any scientific proof to show that one triggers the other. While some claim that substance abuse, if combined with a genetic predisposition, can indirectly cause schizophrenia, others say that schizophrenia leads to substance abuse.
From what we know so far, there are three potential contributors to schizophrenia:
Genetics
Genetics can play a major role in schizophrenia. If a close relative has the disorder, you're more likely to develop it at some point in your life. If your parent has schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder, you have a 10% chance of developing the condition yourself. The risk increases to 67.5% if both parents have it.
Structure and functioning of the brain
The functioning of your brain is different from that of people with schizophrenia — at least that's what many scientists have been able to agree upon as far as scientific evidence is concerned. Brain scans show differences in the size and shape of some brain areas, particularly in the frontal lobes. The frontal lobes are essential for controlling emotions, thoughts, attention, and behavior. These changes may be associated with hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms of schizophrenia.
Environment
Schizophrenia often develops during adolescence or early adulthood, although it can occur at any age. Early childhood trauma may increase your risk of developing psychotic disorders like schizophrenia later in life. Researchers are also trying to determine whether infections during pregnancy or childhood can trigger schizophrenia in some people who have a genetic predisposition to the disorder.
Which symptoms are shared by people with schizophrenia and substance abusers?
Schizophrenia and substance abuse share similar symptoms, so they cannot be treated separately. At first glance, you may see that the two seem nothing alike, but once you look closer, you can quickly see many commonalities. The following symptoms are prevalent in both people with schizophrenia and substance abusers.
A hallucination is the brain's interpretation of signals that aren't there. It can take many forms, like hearing voices or seeing things other people don't perceive. Hallucinations might also appear as a new taste or smell in your mouth.
Hallucinations are often linked to psychotic conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but they can also be a symptom of drug abuse or even a side effect of a medication.
Delusion
Perhaps, the most problematic of all the shared symptoms is delusion, and it can be linked to either schizophrenia or substance abuse. But, a person with schizophrenia who's also a substance abuser will have a much worse delusion than a person with schizophrenia who isn't.
Delusions are false beliefs that don't change even after a person who has them is presented with new facts — for example, believing that a stranger is telepathically communicating with you or that a group of people is plotting against you. Delusion can lead to paranoia.
Disorganized speech and behavior
Disorganized speech and behavior is a major maker of schizophrenia. It is commonly mistaken for the effects of substance abuse or addiction. Incoherent speech can be frustrating to those diagnosed with schizophrenia because it adds to the stigma they already face.
Lack of motivation
One of the most common symptoms shared between schizophrenia and substance abuse is a lack of motivation. People with either condition may have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, getting dressed and going to work or school, or performing other daily tasks requiring motivation.
Social withdrawal
After getting diagnosed with schizophrenia, a person may have difficulty making and keeping friends, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Substance abuse can also cause social withdrawal. Many people use alcohol or drugs to feel less anxious in social situations, but this may only be a temporary solution. They may become more anxious over time because they dread being cut off from their substance of choice due to financial problems or legal issues.
QUESTION
Schizophrenia is the most disabling mental illness.
See Answer
Why people with schizophrenia may end up abusing drugs?
Explanations regarding the increment of substance abusers in schizophrenia patients are centered on self-medication. You are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol if you have schizophrenia due to:
- Social isolation — People with schizophrenia tend to have fewer friends and family members who can help them manage their illness and cope with stressors in their lives.
- Suppression of anxiety and stress — Some people may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their schizophrenia symptoms. While this can be helpful in the short term, it doesn't address the root of the problem — on the contrary, it may make matters worse in the long run.
What is the best treatment for schizophrenia?
Treatment for schizophrenia usually involves medications or psychosocial interventions — or both.
Medications used to treat schizophrenia include antipsychotic drugs, which block dopamine receptors in the brain. Antipsychotic medications may take several weeks or longer before they begin working effectively. During the first few doses, the drugs may cause some side effects — while the body adjusts to them. These may include nausea, restlessness, dizziness, drowsiness, or even worsening of schizophrenia symptoms.
Psychosocial interventions help substance abusers with schizophrenia deal with their difficulties in daily life. They may include social skills training and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps people understand their thoughts and feelings about themselves and others and develop strategies for improvement.
Patients with schizophrenia may feel that substance abuse is helping them cope with their symptoms, even though it may be hurting their chances of a better recovery. So, many doctors and psychotherapists follow a zero-tolerance policy for substance abuse among their patients with schizophrenia.
Though a definitive answer is still unknown, schizophrenia and substance abuse seem to be more connected than previously thought. If you think you or your loved one is showing signs of schizophrenia or substance abuse, contact your doctor or therapist at once.
