Schizophrenia

In traditional Eastern medicine, schizophrenia is categorized as either "Jeon (癲)" or "Gwang (狂)." According to classical texts, "Jeon" develops gradually, characterized by dementia-like symptoms, a lack of speech, and disorganized thoughts. Patients with "Jeon" tend to speak to themselves, cry or laugh without clear reason, prefer isolation, and often display feelings of fear. In contrast, "Gwang" has a rapid onset, with patients exhibiting aggressive behaviors, such as shouting profanities, acting violently towards others, climbing to high places to sing, or undressing and running around.Thus, schizophrenia can be divided into two types: "Jeon" and "Gwang." In "Jeon," patients are usually quiet, exhibit limited speech, and easily fall into emotional disturbances and dementia-like states with a chronic course. In "Gwang," however, patients display acute and excitable behavior, sometimes damaging property or harming others. "Gwang" can respond well to treatment in a shorter period, but emotional disturbances and dementia-like symptoms may be more prominent than in "Jeon." Additionally, these two types may occasionally transition into one another.Traditional Korean medicine treats schizophrenia by distinguishing between "Jeon" and "Gwang" and considers each patient's primary symptoms and constitution, aiming to facilitate overall metabolic balance in the body for effective treatment.