Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder characterized by disintegration of clear thinking and emotional responses. It can manifest as paranoia, delusions, hallucinations and disorganized speech and thought. There is social dysfunction.

Symptoms of schizophrenia usually appear in teen years or early adulthood. They develop over a period of time before they take on a serious dimension. Symptoms of schizophrenia include irritability, insomnia, auditory hallucinations, bizarre behavior and attention deficit. Persons suffering schizophrenia often tend to feel suicidal. Paranoid schizophrenia manifests in anxiety that others are trying to harm you and your loved ones.

Schizophrenia is caused by genetic or neuro developmental defects. Developmental background also plays a role. Diagnosing Schizophrenia is not easy. Anti psychotic medications are prescribed for schizophrenia. They affect the balance of chemicals in the brain and can help control symptoms of schizophrenia. They might lead to side-effects such as weight gain, tremors, dizziness and sleepiness. Clozapine is prescribed to treat schizophrenia. The person suffering from schizophrenia must be aided in getting plenty of sleep and rest. Learn to manage stress better. Regular exercise also proves to be beneficial.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD), is a serious mental illness, though less commonly known than schizophrenia or bipolar disorders. It is a form of pathology lying on the border between psychosis and neurosis. Persons with borderline personality disorder often exhibit intense bouts of anger, depression and anxiety. This may last for hours or sometimes a day. Impulsive aggression, self injury, abuse of drug and alcohol are some other symptoms.

BPD sufferers primarily see the world as extremes, either black or white. They either idealize or vilify everyone they meet. They veer between idealized love and distressing hatred and misery. They are known to develop sudden and stormy attachments toward family, friends and loved ones. Their emotions range from great love to intense hatred.

Usually, the diagnosis of BPD on these parameters is done on adults and not on children as signs and symptoms of BPD may go away with maturity. For diagnosis of BPD, five signs should be significantly present:

• Sense of intense fear and abandonment.
  
• Pattern of unstable relationships
  
• Unstable self image
  
• Impulsive and often self destructive behavior
  
• Erratic mood swings
  
• Chronic feelings of emptiness
  
• Inappropriate and undue anger
  
• Periods of paranoia and loss of contact with reality.
  

Quercetin

A phytochemical, quercetin is a plant pigment and is produced by the Flavonoids in a plant. It is found in many plants like apples, berries, onions, kale, tomatoes, broccoli and red wine, green tea, buckwheat tea and black tea. Quercetin is water soluble and it lends certain fruits, flowers and vegetables their color.

Quercetin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties useful for the body. These antioxidants fight against the free radicals that cause damage to the cell. It works as an anti-inflammatory substance by stabilizing the cells that release histamine in the body. Thus it is mainly used to reduce inflammation of the prostate. It is also used to increase endurance and perk up athletic performance. Quercetin can be obtained from citrus fruits and apples and vegetables like onions, parsley and sage. Olive oil, grapes, dark cherries and dark berries are filled with the goodness of quercetin.

What quercetin does ?

Quercetin is a natural anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It boosts the immune system and increases mitochondria in the muscle and brain. Quercetin is used for treating certain conditions:

• Atherosclerosis
  
• High cholesterol
  
• High blood pressure
  
• Heart diseases
  
• Diabetes
  
• Peptic ulcer
  
• Schizophrenia
  
• Asthma
  
• Gout
  
• Viral infections
  
• Prevents infections of the prostate
  
• Prevents cancer.
  

Quercetin is generally considered safe if used for a short term, when consumed orally. It is also safe when appropriate amount is given intravenously. Pregnant and lactating mothers must their doctors before using quercetin, though it is generally not recommended. Quercetin may cause headache and tingling sensation in the arms and legs. Very high doses might cause kidney damage. People using blood thinning drugs, chemotherapy, liver drugs and drugs for certain other medical conditions should not use quercetin.