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Schizophrenia Essay
This essay focuses on the diagnosis of schizophrenia, a major mental illness with much stigma and
misinformation associated with it. World Health Organisation (WHO, 2012) epidemiological
evidence suggests that schizophrenia is a mental illness affecting 24 million people worldwide. This
essay will define schizophrenia and its characteristic signs and symptoms in relation to cognition,
mood, behaviour and psychosocial functioning. The criteria enabling a diagnosis of schizophrenia
are explored, as well as contemporary nursing care and pharmacological treatments. The positive and
negative signs and symptoms of schizophrenia will be discussed and the treatment and care
requirements outlined by the NSW Mental Health Act (2007) are also...show more content...
2011). Varcarolis et al. 2006 describe positive symptoms of schizophrenia as 'florid psychotic
symptoms' 'as they capture attention'. Cognitive deficits lay primarily within the domains of
memory and language affecting mood and behaviour (Elder et al. 2009). Positive symptoms of
schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations and sever thought process disturbances and have an
acute onset (Elder et al. 2009).Varcarolis, Carson and Shoemaker (2006) state that a patient
experiencing a delusion is convinced that what they perceive is real and consequently the patients
thinking often reflects feelings of great fear, isolation and trust issues. Additionally Elder et al.
(2009) state that cognitive deficits are considered psychotic symptoms and that behaviours,
perceptions and beliefs shown in a person having an exacerbation of schizophrenia are not consistent
with normal human experience.
Negative symptoms involve a decrease in, or loss of normal functions including loss of
motivation, an inability to feel emotionally as well as a reduction in the quantity and quality of
speech (SFNSW n.d.). Elder et al. (2009) state that negative symptoms to be; anhedonia (loss of the
experience of pleasure), alogia (poverty of speech), blunted or flat affect and anergia (loss of
energy). According to Varcarolis et al. (2006) psychosocial
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Schizophrenia Essay
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious debilitating mental illness in which the victim is afflicted with bizarre
delusions and prominent hallucinations. The delusions are profoundly invalid beliefs, and the
hallucinations are equally invalid perceptions. There is also a disordering of the reasoning process,
disordered emotional expression, and loss of motivation for work and social living. Typically, the
illness starts in adolescence or early adulthood and, if untreated, usually worsens with age. (Lickey,
Gordon, 1991)
The first description of schizophrenia was first given by Emil Kraepelin in 1896, and not until 1952
the "false" idea of what that disease was ceased to exist....show more content...
Source: Sue, 1991 p.430
Risk of Schizophrenia Among
Blood Relatives of Schizophrenics
Relationship to the Schizophrenic PersonMorbidity Risk (%)
MZ twin36 – 38
Child of two affected parents36 – 46
Child of one affected parent12 – 13
Sibling8 – 9
Parents4 – 6
Half sibling3 – 6
Grandchild2 – 5
Cousin2 – 3
Niece and nephew2 – 4
Uncle and aunt2 – 3
Grandparent1 – 2
Spouse2
No relationship1
(Gottesman,
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Schizophrenia Essay
Schizophrenia is affecting people more now than a few decades ago. This illness is across the
US and is present in every culture. People are now aware and understand how the illness can be
devastating to one's life. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder of the brain but it is highly treatable.
In the US the total amount of people affected with the illness is about 2.2 % of the adult
population. The average number of people affected per 1000 total population is 7.2 % per 1000,
which means a city that is consists of 3 million people will have approxiamately 21,000 people
suffering from schizophrenia. People with mental illness should seek early treatment to be stabilized
with medications. During a 10 year period 25% of schizophrenics...show more content...
Given these facts, this research paper will address this question. I will examine the effects of
schizophrenia upon adults in the US. I have presented an overview of schizophrenia, the discovery
of the illness. I will explain how genetics intertwined with schizophrenia. To fully explore the topic
this paper will discuss the following questions.
1.What is schizophrenia, and discovery of the illness?
2.How genetics plays an important role in schizophrenia.
3.The major symptoms, treatments and drugs available.
4.How family members are affected by this illness.
5.How schizophrenics manage work and mental illness.
6.The diagnoses and prognoses of schizophrenia.
7.Recovery and relapse of schizophrenia.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects the brain. It interferes with mental functions in a
person and may cause changes to a person's personality. It usually starts from adolescence unto
adulthood which also affects the elderly. At first the illness may be rapid due to acute symptoms or
it can develop slowly and prolong into months or even years. People with schizophrenia show
symptoms of hearing voices that others are unable to hear, they believe that people are reading their
mind or trying to harm them. The illness affects men and women,
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Schizophrenia Essay
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder characterized by a dysfunctional thinking process
and withdrawal from the outside world. The word schizophrenia comes from two Greek words
schizo which means split and phrenia, which means mind. This doesn't mean that a person with the
disorder has multiple personalities, but rather parts of the mind seem to be operating independent of
each other. The disease affects approximately 1 in 100 people and there are thought to be over 2
million schizophrenics in the United States today. Schizophrenia has been found to be a biologically
based brain disease due to the imbalance of two of the brains chemicals dopamine and serotonin. In
the brain of a schizophrenic there are...show more content...
Catatonic Schizophrenia has more of a physical notability. A rigid body, a very odd posture, and
repetitive motioning are the main characteristics, which are together called catatonia. A Catatonic
Schizophrenic is also very unresponsive to surroundings. There are 2 other types of schizophrenia,
and they are Undifferentiated and Residual. Undifferentiated is characterized by symptoms that tend
to match either none or more that 1 of the above types of schizophrenia. Residual Schizophrenia is
characterized by rare episodes of attack and there are less severe symptoms after the initial attack.
The diagnosis of schizophrenia is not an easy process and diagnosis is looked into very seriously
and extensively. Characteristic symptoms are one are looked into for the diagnosis. These
symptoms must be present for a significant period of time during a one–month period. The
characteristics used for the diagnosis include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly
disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms. Social or occupation dysfunction is
another are for diagnosis. This may be characterized by a disturbance in one or more areas of
functioning such as work, interpersonal relations, or self–care way below a level a person may have
previously been at. Duration, or continuous disturbance for 6 months of which 1 month must show
symptoms, is also used to diagnose the disease. Schizoaffective and Mood Disorder exclusion
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Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Schizophrenia Essay
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects you mind and thoughts. It can affect the way we live
our lives. 1 in a 100 people have schizophrenia, it's a very common illness.
The first stage is the prodromal phase. During this phase things, can change like your sleep,
emotions, and the ability to think. When you are sick it's called an acute episode. When you have
an acute episode, you would feel the emotions: panic, anger or even depression. If you not aware or
prepared you have schizophrenia is could be shocking and scary.
Diagnosis
How is Schizophrenia diagnosed?
You can't diagnose someone with schizophrenia by a blood test or any form of scan. A psychiatrist
can do a diagnosis by doing a full psychiatric assessment. They use manuals to identify mental
illnesses. The main manuals that are used are: –
International Classification of Diseases (ICD–10) produced by the World Health Organisation
(WHO)
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM–5) produced by the American Psychiatric Association.
Doctors in the NHS use the ICD–10
To make a diagnosis they need to know which symptoms you've had, how long you've had them
for and the manuals help decide if you have a mental illness or not. A doctor will only diagnosis
you if you've had the symptoms for over 1 month but before they say you have schizophrenia they
will diagnosis you with a psychotic disorder or psychosis.
Symptoms
The symptoms of schizophrenia can be positive and negative. Positive
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Schizophrenia Essay
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious brain disorder. It is a disease that makes it difficult
for a person to tell the difference between real and unreal experiences, to
think logically, to have normal emotional responses to other, and to behave
normally in social situations. People with schizophrenia may also have
difficulty in remembering, talking, and behaving appropriately. Schizophrenia
is one of the most common mental illnesses. About 1% of the world
population has schizophrenia. In the United States, there are about 2.5 million
people with the disease. Schizophrenia is the cause of more hospitalizations
than almost any other illness. Schizophrenia most commonly begins between
the ages of 15 and...show more content...
