Over time the person's behavior becomes more eccentric and absurd and psychotic symptoms become visible in the patient many call this the acute phase. Residual phase is known to follow the acute stage where the behavior returns to how it started in the prodromal phase. The patient continues to have impaired thinking and a lack of apathy for others. Many harbor strange beliefs of telepathy which make it difficult for them to live in society and function how they are expected to by others. Rarely if ever do patients return to normal behavior and more commonly they have continued patterns of the acute phases. .
The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. A brain chemical imbalance, brain disease or injury, or genetic predisposition may cause it. It is important to remember that it is a psychiatric problem that is not the patient's fault, the parents" fault, or a demonic pocession. Stress does not cause schizophrenia; stress may make the symptoms worse. Major stressful situations may trigger some symptoms of schizophrenia (Whitehorn 2002). Some examples include loss of a job, divorce or break up of a relationship, or serious financial problems. People with Schizophrenia can also become depressed. Having depression increases the risk that the person with schizophrenia may commit suicide. The depression can be treated to ease the illness of the patient.
There is no known cure for schizophrenia (Nevid 2000). Treatment for the illness is often multifaceted; incorporating pharmacological, psychological, and rehabilitative approaches (Nevid 2000). Out of the research that I have read and understood, there is a basic treatment plan is very important for the patient. I have summarized it as the" the three steps to wellness". Step 1 is to take the medications to reduce or eliminate symptoms. Medication must be taken daily to work effectively and help the patient function better. Step 2 is to talk to a counselor and to attend a support group to learn skills to cope with the symptoms of the illness.
