2. Schizophrenia is a mental illness in which it is difficult to differ between real and unreal experiences. It is difficult to think logically. This mental illness makes it challenging to have normal emotional responses and to behave normally in social situations. It is not a sudden occurrence. Schizophrenia develops over an extended period of time. Schizophrenia affects one percent of the population. General Information
3. Genetics play a large role in the development of Schizophrenia. Those with family members having the disease are more likely to get it themselves. An infection in the mother’s womb during development may increase the risk of getting Schizophrenia in the future. It generally occurs during adolescence and early adulthood. It has also been noted that an increased level of dopamine is a common occurrence in those with Schizophrenia. Causes
4. It begins with feelings of tenseness, trouble sleeping, and trouble concentrating. Over time the person may develop an appearance of no emotion. Strange behavior may occur, such as being in a catatonic state. Delusions and hallucinations are also signs of Schizophrenia. Unordered thoughts, such as jumping from one topic to another completely unrelated topic are an indicator of a person with Schizophrenia. The five types of Schizophrenia are Catatonic, Paranoid, Disorganized, Undifferentiated, and Residual. Signs & Symptoms
5. Catatonic Schizophrenia is characterized by agitation, decreased sensitivity to pain, inability to take care of personal needs, negative feelings, motor disturbances, rigid muscles, and stupor. Paranoid Schizophrenia is characterized by anger, anxiety, argumentativeness, delusions, and violence. Disorganized Schizophrenia is characterized by child-like behavior, delusions, flat effect, hallucinations, inappropriate laughter, incoherence, repetitive behaviors, and social withdrawal. Overlapping symptoms mean that it is a case of Undifferentiated Schizophrenia, meaning it is not specific to one form. If symptoms of the illness fade away, however, hallucinations and the appearance of no emotion remain, then it is said to be in a Residual State. Signs & Symptoms continued…
6. In order to be formally diagnosed with Schizophrenia, a psychologist must make the final diagnosis. This diagnosis is based off of a thorough interview of the patient and their surrounding family members. There is no medical test to diagnose Schizophrenia. However, the following factors may lead to a diagnosis being positive: A well-kept time line of the disease and symptoms. Changes in functioning from before the illness developed. Patient’s background. Family History. Responses to medications. Diagnosis
7. Hospitalization may be necessary for some severe cases of schizophrenia. There are some antipsychotic medications available which can alter the balance of chemicals in the brain to control the symptoms of Schizophrenia. However there are some side effects to these drugs. Some common ones are tiredness and weight gain. Other possible side effects are feelings of restlessness, problems with movement, and uncontrollable muscle contractions. A long term side effect of these drugs is a disorder called TardiveDyskinesia, which causes movement without the intention of actually moving. Therapy and forms of support are also available. Socials Skills Training, which is a behavioral technique, can help to improve social functioning. Treatment Options
8. “General Psychology Final Overflow.” The Collaboraty. 2009. Wikidot., Web. 15 Jan 2010. http://thecollaboratory.wikidot.com/general-psychology-final-overflow "Schizophrenia." Google Health. 2009. A.D.A.M., Web. 15 Jan 2010. https://health.google.com/health/ref/Schizophrenia Works Cited