Even the experts
are not sure exactly what causes it. Some doctors think that the brain may not
be able to process information correctly. People without schizophrenia
usually can filter out unneeded information: for example, the sound of a train
whistle in the background or a dog barking next door. People with
schizophrenia, however, cannot always filter out this extra information. One
possible cause of schizophrenia may be heredity, or genetics. Experts think
that some people inherit a tendency to schizophrenia. In fact, the disorder
tends to "run" in families, but only among blood relatives. People who have
family members with schizophrenia may be more likely to get the disease
themselves. If both biologic parents have schizophrenia, there is nearly a 40%
chance that their child will get it, too. This happens even if the child is
adopted and raised by mentally healthy adults. In people who have an
identical twin with schizophrenia, the chance of schizophrenia developing is
almost 50%. In contrast, children whose biological parents are mentally
healthy – even if their adoptive parents have schizophrenia – have about a
1% chance of getting the disease. That is about the same risk as for the
general population of the United States. Some researchers believe that events
in a person's environment trigger schizophrenia. Some studies have shown
that influenza infection or improper nutrition during
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Schizophrenia Essay
Schizophrenia is a serious, chronic mental disorder characterized by loss of contact with reality and
disturbances of thought, mood, and perception. Schizophrenia is the most common and the most
potentially sever and disabling of the psychosis, a term encompassing several severe mental
disorders that result in the loss of contact with reality along with major personality derangements.
Schizophrenia patients experience delusions, hallucinations and often lose thought process.
Schizophrenia affects an estimated one percent of the population in every country of the world.
Victims share a range of symptoms that can be devastating to themselves as well as to families and
friends. They may have trouble dealing with the most minor everyday...show more content...
Those with schizophrenia regularly report unusual sensory experiences, especially when the
illness is in an acute stage. Often these experiences are in the form of hearing voices. Persons may
hear one or two voices making comments on their behavior. They may not know the voice, or
they may believe it is the voice of God, the Devil, or a friend. When the voice issues orders to
behave in a particular way, the experience is known as a command hallucination. These
hallucinations can be very dangerous to the sufferer and others. When the voice commands the
person to do something, the schizophrenic person will perform that task as instructed (Kass, 188).
Particular, repetitive movements sometimes are seen in schizophrenics. Victims might swing one
leg back and forth all day, or constantly shake their heads. Catatonic behavior is another symptom;
a victim might keep the same position for hours, unable to talk or eat. Catatonic schizophrenia is
marked by striking motor behavior. Some victims may be overly intrusive, constantly prying into
the affairs of those around them (Gingerich, 64). When compared to other people in general, those
with schizophrenia are less likely to marry or remain married; more likely to have school problems;
often unable to keep their jobs; more prone to suicide attempts. People with schizophrenia also tend
to fall into other groupings that can help in diagnosis. The majority range in age from
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Essay on Schizophrenia Symptoms
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder of the brain, which is incurable but treatable to live a close to
a normal life. There are different types of schizophrenia and they each have different symptoms and
affect a person's life in different ways.
Schizophrenia is a disease that ebbs and flows, which means that the people with the disease have
acute periods called relapses. This is when a person with schizophrenia experiences a number of
sensations that are an addition to their usual feelings, and because they are additions, they are called
"positive symptoms." The term "positive symptoms" does not mean it is positive in the sense that it
is wanted or a positive thing to have. They are hallucinations, and delusions and they are believed to
...show more content...
Another symptom of schizophrenia is talking nonsense, which usually occurs when a person is in
an active phase of their illness. It usually occurs when the person is dealing with a lot of stress or if
their medications are running low. This causes them to say things that make little or absolutely no
sense. Their sentences do not piece together at all and many words might have special meanings to
them. Most people use one side of their brain for language and the other for art and music, so when
the person is experiencing this symptom it is best to not try and understand them, but try and
communicate with them in a different form such as art and music.
The final positive symptom of schizophrenia is preoccupations. Preoccupations are fixed ideas that
are not always false. It is usually just the person worrying if they are doing the right thing or if they
are doing something well, and the worries can start to grow out of proportion and unrealistic.
Sometimes the preoccupations can be activities such as the person thinking that they figured out
something that no on else knew and they can not be distracted. Preoccupations are usually found in
an active stage of the illness.
The next types of symptoms are negative symptoms and
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Schizophrenia Essay
Schizophrenia One of the major concerns of modern medicine is Schizophrenia.
Frey defines schizophrenia as a group of disorders marked by severely impaired thinking, emotions,
and behaviors (99). Straube and Oades incorporate more on its definition by saying this illness
evokes a fundamental disturbance of personality (92).
According to Gottesman, schizophrenia didn't exist before the 19th century. He found many facts
that lead to this hypothesis, finding no existence of this illness in ancient writings. He argues that
schizophrenia was described clinically in 1809, and since then, this disease has been rapidly
increasing to western world. (91)
Schizophrenia commonly begins between the ages of 15 and 25. This brain disease...show more
content...
The catatonic schizophrenics suffer from at least two of the following; catalepsy or stupor, excessive
motor activity, extreme negativism or mutism, peculiar voluntary movement as posturing,
stereotyped movements, prominent mannerisms, or prominent grimacing. In disorganized
Schizophrenia, flat or inappropriate affect, disorganized speech and behavior are all prevalent. The
undifferentiated type is unusual in that it may have some characteristics of each of the different
types. The Residual type has symptoms of odd beliefs and unusual perceptual experiences (99).
Some researchers think some of these symptoms of schizophrenia (delusions, hallucinations, and
confusion) may be caused by too much dopamine the brain (or very sensitive dopamine receptors).
"Dopamine regulates many normal body functions, including movement, emotions, behavior, and
appetite" (http://www.mhsource.com/narsad/schiz.html)
What causes schizophrenia?
As stated by Andreasen, Schizophrenia is probably caused by multiple environmental stimuli and a
combination of inherited genes. A more reasonable explanation is that there are individuals who
have an inherited proneness to illness. Such individuals may fall ill, if in addition, they are
exposed to several factors in the environment such as drugs. It has already been proven that in the
case of diseases like diabetes and raised blood pressure (99). However, Bradford stands the
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Schizophrenia Essay
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that Encarta (2001) describes as an illness that results in
delusional thought patterns, hallucinations, and inappropriate effect. It literally means "split–mind',
but is not a multiple personality disorder. According to DSM–IV (1996) schizophrenia is categorized
under the diagnostic code, ICD–9–CM or International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision,
Clinical Modification of 295.xx. Symptoms of schizophrenia can be positive, which occur during the
active phase, and negative, which are present before the onset of the disorder. Positive symptoms of
the disease include delusions of grandeur (a belief that one is a famous admired individual), delusion
of control (when they believe something wants to...show more content...
C. Duration: Continuous signs of the disturbance persist for at least six months. This six month
period must include at least one month of symptoms (or less if successfully treated) that meet
Criterion A (i.e., active–phase symptoms– and may include periods of prodromal or residual
symptoms. During these prodromal or residual periods, the signs of the disturbance may be
manifested by only negative symptoms or two or more symptoms listed in Criterion A present in an
attenuated form (e.g., odd beliefs, unusual perceptual experiences).
D. Schizoaffective and Mood Disorder exclusion: Schizoaffective Disorder and Mood Disorder
With Psychotic Features have been ruled out because either (1) no major depressive, manic, or
mixed episodes have occurred concurrently with the active–phase symptoms; or (2) if mood episodes
have occurred during active–phase symptoms, their total duration has been brief relative to the
duration of the active and residual periods.
E. Substance/general medical condition exclusion: The disturbance is not due to the direct
physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition.
F. Relationship to a Pervasive Developmental Disorder: If there is a history of autistic disorder or
another pervasive developmental disorder, the additional diagnosis
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Schizophrenia Essay
Schizophrenia
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a serious and disruptive mental illness that occurs in all cultures and affects about 1
in 100 people world–wide. Although the term is sometimes used mistakenly to refer to split
personality, schizophrenia is actually an impairment of a person's sense of reality that leads to
irrational behaviour and disturbed emotional problems. People with Schizophrenia may hear voices,
and this may contribute to their bizarre behaviour. In addition, they are usually unable to function at
work or maintain relationships with other people.
