Shattering Misconceptions and Myths

Majority of people have probably heard about schizophrenia but knew nothing or little about what this condition is. The impressions that people make up about it is based solely on what they see or read on a daily basis, as well as the representations created on that. Often, these are all just misconceptions or myths that tell nothing about the truth behind what schizophrenia is all about.

One of the biggest misconceptions that people have about patients of schizophrenia is that they are often labeled in movies as “psycho” or people who are “insane”. This is due to their manifestation of unusual behaviors. In some cases, movies or TV depictions of schizophrenics often go as far as characterizing them as murderers. It is important to set the information straight about what is the state of mind for people with schizophrenia to save the patients from these unfair representations in the media, which often leads to false misconceptions and generalization.

How Common is Schizophrenia?

According to health statistics, schizophrenia affects approximately 2.2 million adults in America. That means, about 1% of the entire country’s population is affected by this mental disorder. Everyone is vulnerable to developing this condition as it recognizes no economic, racial, and gender boundaries. Even children aged 5 can manifest the symptoms of schizophrenia, although the symptoms become evident only during late puberty stage. The symptoms manifest earlier in men than it is in women.

Depending on the gravity of the symptoms, schizophrenia could affect the way a person feels, thinks, and acts. After all, it affects the central control system of your entire body – the brain.

Added Symptoms of Schizophrenia

This particular category of symptoms refers to those that a patient acquires once they suffer from this condition. Hallucinations belong to this group, which is characterized by the ability to hear, see, smell, or feel something that one would not normally experience. In some cases, a schizophrenic individual will hear “voices” that others don’t.

A person could also become delusional such that they fiercely believe in something despite the existence of proofs that would indicate otherwise. Finally, a patient could develop disorganized thinking or confused speech.

Deceased or Absent Symptoms of Schizophrenia

This category of symptoms refers to those functions that degrade in quality as a result of developing this mental condition. Some of the most common symptoms include inability to finish common daily tasks, lack of vigor in doing things you normally find pleasure in, and lack of expression, whether facial or verbal.

Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia

This particular category of symptoms refers to those that are more closely associated with one’s brain functions. Once your cognitive behavior is affected, an individual could suffer from decreased memory capacity, minimal attention span, and inability to absorb information and make decisions based on that information.

Now that you understand the real information behind what are the characteristics and symptoms of schizophrenia, you will be equipped with the knowledge to gain full understanding about the patients dealing with it on an everyday basis. Avoid stereotyping; instead, encourage them and be supportive.

There are several treatment options available for patients of schizophrenia today, ranging from medications, therapy, behavioral treatments, among other things. But natural form of remedies are considered to be the best approach for treatment given that it lack all the harmful side effects associated with other form of treatment. One such example of natural treatment approach for schizophrenia is ayurveda. To find out more about what this method comprises of and how it can be effective for this mental condition, you can read further below.

Ayurvedic View on Schizophrenia

Ayurveda has a unique view and definition on schizophrenia that also explains its unique approach to treatment. Schizophrenia is known in Ayurvedic world as “Unmaad”. In the case of modern physicians, they base their treatment approach on what symptoms are manifested along with this disorder. The same approach is utilized in Ayurveda albeit differences in the specific components for analyzing the impact of this mental disorder.

Ayurvedic Treatment

Patients who tend to become over-excited or agitated are given medications in nasal drop form. The objective of such medication is to become a “counter-irritant” and there are several other medications suggested for this condition. Among the medications suggested for ayurvedic treatment of schizophrenia include Shigru seed powder, Tagar, Vacha (powder or oil form), Shunthi, Yashtimadhu, Shunthi + Jaggery, Marich, among other medicines available in Ayurveda.

As soon as the patient is subdued, it is followed up with the use of other Ayurvedic medicines such as Jatamansi, Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Sarpagandha, Ajwayan, Suvarna Bhasma, Raupya Bhasma, and Puran Ghruta. Most of the medicated ghrutas used for treatment of schizophrenia in Ayurveda are taken orally, including Jatamansi Ghruta, Kalyanak Ghruta, or Panchagavya Ghruta. Another well known treatment approach in Ayurveda is known as “Panchakarama”, which is made up of medicated enemas, as well as involve induced purgation and vomiting for internal cleansing.

Long Term Management of Schizophrenia

In most cases, Ayurvedic healers base their treatment of schizophrenia on the three different doshas. The predominant dosha in the patient is determined in order to identify the best treatment approach for long-term treatment plan.

Those who are predominantly “Vata” are recommended to use the following medications: Sarpagandha powder, Vatavidhvansa rasa, Brahmiprasha, and Sameerpannag rasa. Those who are predominantly “Pitta” must take Brahmi juice along with Sarpagandha and Sutshekhar. Finally, those with a predominant “Kapha” dosha must intake Bhootbhairav and Unmaadgajakesari as their primary medicine.

Patient Rehabilitation

One of the biggest advantages to using Ayurvedic treatment approach for curing schizophrenia is the ability to fully rehabilitate the patient without causing harmful side effects. One is therefore recommended to consistently apply the long-term treatment plan as suggested in Ayurveda, particularly the use of Ayurvedic herbal medicines as suggested above, to see effective results. The fact that this is an all-natural approach gives you the assurance that there will be no harmful side effects to be experienced.