the tatak tulfo team of tv5 visited for an interview on schizophrenia and hallucinations.
schizophrenia is basically an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, among them dopamine. hence, many consider schizophrenia as a dopamine brain imbalance.
dopamine brain imbalance may be manifested as changes in one's thought patterns, one's moods, and one's behaviors. visual and auditory hallucinations, paranoia, misinterpretations, strange beliefs, and odd behaviors (like talking to one's self) are common manifestations.
since schizophrenia is a dopamine imbalance, the treatment must involve a dopamine balancer. these dopamine balancers are also known as anti-psychotic or neuroleptic medications. with the right medication and the right dosage, there should be considerable improvement within 2-3 weeks.
the management of schizophrenia should not rely solely on medication. the patient should receive individual counseling, and family counseling, and must be taught relaxation and stress management techniques. although 20% of people with schizophrenia get progressively worse, the ultimate goal for the 80% is for them to live productive. meaningful, and joyful lives even if they need to take a lifetime maintenance of medications.