Without proper support and treatment, people with schizophrenia are likely to neglect or harm
themselves. About 1 in 10 people with the condition...show more content...
<li>Having irrational beliefs, in particular that thoughts and actions are being controlled by an
outside force.
<li>Delusions of persecution or a conviction that trivial objects and events have deep significance.
<li>Expressions of inappropriate emotions, such as laughing at bad news.
<li>Rambling speech with rapid switching from one topic to another.
<li>Impaired concentration.
<li>Slow movement and thought.
<li>Agitation and restlessness.
</ul>
A person with schizophrenia may be depressed, lethargic, and socially withdrawn. He or she may
begin to neglect personal care and become increasingly isolated. In rare cases, violence towards
others may occur.
What is the diagnosis?
In normal circumstances, the doctor will look for evidence of a profound break with reality,
disturbed emotions and strange beliefs lasting for several months before considering a diagnosis
of schizophrenia. He or she will carry out a full physical examination and blood and urine tests
may be arranged to exclude other possible causes of abnormal behaviour, such as alcohol or drug
abuse. The doctor may arrange for imaging of the brain by CT scanning or MRI to exclude an
underlying physical disorder, such as a brain tumour.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment and care is usually based in the community rather than hospitals, however it may be
necessary to admit the person to hospital for further assessment and to begin
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Essay about Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia
Child schizophrenia, like other psychopathologies has many documented, and several uncertain
causes. Some scientists have evidence that pregnant mothers have experienced an immune reaction
that present dangers to the unborn child.
Schizophrenia is a disorder where the body=s immune system attacks itself.
Schizophrenia is not present at birth but develops during the adolescence period or young adulthood.
ASchizophrenia is a biological brain disease affecting thinking, perception, mood, and behaviour. Its
exact cause is unknown but overwhelming evidence points to faulty chemistry or structural
abnormalities in the brain. In some cases schizophrenia is generic. Schizophrenia strikes one in 100
people at some point in his/her...show more content...
Schizophrenics thought process is very Aloose@. Their thought s may shift rapidly from one
unrelated topic to the next. They may make up their own words or use sounds or grunts to substitute
words. These symptoms do not mean that people with schizophrenia are out of touch with the world
completely, they know that roads are used for driving cars, and that people eat meals three a day.
Schizophrenia affect both men and women equally. Along withdelusions, hallucinations, and thought
disorders, they also suffer from paranoia, high anxiety , low stress tolerance, low motivation, lack of
energy and the inability to feel pleasure. This makes work, leisure, relationships and even everyday
tasks difficult, sometimes impossible. These are concerns not only for the people diagnosed with
this psychopathology but for their friends and family.
Family is looked upon for support in not only everyday tasks, but in dealing with this disorder
whether its in remission or relapse. With schizophrenia there is the risk of suicide. ATen percent of
all people with schizophrenia commit suicide. Either to escape the torment of their illness. Or
because their &gt;voices= command them to.@ (Compiled by Ontario Friends of Schizophrenics,
Oct. 1994) Many schizophrenics also are incarcerated for crimes that they have committed while in a
psychotic state, or are living on the streets, without any treatment. Schizophrenics may become
violent while in a psychotic state, and may
lose
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Schizophrenia Essay
Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder that causes severe mental disturbances which disrupt ones
thoughts, speech, and behavior. According to Paul Thompson, Associate Professor of Neurology,
one percent of the world's population suffers from this disorder. There is no one specific cause of
schizophrenia, because it is caused by a combination of problems during development. It is a
disorder which not only affects the patient, but their family and society as well. Schizophrenia can be
a debilitating disorder, however, there are many treatments that can allow people who suffer from it
to lead normal lives.
"Schizophrenia, a complex and often disabling mental illness, is among the most serious of brain
diseases" (Veague 1).To some...show more content...
It occurs at the same rate in males as it does in females, though average males seem to be more
severely disabled than females (Chapman 1). All social classes are affected by schizophrenia
though in large cities about three or four times more frequent in lower classes than in middle or
upper classes. This disease usually develops in late adolescence or early adulthood but may develop
later. Childhood schizophrenia is relatively rare, but does exist.
There are three major types of schizophrenia, Paranoid, disorganized, and catatonic. Paranoid
schizophrenia is when an individual develops absurd or suspicious ideas and beliefs. Their
hallucinations and delusions typically revolve around an organized theme or "story" which consists
over time. Disorganized schizophrenia generally appears at an earlier age than other types. It causes
those to have disorganized speech, behavior, and have inappropriate emotions. These patients usually
have trouble taking care of them and are unable to perform simple tasks. They sometimes suffer
hallucinations and delusions, but their fantasies and imaginings aren't consistent or organized like
those who suffer from paranoid schizophrenia. Catatonic schizophrenia in general is a disturbance in
movement with two different states (Veague 24). Stuporous state is when there is a decrease in
motor activity. During this state, a patient can cease
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Schizophrenia Essay
When I lived in Germany, I had a friend who played on my High School tennis team. On a sunny
afternoon after our tennis lessons we decided to drink an ice tea and have a little snack at the
tennis snack bar. We started talking about tennis strategies, but my friend, Thomas, was kind of
depressed and sad. When I asked him what was really bothering him, he started tell me about his
sick mother. He tried to explain her disease to me, but I could not understand it. He said, " my
mother is suffering from persecution mania and in addition, she sometimes talks about things that
make no sense. Nevertheless, I saw Thomas again after the summer holidays and I asked him how
his mother was doing now. He responded with a very sad voice and also had...show more content...
However, evidence seems to disprove this theory. In some instances, both identical twins are
schizophrenics and other times only one is affected. To defend this theory, it should be noted that
this research is complicated. Identical twins are relatively rare, especially twins who are both
diagnosed with schizophrenia. Studies have also shown that children with one parent diagnosed with
schizophrenia have a ten percent chance of suffering from schizophrenia. When both parents are
schizophrenic, their risk raises to approximately forty percent. Little is known about the
Environmental Theory. The theory is built mainly on the effects of stress on human behavior. Most
researchers agree that stress alone cannot be the main cause of schizophrenia. Most researchers
agree that stress could possibly trigger or worsen the symptoms when the illness is already present.
Other researchers focus on drug abuse. Like stress, certain drugs such as amphetamines can make
psychotic symptoms worse if a person already has schizophrenia. Furthermore, these drugs can, in a
sense, create schizophrenia. Other researchers that support the Environmental Theory believe that
&quot;slow viruses&quot; may be to blame. Slow viruses are viral infections that go undetected for
long periods of time. Signs and symptoms are delayed and may occur many years after the first
infection. The Bio–Chemical Theory suggests that schizophrenia is caused
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Schizophrenia And Its Effects On Schizophrenia
The person I chose came from a famous novel and has schizophrenia. According to Mayo Clinic
"Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia
may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and
behavior. Contrary to popular belief, schizophrenia is not a split personality or multiple personality.
The word "schizophrenia" does mean "split mind," but it refers to a disruption of the usual balance
of emotions and thinking. Schizophrenia is a chronic condition, requiring lifelong
treatment."(Schizophrenia, August 2014). The individual would start showing signs of reduced
pleasure in life, difficulty participating in activities, barely speaking,...show more content...
Larry Stein has said that a cause could be hyprdopamine increase causing nerves fibers destroyed in
the brain. With the psychodynamic approach of schizophrenia is the breakdown of the person's ego.
