Schizophrenia: the most effective dietary supplements

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychosis characterized by a distortion of reality that affects thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It manifests as delusions, hallucinations, and behavioral disturbances, with persistent symptoms that can cause severe disability. Schizophrenia is not a split personality, as is often mistakenly thought, but rather a psychic disorganization with profound alterations in cognitive, affective, and social functioning. It affects about 0.7% of the world population and typically appears in late adolescence or early adulthood.​

Etiology

The etiology of schizophrenia is multifactorial: • Genetic hypothesis: Individuals with a close relative affected by schizophrenia have an increased risk of developing the disorder. Studies show a strong hereditary influence, but other non-genetic factors also contribute. • Neurodevelopmental hypothesis: Early disturbances in the development of the central nervous system, often due to insults in utero or during the perinatal period, are considered possible causes. • Socio-environmental factors: Stress, isolation, and exposure to certain traumas during childhood, as well as drug use—particularly cannabis—are also significant risk factors.​

Symptoms

The symptoms of schizophrenia are varied and are generally divided into three main categories: • Positive (or productive) symptoms: These are manifestations of reality distortion such as hallucinations (often auditory), delusions (persecution, grandiosity), and thought disorganization. • Negative symptoms: These include apathy, abulia (lack of will), and social withdrawal, with a reduction in emotional and affective capacities. • Behavioral disorganization: Thought disorder with incoherent speech and inappropriate or absurd behavior.​

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of schizophrenia is based on prolonged clinical observation, often after one or more acute psychotic episodes. Diagnostic criteria include the presence of hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized behavior over a prolonged period. It is necessary to rule out other conditions such as bipolar disorder or neurological diseases.

Treatment

Treatments include: • Antipsychotics: They are essential for controlling acute symptoms and preventing relapses. Atypical antipsychotics are preferred to limit side effects. In cases of treatment resistance, clozapine may be used. • Psychotherapy and psychosocial rehabilitation: Psychosocial care is recommended to improve quality of life, including cognitive rehabilitation and family support.​