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A schizophrenic’s brain is very different than the brain of a person uninhibited by
the disorder. Schizophrenia is a very common disease in today’s society. Schizophrenia
can occur in many different ways. Current research explains the disorder, how it affects
the brain, and how medication, such as haloperidol, helps sufferers maintain mental
stability.
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels,
and behaves. The person finds it difficult to tell the difference between real and imagined
experiences, to think logically to express feelings, or to behave appropriately. There are
medicines that are given to calm this disorder down like haloperidol. Certain people with
schizophrenia hear internal voices that may really not be there or can not be seen by the
normal eye. This can cause the particular schizophrenic to be withdrawn. They can also
have trouble separating their thoughts and expressing their self. Schizophrenia can also
frighten people that do not know how to deal with their situation. Schizophrenia is a very
misunderstood illness. “About every 1 out of 100 people is affected by population”
(Colemen, 2010). Any race and any culture can obtain this disorder. Certain people call
schizophrenics split- minded. The "split mind" refers to the way that people with
schizophrenia are split off from reality; they cannot tell what is real and what is not real.”
“Schizophrenia does "run in the family." In other words, schizophrenia has an important
genetic component.” Disorganized Thinking/Speech Abnormal thoughts are usually
measured by disorganized speech. “Schizophrenia symptoms include difficulty thinking
coherently, interacting with others normally, carrying out responsibilities and expressing
emotions appropriately.” (Nemade 2009). People with schizophrenia speak very little;
others have speech that is disjointed. Sometimes the person will change the topic midway
through a sentence” (Colemen, 2010). “Also, ten years after initial diagnosis,
approximately fifty percent of people diagnosed with schizophrenia are either noted to be
completely recovered or improved to the point of being able to function independently.”
“Twenty five percent are improved, but require a strong support network, and an
additional fifteen percent remain unimproved and are typically hospitalized.”
“Unfortunately, ten percent of the affected population sees no way out of their pain
except through death and ends up committing suicide” “As a group, their life expectancy
is reduced due to suicide, accidents, and otherwise preventable diseases (that were not
prevented due to poor self-care, unhealthy lifestyles, and inadequate medical care)”
(Nemade 2009).
“The human brain is made up of billions of nerve cells.” “These cells
communicate by releasing chemicals known as neurotransmitters.” “Two
neurotransmitters that are needed for brain function are dopamine and serotonin, which
play a crucial role in emotional health.” “Many scientists believe that when the levels of
these neurotransmitters aren’t quite right, it may result in the symptoms of
Schizophrenia.” “For instance, too much dopamine in certain parts of the brain can cause
symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.” “Sometimes, these symptoms are
referred to as the “positive symptoms” of Schizophrenia.” “Too little dopamine in other
parts of the brain can cause symptoms such as a lack of emotion, lack of energy, and lack
of motivation.” “These symptoms are often called the “negative symptoms” of
Schizophrenia” (Aug. 2010). “Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder affecting
one in 100 people worldwide.” “Most cases aren't detected until a person starts
experiencing symptoms like delusions and hallucinations as a teenager or adult.” “By that
time, the disease has often progressed so far that it can be difficult to treat” Gillmore
2010).
Haloperidol is the main medication that is used to treat schizophrenics. They take
Haloperidol, so they can attempt to think and react clearly to everyday decisions that are
normally made. Haloperidol is a very strong medication that is given to many
schizophrenics to help them gain mental stability. “Haldol tablets, liquid and injection
contain the active ingredient haloperidol.” “Haloperidol is a type of medicine known as
an antipsychotic.” “It is used in the treatment of various psychiatric illnesses. (NB.
Haloperidol is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)” “When
used in psychiatric illness, haloperidol is sometimes described as a neuroleptic or a 'major
tranquillizer', though this last term is fairly misleading, as this type of medicine is not just
a tranquillizer, and any tranquillizing effect is not as important as the main way it works
in psychiatric illness.” “Haloperidol works by blocking a variety of receptors in the brain,
particularly dopamine receptors.” “Dopamine is a natural compound called a
neurotransmitter, and is involved in transmitting messages between brain cells.”
“Dopamine is a neurotransmitter known to be involved in regulating mood and behavior,
amongst other things.” “Psychotic illness, and particularly schizophrenia, is considered to
be caused by over activity of dopamine in the brain.” “Haloperidol blocks the receptors
that dopamine acts on and this prevents the over activity of dopamine in the brain. This
helps to control psychotic illness.” “Haloperidol improves disturbed thoughts, feelings
and behavior in various mental conditions, including schizophrenia, mania, and
behavioral disorders that involve aggression or severe agitation or excitement.” “It
produces a calming effect and controls aggression, delusions and hallucinations.”
“Haloperidol is used in the long-term management of psychotic conditions such as
schizophrenia.” “It is also used in the short-term to manage severe anxiety and severely
agitated, violent or dangerous behavior.” “Haloperidol is also used to treat Tourette's
syndrome, which is a condition involving involuntary muscle twitching and
uncontrollable urges to utter obscene words or other noises.” “Haloperidol also affects
dopamine receptors in an area of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting” (Janssen,
1998).