Ego controls the id's impulses and the compromise of the id and superego. It can cause the person the
loose touch with reality and no longer associate with others. The start of hallucinations and not
knowing what is imagination from reality. According to post–Freudians "The therapist attempted to
bring about a regression to early childhood and then would take on the role of parent/nurturer,
thereby coaxing the patient to develop for a second time, the return to adulthood bringing with it a
corresponding redevelopment of the ego and reconnecting them with reality." (Schizophrenia). Next
with behavioral theorist according to psychiatric times, "The therapeutic techniques used for patients
with schizophrenia are based on the general principles of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
Links are established between thoughts, feelings, and actions in a collaborative and accepting
atmosphere. Agendas are set and used but are generally more flexibly developed than in traditional
CBT. The duration of therapy varies according to the individual 's need, generally between 12 and
20 sessions, but often with an option of ongoing booster sessions. CBT for psychosis usually
proceeds through the following phase's assessment and engagement stage." (Schizophrenia). During
the ABC
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Classification Of Schizophrenia Essay
Many people wonder what someone with schizophrenia goes through, and what they do to try to live
a normal everyday life. There are multiple types of schizophrenia, which comes with many different
symptoms for each type. Most people with this disease have a difficult time living the life that a
normal person without the disease would. Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects how a
person thinks, feels, and behaves. Many people with schizophrenia may often feel like that have lost
touch with reality and the world around them. According to the National Institute of Mental Health,
schizophrenia affects 1.1% of the American population over 18 years old. Although schizophrenia is
not as common as other mental disorders, the symptoms...show more content...
This type is described as thinking or behaving in a way that isn't logical. Experts say that this subtype
is more severe because the person can't perform normal daily activities. According to the Mayo
Clinic, USA, people might have difficulty trying to understand what someone with disorganized
schizophrenia is saying. When this happens, the patients may become frustrated, causing them to
lash out. Patients with this subtype are usually unable to get the medical help that they need on their
own. If their symptoms stop for a period of time it is often common for them to think that they no
longer need treatment. Along with other types of schizophrenia, experts haven't yet figured out what
the causes of this type are. Along with the three different subtypes of schizophrenia, there are also
three different categories. The categories are positive, negative, and cognitive. The first category
would be "positive" symptoms. People in this category have psychotic behaviors and are not
generally seen in healthy people. People with these symptoms may "lose touch" with some parts of
reality, and might not always be able to realize what's going on around them. The symptoms for this
category are hallucinations, delusions, having dysfunctional or unusual ways of thinking, and
movement
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Treatment For Schizophrenia Essay
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects more than one percent of the population. When
schizophrenia is active, symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations, trouble with thinking and
concentration, and lack of motivation. However, when these symptoms are treated properly, a large
portion of those diagnosed will greatly improve over time.
While there is no cure for schizophrenia, research is leading to new, safer treatments. Experts also are
unraveling the causes of the disease by studying genetics, conducting behavioral research, and by
using advanced imaging to look at the brain's structure and function. These novel approaches hold
the promise of new, more effective therapies.
The complexity of schizophrenia...show more content...
Instead, schizophrenia genetics leave some people susceptible to the illness, which is triggered by
environmental factors.
It is also worth noting that many schizophrenia experts believe schizophrenia is actually more than
one disorder, and that schizophrenia symptoms are actually caused by several subtly different mental
disorders. If true, finding a cause for schizophrenia may be extremely complicated.
Treatment options
Schizophrenia is a chronic, lifetime mental disorder that cannot be cured, but can be effectively
treated and managed. Research conducted in developed countries revealed that about 20 to 35
percent of patients undergo a rapid improvement when treated. Approximately, 70 percent of the
patients suffer a relapse of acute symptoms within the next 2 to 5 years after being discharged from
hospital. The risk of relapse usually decreases 10 years after the initial onset.
A positive long–term outcome is associated with an acute onset featured by positive symptoms
which occurs after adolescence. Unfortunately, a poor prognosis is associated with several
conditions: slow, gradual onset that occurs at a young age, male gender, no precipitating signs,
predominance of negative symptoms, delay in receiving treatment, family history of the disorder,
and presence of other conditions (substance
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Thesis Of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that is diagnosed in 0.5%–1% of the population in their lifetime
(van Os et al, 2010). Its literal translation is 'split–brain', though it does not refer to multiple
personality disorder, but rather a split from reality characterized by its disturbed perceptions,
disorganized thinking and inappropriate emotions (Myers, 2010). Much research has been carried
out to gain a better understanding of the causes of this serious disorder. A popular theory is the
diathesis–stress model. This theory of schizophrenia proposes that stress can elicit a pre–existing
vulnerability to the disorder (Jones & Fernyhough, 2007). This model focuses on the interaction
between genetic heritability of the disorder, and the environments interaction...show more content...
Within twins, monozygotic twins have a 48% probability if their twin is diagnosed with
schizophrenia, and with dizygotic twins it is a 17% probability (Kalat, 2015). This shows that there
is a genetic bases for schizophrenia, it also highlights that other non–genetic factors must play a role
in the development of the disorder. These results have been backed by many research carried out
on adoption studies. An adoption study in Finland carried out aimed to test the hypostasis that
family rearing plays a factor in the development of schizophrenia (Tienari et al, 2004).Their
research found that adoptees at high genetic risk (biological mother had schizophrenia) were more
sensitive to problems in the adoptive family environment. Adoptees with high risk and a severally
dysfunctional family rearing were significantly coordinated with a diagnosis of a schizophrenia
spectrum disorder (Tienari et al, 2004). In support of the diathesis model neither high risk nor
dysfunctional rearing were significantly linked with a diagnosis (Tienari et al, 2004). The research
found that a 'healthy' adoptive family, acted as a 'protective effect' for the adoptees with
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Schizophrenia Essay
People all over the world suffer from this dreadful disease, but you may be wondering what it is,
what causes it, and if there are treatments? All these questions and more with be answered, but first
of all, what is schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by irrational thought
processes. A person dealing with this debilitating illness may think that people are going to kill
them, or kidnap them. Some Schizophrenics often have "voices" in their heads telling them what to
do. In some cases this has caused people to take their lives or try to. Schizophrenia is everywhere you
look. Out of one hundred thousand people at least one hundred and fifty people have schizophrenia.
Like any other disorder,...show more content...
This type of schizophrenia is called paranoid schizophrenia because it often characterized by
paranoid delusions of persecution, change in bodily functions, or jealousy. Often people with
paranoid schizophrenia hallucinate voices that give commands, and the voice will threaten the
person and will not stop until they follow the command. Sometimes this voice may tell the person
to laugh or hum, or whistle which is also know as auditory hallucinations. With this disorder there
are many types of hallucinations that go along with this disorder. Another type of hallucination is
when a person hallucinates that they taste something or smell something that is not there. This is
less likely to be viewed by a bystander but is still debilitating. Many people believe that all
schizophrenics hallucinate visually, but it is very rare. Paranoid schizophrenia can again be broken
down into different types. A paranoid schizophrenic can go into remission at anytime, but in chronic
cases symptoms may develop over time. Another type of schizophrenia is disorganized
schizophrenia. With this condition people behave oddly or disturbed, with no particular reason why
they would behave in such a way. Disorganized schizophrenia has multiple symptoms to be on the
look out for, and some to your surprise may be very distinct. Some symptoms include being active
but in an aimless sort of way, inappropriate emotional responses. An
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Schizophrenia Essay
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a disease of the brain that is expressed clinically as a disease of the mind. Once it
strikes, morbidity is high (60% of patients are receiving disability benefits within the first year of
onset) as is mortality (the suicide rate is 10%). (www.nejm.org/content/1999/0340/008/0645.asp).
Because its symptoms and signs and associated cognitive abnormalities are diverse, researchers have
been unable to find localization in a single region of the brain. This essay will discuss the symptoms,
treatments and causes of schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is a complex psychological disorder, which affects 1 –– 2 % of the world's population
(www.nami.org/helpline/schizo) Schizophrenia can affect anyone at any...show more content...
Others move more slowly, or repeat rhythmic gestures or make movements such as walking in
circles or pacing.
Negative symptoms include emotional flatness or lack of expression, an inability to start and
follow through with activities, and a lack of pleasure or interest in life. Negative does not refer to a
persons attitude but to a lack of characteristics that should be there.
