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Issues surrounding mental health often appear very complicated. Well-known specialists in mental health, associated with the best mental hospital in Bangalore, attribute this to a lack of awareness among the general public and Stigma around Mental Health in India.

Psychiatrists associated with MargaMindcare, best known for psychiatric treatments in Bangalore, indicate that there often lies confusion in understanding different disorders due to the wrong terminologies used in describing them.

For e.g., the commonality that exists between the two most known serious mental health conditions; Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder.

In this article, expert psychiatrists from the renowned healthcare centre, clarify the difference between these two disorders.

Understanding Schizophrenia

The best doctor for Schizophrenia in India describes this condition as a psychotic disorder that is characterized by several abnormalities in thinking, feeling, perceptions, cognition and behaviour.

Experienced doctors associated with the hospital for the best treatment for Schizophrenia in Bangalore India explain that symptoms of Schizophrenia can be broadly classified into 3 categories.

Symptoms

Category 1 – Positive Symptoms

• Described so because these are added to the patients by the illnes
• Includes abnormal or false, fixed beliefs like,
  • Being subjected to persecution
  • Being followed
  • Being monitored
  • Being under someone’s control
  • Getting to hear or seeing things that never existed
  • Disorganized feeling

Category 2 – Negative Symptoms

• Described so because these symptoms are taken away by the illness
• Includes a feeling of being ignored or withdrawn
• Feeling Lethargic with a reduced emotional reaction
• Apathy
• Reduced activities like socialization, communication and self-care

Category 3 – Cognitive Symptoms

Experts indicate that these symptoms can deeply impact a person’s ability to function at a personal, occupational and social level.

The symptoms can include variations in

• Attention
• Concentration
• Memory
• Functioning to plan, sequence and execute

Schizophrenia is a chronic condition with often several relapses requiring intensive treatment and even admissions to hospitals.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Experienced doctors at MargaMindcare, trusted for the best Bipolar Disorder Treatment in India, indicate that this condition is more to do with mood disorders like Depression and Mania. Patients with Bipolar Disorder can suffer from either depression or mania.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression can include:

• Low mood
• Lack of motivation
• Short on energy
• Short on sleep
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling lost, hopeless, worthless and uncertain

Symptoms of Mania can include:

• Feeling Excited
• Excessively happy
• Spending beyond means
• Excessive talk
• Reduced need to sleep

Both Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder are relapsing and remitting, leading to chronic and enduring consequences. Treatment primarily involves medications like antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood stabilisers with some people requiring ECT (Electroconvulsive therapy) along with several psychosocial interventions like psychotherapy, family therapy, occupational therapy etc.