Schizophrenia is a disease that affects 1 –– 2 % of the world population. (www.chovil.com
/first.html) The financial cost to society is huge and is compounded by the fact that 50% of people
who have schizophrenia develop a substance abuse problem while 70% of those who go off their
medication are re–hospitalized within a year and 100% of these within three years. (www.chovil.com
/first.html)
Medication plays a large part in the treatment of schizophrenia. Medication appears to improve the
long–term prognosis for many people with schizophrenia. Studies show that after 10 years of
treatment, one––forth of those with schizophrenia have recovered completely, one––fourth have
improved considerably and one–forth have improved modestly. (www.nami.org/helpline/schizo)
About 80 percent of those who stop taking their medications after an acute episode will have a
relapse within one year.
Some of the most commonly used medications are anti psychotics. Anti psychotic drugs are used in
the treatment of schizophrenia
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Schizophrenia Essay

  • 1. Schizophrenia Essay This essay focuses on the diagnosis of schizophrenia, a major mental illness with much stigma and misinformation associated with it. World Health Organisation (WHO, 2012) epidemiological evidence suggests that schizophrenia is a mental illness affecting 24 million people worldwide. This essay will define schizophrenia and its characteristic signs and symptoms in relation to cognition, mood, behaviour and psychosocial functioning. The criteria enabling a diagnosis of schizophrenia are explored, as well as contemporary nursing care and pharmacological treatments. The positive and negative signs and symptoms of schizophrenia will be discussed and the treatment and care requirements outlined by the NSW Mental Health Act (2007) are also...show more content... 2011). Varcarolis et al. 2006 describe positive symptoms of schizophrenia as 'florid psychotic symptoms' 'as they capture attention'. Cognitive deficits lay primarily within the domains of memory and language affecting mood and behaviour (Elder et al. 2009). Positive symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations and sever thought process disturbances and have an acute onset (Elder et al. 2009).Varcarolis, Carson and Shoemaker (2006) state that a patient experiencing a delusion is convinced that what they perceive is real and consequently the patients thinking often reflects feelings of great fear, isolation and trust issues. Additionally Elder et al. (2009) state that cognitive deficits are considered psychotic symptoms and that behaviours, perceptions and beliefs shown in a person having an exacerbation of schizophrenia are not consistent with normal human experience. Negative symptoms involve a decrease in, or loss of normal functions including loss of motivation, an inability to feel emotionally as well as a reduction in the quantity and quality of speech (SFNSW n.d.). Elder et al. (2009) state that negative symptoms to be; anhedonia (loss of the experience of pleasure), alogia (poverty of speech), blunted or flat affect and anergia (loss of energy). According to Varcarolis et al. (2006) psychosocial Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 2. Schizophrenia Essay Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a serious debilitating mental illness in which the victim is afflicted with bizarre delusions and prominent hallucinations. The delusions are profoundly invalid beliefs, and the hallucinations are equally invalid perceptions. There is also a disordering of the reasoning process, disordered emotional expression, and loss of motivation for work and social living. Typically, the illness starts in adolescence or early adulthood and, if untreated, usually worsens with age. (Lickey, Gordon, 1991) The first description of schizophrenia was first given by Emil Kraepelin in 1896, and not until 1952 the "false" idea of what that disease was ceased to exist....show more content... Source: Sue, 1991 p.430 Risk of Schizophrenia Among Blood Relatives of Schizophrenics Relationship to the Schizophrenic PersonMorbidity Risk (%) MZ twin36 – 38 Child of two affected parents36 – 46 Child of one affected parent12 – 13 Sibling8 – 9 Parents4 – 6 Half sibling3 – 6 Grandchild2 – 5 Cousin2 – 3 Niece and nephew2 – 4 Uncle and aunt2 – 3 Grandparent1 – 2 Spouse2 No relationship1 (Gottesman, Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 3. Schizophrenia Essay Schizophrenia is affecting people more now than a few decades ago. This illness is across the US and is present in every culture. People are now aware and understand how the illness can be devastating to one's life. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder of the brain but it is highly treatable. In the US the total amount of people affected with the illness is about 2.2 % of the adult population. The average number of people affected per 1000 total population is 7.2 % per 1000, which means a city that is consists of 3 million people will have approxiamately 21,000 people suffering from schizophrenia. People with mental illness should seek early treatment to be stabilized with medications. During a 10 year period 25% of schizophrenics...show more content... Given these facts, this research paper will address this question. I will examine the effects of schizophrenia upon adults in the US. I have presented an overview of schizophrenia, the discovery of the illness. I will explain how genetics intertwined with schizophrenia. To fully explore the topic this paper will discuss the following questions. 1.What is schizophrenia, and discovery of the illness? 2.How genetics plays an important role in schizophrenia. 3.The major symptoms, treatments and drugs available. 4.How family members are affected by this illness. 5.How schizophrenics manage work and mental illness. 6.The diagnoses and prognoses of schizophrenia. 7.Recovery and relapse of schizophrenia. What is Schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects the brain. It interferes with mental functions in a person and may cause changes to a person's personality. It usually starts from adolescence unto adulthood which also affects the elderly. At first the illness may be rapid due to acute symptoms or it can develop slowly and prolong into months or even years. People with schizophrenia show symptoms of hearing voices that others are unable to hear, they believe that people are reading their mind or trying to harm them. The illness affects men and women, Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 4. Schizophrenia Essay Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder characterized by a dysfunctional thinking process and withdrawal from the outside world. The word schizophrenia comes from two Greek words schizo which means split and phrenia, which means mind. This doesn't mean that a person with the disorder has multiple personalities, but rather parts of the mind seem to be operating independent of each other. The disease affects approximately 1 in 100 people and there are thought to be over 2 million schizophrenics in the United States today. Schizophrenia has been found to be a biologically based brain disease due to the imbalance of two of the brains chemicals dopamine and serotonin. In the brain of a schizophrenic there are...show more content... Catatonic Schizophrenia has more of a physical notability. A rigid body, a very odd posture, and repetitive motioning are the main characteristics, which are together called catatonia. A Catatonic Schizophrenic is also very unresponsive to surroundings. There are 2 other types of schizophrenia, and they are Undifferentiated and Residual. Undifferentiated is characterized by symptoms that tend to match either none or more that 1 of the above types of schizophrenia. Residual Schizophrenia is characterized by rare episodes of attack and there are less severe symptoms after the initial attack. The diagnosis of schizophrenia is not an easy process and diagnosis is looked into very seriously and extensively. Characteristic symptoms are one are looked into for the diagnosis. These symptoms must be present for a significant period of time during a one–month period. The characteristics used for the diagnosis include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms. Social or occupation dysfunction is another are for diagnosis. This may be characterized by a disturbance in one or more areas of functioning such as work, interpersonal relations, or self–care way below a level a person may have previously been at. Duration, or continuous disturbance for 6 months of which 1 month must show symptoms, is also used to diagnose the disease. Schizoaffective and Mood Disorder exclusion Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 5. Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Schizophrenia Essay What is schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects you mind and thoughts. It can affect the way we live our lives. 1 in a 100 people have schizophrenia, it's a very common illness. The first stage is the prodromal phase. During this phase things, can change like your sleep, emotions, and the ability to think. When you are sick it's called an acute episode. When you have an acute episode, you would feel the emotions: panic, anger or even depression. If you not aware or prepared you have schizophrenia is could be shocking and scary. Diagnosis How is Schizophrenia diagnosed? You can't diagnose someone with schizophrenia by a blood test or any form of scan. A psychiatrist can do a diagnosis by doing a full psychiatric assessment. They use manuals to identify mental illnesses. The main manuals that are used are: – International Classification of Diseases (ICD–10) produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM–5) produced by the American Psychiatric Association. Doctors in the NHS use the ICD–10 To make a diagnosis they need to know which symptoms you've had, how long you've had them for and the manuals help decide if you have a mental illness or not. A doctor will only diagnosis you if you've had the symptoms for over 1 month but before they say you have schizophrenia they will diagnosis you with a psychotic disorder or psychosis. Symptoms The symptoms of schizophrenia can be positive and negative. Positive Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 6. Schizophrenia Essay Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a serious brain disorder. It is a disease that makes it difficult for a person to tell the difference between real and unreal experiences, to think logically, to have normal emotional responses to other, and to behave normally in social situations. People with schizophrenia may also have difficulty in remembering, talking, and behaving appropriately. Schizophrenia is one of the most common mental illnesses. About 1% of the world population has schizophrenia. In the United States, there are about 2.5 million people with the disease. Schizophrenia is the cause of more hospitalizations than almost any other illness. Schizophrenia most commonly begins between the ages of 15 and...show more content... Even the experts are not sure exactly what causes it. Some doctors think that the brain may not be able to process information correctly. People without schizophrenia usually can filter out unneeded information: for example, the sound of a train whistle in the background or a dog barking next door. People with schizophrenia, however, cannot always filter out this extra information. One possible cause of schizophrenia may be heredity, or genetics. Experts think that some people inherit a tendency to schizophrenia. In fact, the disorder tends to "run" in families, but only among blood relatives. People who have family members with schizophrenia may be more likely to get the disease
  • 7. themselves. If both biologic parents have schizophrenia, there is nearly a 40% chance that their child will get it, too. This happens even if the child is adopted and raised by mentally healthy adults. In people who have an identical twin with schizophrenia, the chance of schizophrenia developing is almost 50%. In contrast, children whose biological parents are mentally healthy – even if their adoptive parents have schizophrenia – have about a 1% chance of getting the disease. That is about the same risk as for the general population of the United States. Some researchers believe that events in a person's environment trigger schizophrenia. Some studies have shown that influenza infection or improper nutrition during Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 8. Schizophrenia Essay Schizophrenia is a serious, chronic mental disorder characterized by loss of contact with reality and disturbances of thought, mood, and perception. Schizophrenia is the most common and the most potentially sever and disabling of the psychosis, a term encompassing several severe mental disorders that result in the loss of contact with reality along with major personality derangements. Schizophrenia patients experience delusions, hallucinations and often lose thought process. Schizophrenia affects an estimated one percent of the population in every country of the world. Victims share a range of symptoms that can be devastating to themselves as well as to families and friends. They may have trouble dealing with the most minor everyday...show more content... Those with schizophrenia regularly report unusual sensory experiences, especially when the illness is in an acute stage. Often these experiences are in the form of hearing voices. Persons may hear one or two voices making comments on their behavior. They may not know the voice, or they may believe it is the voice of God, the Devil, or a friend. When the voice issues orders to behave in a particular way, the experience is known as a command hallucination. These hallucinations can be very dangerous to the sufferer and others. When the voice commands the person to do something, the schizophrenic person will perform that task as instructed (Kass, 188). Particular, repetitive movements sometimes are seen in schizophrenics. Victims might swing one leg back and forth all day, or constantly shake their heads. Catatonic behavior is another symptom; a victim might keep the same position for hours, unable to talk or eat. Catatonic schizophrenia is marked by striking motor behavior. Some victims may be overly intrusive, constantly prying into the affairs of those around them (Gingerich, 64). When compared to other people in general, those with schizophrenia are less likely to marry or remain married; more likely to have school problems; often unable to keep their jobs; more prone to suicide attempts. People with schizophrenia also tend to fall into other groupings that can help in diagnosis. The majority range in age from Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 9. Essay on Schizophrenia Symptoms Schizophrenia is a complex disorder of the brain, which is incurable but treatable to live a close to a normal life. There are different types of schizophrenia and they each have different symptoms and affect a person's life in different ways. Schizophrenia is a disease that ebbs and flows, which means that the people with the disease have acute periods called relapses. This is when a person with schizophrenia experiences a number of sensations that are an addition to their usual feelings, and because they are additions, they are called "positive symptoms." The term "positive symptoms" does not mean it is positive in the sense that it is wanted or a positive thing to have. They are hallucinations, and delusions and they are believed to ...show more content... Another symptom of schizophrenia is talking nonsense, which usually occurs when a person is in an active phase of their illness. It usually occurs when the person is dealing with a lot of stress or if their medications are running low. This causes them to say things that make little or absolutely no sense. Their sentences do not piece together at all and many words might have special meanings to them. Most people use one side of their brain for language and the other for art and music, so when the person is experiencing this symptom it is best to not try and understand them, but try and communicate with them in a different form such as art and music. The final positive symptom of schizophrenia is preoccupations. Preoccupations are fixed ideas that are not always false. It is usually just the person worrying if they are doing the right thing or if they are doing something well, and the worries can start to grow out of proportion and unrealistic. Sometimes the preoccupations can be activities such as the person thinking that they figured out something that no on else knew and they can not be distracted. Preoccupations are usually found in an active stage of the illness. The next types of symptoms are negative symptoms and Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 10. Schizophrenia Essay Schizophrenia One of the major concerns of modern medicine is Schizophrenia. Frey defines schizophrenia as a group of disorders marked by severely impaired thinking, emotions, and behaviors (99). Straube and Oades incorporate more on its definition by saying this illness evokes a fundamental disturbance of personality (92). According to Gottesman, schizophrenia didn't exist before the 19th century. He found many facts that lead to this hypothesis, finding no existence of this illness in ancient writings. He argues that schizophrenia was described clinically in 1809, and since then, this disease has been rapidly increasing to western world. (91) Schizophrenia commonly begins between the ages of 15 and 25. This brain disease...show more content... The catatonic schizophrenics suffer from at least two of the following; catalepsy or stupor, excessive motor activity, extreme negativism or mutism, peculiar voluntary movement as posturing, stereotyped movements, prominent mannerisms, or prominent grimacing. In disorganized Schizophrenia, flat or inappropriate affect, disorganized speech and behavior are all prevalent. The undifferentiated type is unusual in that it may have some characteristics of each of the different types. The Residual type has symptoms of odd beliefs and unusual perceptual experiences (99). Some researchers think some of these symptoms of schizophrenia (delusions, hallucinations, and confusion) may be caused by too much dopamine the brain (or very sensitive dopamine receptors). "Dopamine regulates many normal body functions, including movement, emotions, behavior, and appetite" (http://www.mhsource.com/narsad/schiz.html) What causes schizophrenia? As stated by Andreasen, Schizophrenia is probably caused by multiple environmental stimuli and a combination of inherited genes. A more reasonable explanation is that there are individuals who have an inherited proneness to illness. Such individuals may fall ill, if in addition, they are exposed to several factors in the environment such as drugs. It has already been proven that in the case of diseases like diabetes and raised blood pressure (99). However, Bradford stands the Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 11. Schizophrenia Essay Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that Encarta (2001) describes as an illness that results in delusional thought patterns, hallucinations, and inappropriate effect. It literally means "split–mind', but is not a multiple personality disorder. According to DSM–IV (1996) schizophrenia is categorized under the diagnostic code, ICD–9–CM or International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification of 295.xx. Symptoms of schizophrenia can be positive, which occur during the active phase, and negative, which are present before the onset of the disorder. Positive symptoms of the disease include delusions of grandeur (a belief that one is a famous admired individual), delusion of control (when they believe something wants to...show more content... C. Duration: Continuous signs of the disturbance persist for at least six months. This six month period must include at least one month of symptoms (or less if successfully treated) that meet Criterion A (i.e., active–phase symptoms– and may include periods of prodromal or residual symptoms. During these prodromal or residual periods, the signs of the disturbance may be manifested by only negative symptoms or two or more symptoms listed in Criterion A present in an attenuated form (e.g., odd beliefs, unusual perceptual experiences). D. Schizoaffective and Mood Disorder exclusion: Schizoaffective Disorder and Mood Disorder With Psychotic Features have been ruled out because either (1) no major depressive, manic, or mixed episodes have occurred concurrently with the active–phase symptoms; or (2) if mood episodes have occurred during active–phase symptoms, their total duration has been brief relative to the duration of the active and residual periods. E. Substance/general medical condition exclusion: The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition. F. Relationship to a Pervasive Developmental Disorder: If there is a history of autistic disorder or another pervasive developmental disorder, the additional diagnosis Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 12. Schizophrenia Essay Schizophrenia What is schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a serious and disruptive mental illness that occurs in all cultures and affects about 1 in 100 people world–wide. Although the term is sometimes used mistakenly to refer to split personality, schizophrenia is actually an impairment of a person's sense of reality that leads to irrational behaviour and disturbed emotional problems. People with Schizophrenia may hear voices, and this may contribute to their bizarre behaviour. In addition, they are usually unable to function at work or maintain relationships with other people. Without proper support and treatment, people with schizophrenia are likely to neglect or harm themselves. About 1 in 10 people with the condition...show more content... <li>Having irrational beliefs, in particular that thoughts and actions are being controlled by an outside force. <li>Delusions of persecution or a conviction that trivial objects and events have deep significance. <li>Expressions of inappropriate emotions, such as laughing at bad news. <li>Rambling speech with rapid switching from one topic to another. <li>Impaired concentration. <li>Slow movement and thought. <li>Agitation and restlessness. </ul> A person with schizophrenia may be depressed, lethargic, and socially withdrawn. He or she may begin to neglect personal care and become increasingly isolated. In rare cases, violence towards others may occur. What is the diagnosis? In normal circumstances, the doctor will look for evidence of a profound break with reality, disturbed emotions and strange beliefs lasting for several months before considering a diagnosis of schizophrenia. He or she will carry out a full physical examination and blood and urine tests may be arranged to exclude other possible causes of abnormal behaviour, such as alcohol or drug abuse. The doctor may arrange for imaging of the brain by CT scanning or MRI to exclude an underlying physical disorder, such as a brain tumour. What are the treatment options? Treatment and care is usually based in the community rather than hospitals, however it may be necessary to admit the person to hospital for further assessment and to begin
  • 13. Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 14. Essay about Schizophrenia Schizophrenia Child schizophrenia, like other psychopathologies has many documented, and several uncertain causes. Some scientists have evidence that pregnant mothers have experienced an immune reaction that present dangers to the unborn child. Schizophrenia is a disorder where the body=s immune system attacks itself. Schizophrenia is not present at birth but develops during the adolescence period or young adulthood. ASchizophrenia is a biological brain disease affecting thinking, perception, mood, and behaviour. Its exact cause is unknown but overwhelming evidence points to faulty chemistry or structural abnormalities in the brain. In some cases schizophrenia is generic. Schizophrenia strikes one in 100 people at some point in his/her...show more content... Schizophrenics thought process is very Aloose@. Their thought s may shift rapidly from one unrelated topic to the next. They may make up their own words or use sounds or grunts to substitute words. These symptoms do not mean that people with schizophrenia are out of touch with the world completely, they know that roads are used for driving cars, and that people eat meals three a day. Schizophrenia affect both men and women equally. Along withdelusions, hallucinations, and thought disorders, they also suffer from paranoia, high anxiety , low stress tolerance, low motivation, lack of energy and the inability to feel pleasure. This makes work, leisure, relationships and even everyday tasks difficult, sometimes impossible. These are concerns not only for the people diagnosed with this psychopathology but for their friends and family. Family is looked upon for support in not only everyday tasks, but in dealing with this disorder whether its in remission or relapse. With schizophrenia there is the risk of suicide. ATen percent of all people with schizophrenia commit suicide. Either to escape the torment of their illness. Or because their &gt;voices= command them to.@ (Compiled by Ontario Friends of Schizophrenics, Oct. 1994) Many schizophrenics also are incarcerated for crimes that they have committed while in a psychotic state, or are living on the streets, without any treatment. Schizophrenics may become violent while in a psychotic state, and may lose Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 15. Schizophrenia Essay Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder that causes severe mental disturbances which disrupt ones thoughts, speech, and behavior. According to Paul Thompson, Associate Professor of Neurology, one percent of the world's population suffers from this disorder. There is no one specific cause of schizophrenia, because it is caused by a combination of problems during development. It is a disorder which not only affects the patient, but their family and society as well. Schizophrenia can be a debilitating disorder, however, there are many treatments that can allow people who suffer from it to lead normal lives. "Schizophrenia, a complex and often disabling mental illness, is among the most serious of brain diseases" (Veague 1).To some...show more content... It occurs at the same rate in males as it does in females, though average males seem to be more severely disabled than females (Chapman 1). All social classes are affected by schizophrenia though in large cities about three or four times more frequent in lower classes than in middle or upper classes. This disease usually develops in late adolescence or early adulthood but may develop later. Childhood schizophrenia is relatively rare, but does exist. There are three major types of schizophrenia, Paranoid, disorganized, and catatonic. Paranoid schizophrenia is when an individual develops absurd or suspicious ideas and beliefs. Their hallucinations and delusions typically revolve around an organized theme or "story" which consists over time. Disorganized schizophrenia generally appears at an earlier age than other types. It causes those to have disorganized speech, behavior, and have inappropriate emotions. These patients usually have trouble taking care of them and are unable to perform simple tasks. They sometimes suffer hallucinations and delusions, but their fantasies and imaginings aren't consistent or organized like those who suffer from paranoid schizophrenia. Catatonic schizophrenia in general is a disturbance in movement with two different states (Veague 24). Stuporous state is when there is a decrease in motor activity. During this state, a patient can cease Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 16. Schizophrenia Essay When I lived in Germany, I had a friend who played on my High School tennis team. On a sunny afternoon after our tennis lessons we decided to drink an ice tea and have a little snack at the tennis snack bar. We started talking about tennis strategies, but my friend, Thomas, was kind of depressed and sad. When I asked him what was really bothering him, he started tell me about his sick mother. He tried to explain her disease to me, but I could not understand it. He said, " my mother is suffering from persecution mania and in addition, she sometimes talks about things that make no sense. Nevertheless, I saw Thomas again after the summer holidays and I asked him how his mother was doing now. He responded with a very sad voice and also had...show more content... However, evidence seems to disprove this theory. In some instances, both identical twins are schizophrenics and other times only one is affected. To defend this theory, it should be noted that this research is complicated. Identical twins are relatively rare, especially twins who are both diagnosed with schizophrenia. Studies have also shown that children with one parent diagnosed with schizophrenia have a ten percent chance of suffering from schizophrenia. When both parents are schizophrenic, their risk raises to approximately forty percent. Little is known about the Environmental Theory. The theory is built mainly on the effects of stress on human behavior. Most researchers agree that stress alone cannot be the main cause of schizophrenia. Most researchers agree that stress could possibly trigger or worsen the symptoms when the illness is already present. Other researchers focus on drug abuse. Like stress, certain drugs such as amphetamines can make psychotic symptoms worse if a person already has schizophrenia. Furthermore, these drugs can, in a sense, create schizophrenia. Other researchers that support the Environmental Theory believe that &quot;slow viruses&quot; may be to blame. Slow viruses are viral infections that go undetected for long periods of time. Signs and symptoms are delayed and may occur many years after the first infection. The Bio–Chemical Theory suggests that schizophrenia is caused Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 17. Schizophrenia And Its Effects On Schizophrenia The person I chose came from a famous novel and has schizophrenia. According to Mayo Clinic "Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior. Contrary to popular belief, schizophrenia is not a split personality or multiple personality. The word "schizophrenia" does mean "split mind," but it refers to a disruption of the usual balance of emotions and thinking. Schizophrenia is a chronic condition, requiring lifelong treatment."(Schizophrenia, August 2014). The individual would start showing signs of reduced pleasure in life, difficulty participating in activities, barely speaking,...show more content... Larry Stein has said that a cause could be hyprdopamine increase causing nerves fibers destroyed in the brain. With the psychodynamic approach of schizophrenia is the breakdown of the person's ego. Ego controls the id's impulses and the compromise of the id and superego. It can cause the person the loose touch with reality and no longer associate with others. The start of hallucinations and not knowing what is imagination from reality. According to post–Freudians "The therapist attempted to bring about a regression to early childhood and then would take on the role of parent/nurturer, thereby coaxing the patient to develop for a second time, the return to adulthood bringing with it a corresponding redevelopment of the ego and reconnecting them with reality." (Schizophrenia). Next with behavioral theorist according to psychiatric times, "The therapeutic techniques used for patients with schizophrenia are based on the general principles of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Links are established between thoughts, feelings, and actions in a collaborative and accepting atmosphere. Agendas are set and used but are generally more flexibly developed than in traditional CBT. The duration of therapy varies according to the individual 's need, generally between 12 and 20 sessions, but often with an option of ongoing booster sessions. CBT for psychosis usually proceeds through the following phase's assessment and engagement stage." (Schizophrenia). During the ABC Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 18. Classification Of Schizophrenia Essay Many people wonder what someone with schizophrenia goes through, and what they do to try to live a normal everyday life. There are multiple types of schizophrenia, which comes with many different symptoms for each type. Most people with this disease have a difficult time living the life that a normal person without the disease would. Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Many people with schizophrenia may often feel like that have lost touch with reality and the world around them. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, schizophrenia affects 1.1% of the American population over 18 years old. Although schizophrenia is not as common as other mental disorders, the symptoms...show more content... This type is described as thinking or behaving in a way that isn't logical. Experts say that this subtype is more severe because the person can't perform normal daily activities. According to the Mayo Clinic, USA, people might have difficulty trying to understand what someone with disorganized schizophrenia is saying. When this happens, the patients may become frustrated, causing them to lash out. Patients with this subtype are usually unable to get the medical help that they need on their own. If their symptoms stop for a period of time it is often common for them to think that they no longer need treatment. Along with other types of schizophrenia, experts haven't yet figured out what the causes of this type are. Along with the three different subtypes of schizophrenia, there are also three different categories. The categories are positive, negative, and cognitive. The first category would be "positive" symptoms. People in this category have psychotic behaviors and are not generally seen in healthy people. People with these symptoms may "lose touch" with some parts of reality, and might not always be able to realize what's going on around them. The symptoms for this category are hallucinations, delusions, having dysfunctional or unusual ways of thinking, and movement Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 19. Treatment For Schizophrenia Essay Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects more than one percent of the population. When schizophrenia is active, symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations, trouble with thinking and concentration, and lack of motivation. However, when these symptoms are treated properly, a large portion of those diagnosed will greatly improve over time. While there is no cure for schizophrenia, research is leading to new, safer treatments. Experts also are unraveling the causes of the disease by studying genetics, conducting behavioral research, and by using advanced imaging to look at the brain's structure and function. These novel approaches hold the promise of new, more effective therapies. The complexity of schizophrenia...show more content... Instead, schizophrenia genetics leave some people susceptible to the illness, which is triggered by environmental factors. It is also worth noting that many schizophrenia experts believe schizophrenia is actually more than one disorder, and that schizophrenia symptoms are actually caused by several subtly different mental disorders. If true, finding a cause for schizophrenia may be extremely complicated. Treatment options Schizophrenia is a chronic, lifetime mental disorder that cannot be cured, but can be effectively treated and managed. Research conducted in developed countries revealed that about 20 to 35 percent of patients undergo a rapid improvement when treated. Approximately, 70 percent of the patients suffer a relapse of acute symptoms within the next 2 to 5 years after being discharged from hospital. The risk of relapse usually decreases 10 years after the initial onset. A positive long–term outcome is associated with an acute onset featured by positive symptoms which occurs after adolescence. Unfortunately, a poor prognosis is associated with several conditions: slow, gradual onset that occurs at a young age, male gender, no precipitating signs, predominance of negative symptoms, delay in receiving treatment, family history of the disorder, and presence of other conditions (substance Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 20. Thesis Of Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a mental illness that is diagnosed in 0.5%–1% of the population in their lifetime (van Os et al, 2010). Its literal translation is 'split–brain', though it does not refer to multiple personality disorder, but rather a split from reality characterized by its disturbed perceptions, disorganized thinking and inappropriate emotions (Myers, 2010). Much research has been carried out to gain a better understanding of the causes of this serious disorder. A popular theory is the diathesis–stress model. This theory of schizophrenia proposes that stress can elicit a pre–existing vulnerability to the disorder (Jones & Fernyhough, 2007). This model focuses on the interaction between genetic heritability of the disorder, and the environments interaction...show more content... Within twins, monozygotic twins have a 48% probability if their twin is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and with dizygotic twins it is a 17% probability (Kalat, 2015). This shows that there is a genetic bases for schizophrenia, it also highlights that other non–genetic factors must play a role in the development of the disorder. These results have been backed by many research carried out on adoption studies. An adoption study in Finland carried out aimed to test the hypostasis that family rearing plays a factor in the development of schizophrenia (Tienari et al, 2004).Their research found that adoptees at high genetic risk (biological mother had schizophrenia) were more sensitive to problems in the adoptive family environment. Adoptees with high risk and a severally dysfunctional family rearing were significantly coordinated with a diagnosis of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (Tienari et al, 2004). In support of the diathesis model neither high risk nor dysfunctional rearing were significantly linked with a diagnosis (Tienari et al, 2004). The research found that a 'healthy' adoptive family, acted as a 'protective effect' for the adoptees with Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 21. Schizophrenia Essay People all over the world suffer from this dreadful disease, but you may be wondering what it is, what causes it, and if there are treatments? All these questions and more with be answered, but first of all, what is schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by irrational thought processes. A person dealing with this debilitating illness may think that people are going to kill them, or kidnap them. Some Schizophrenics often have "voices" in their heads telling them what to do. In some cases this has caused people to take their lives or try to. Schizophrenia is everywhere you look. Out of one hundred thousand people at least one hundred and fifty people have schizophrenia. Like any other disorder,...show more content... This type of schizophrenia is called paranoid schizophrenia because it often characterized by paranoid delusions of persecution, change in bodily functions, or jealousy. Often people with paranoid schizophrenia hallucinate voices that give commands, and the voice will threaten the person and will not stop until they follow the command. Sometimes this voice may tell the person to laugh or hum, or whistle which is also know as auditory hallucinations. With this disorder there are many types of hallucinations that go along with this disorder. Another type of hallucination is when a person hallucinates that they taste something or smell something that is not there. This is less likely to be viewed by a bystander but is still debilitating. Many people believe that all schizophrenics hallucinate visually, but it is very rare. Paranoid schizophrenia can again be broken down into different types. A paranoid schizophrenic can go into remission at anytime, but in chronic cases symptoms may develop over time. Another type of schizophrenia is disorganized schizophrenia. With this condition people behave oddly or disturbed, with no particular reason why they would behave in such a way. Disorganized schizophrenia has multiple symptoms to be on the look out for, and some to your surprise may be very distinct. Some symptoms include being active but in an aimless sort of way, inappropriate emotional responses. An Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 22. Schizophrenia Essay Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a disease of the brain that is expressed clinically as a disease of the mind. Once it strikes, morbidity is high (60% of patients are receiving disability benefits within the first year of onset) as is mortality (the suicide rate is 10%). (www.nejm.org/content/1999/0340/008/0645.asp). Because its symptoms and signs and associated cognitive abnormalities are diverse, researchers have been unable to find localization in a single region of the brain. This essay will discuss the symptoms, treatments and causes of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a complex psychological disorder, which affects 1 –– 2 % of the world's population (www.nami.org/helpline/schizo) Schizophrenia can affect anyone at any...show more content... Others move more slowly, or repeat rhythmic gestures or make movements such as walking in circles or pacing. Negative symptoms include emotional flatness or lack of expression, an inability to start and follow through with activities, and a lack of pleasure or interest in life. Negative does not refer to a persons attitude but to a lack of characteristics that should be there. Schizophrenia is a disease that affects 1 –– 2 % of the world population. (www.chovil.com /first.html) The financial cost to society is huge and is compounded by the fact that 50% of people who have schizophrenia develop a substance abuse problem while 70% of those who go off their medication are re–hospitalized within a year and 100% of these within three years. (www.chovil.com /first.html) Medication plays a large part in the treatment of schizophrenia. Medication appears to improve the long–term prognosis for many people with schizophrenia. Studies show that after 10 years of treatment, one––forth of those with schizophrenia have recovered completely, one––fourth have improved considerably and one–forth have improved modestly. (www.nami.org/helpline/schizo) About 80 percent of those who stop taking their medications after an acute episode will have a relapse within one year. Some of the most commonly used medications are anti psychotics. Anti psychotic drugs are used in the treatment of schizophrenia Get more content on HelpWriting.net