Download Schizophrenia - Hamas Shaibi

By: Hamas Shaibi
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Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic, and
generally disabling brain and behavior
disorder. It is most accurately described as a
psychosis - a type of illness that causes severe
mental disturbances that disrupt normal
thoughts, speech, and behavior.
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Disorganized-type schizophrenia is
characterized by speech and behavior that are
disorganized or difficult to understand, and
flattening or inappropriate emotions. People
with disorganized-type schizophrenia may
laugh inappropriately for no apparent reason,
make illogical statements, or seem preoccupied
with their own thoughts or perceptions.
Their disorganized behavior may disrupt
normal activities, such as showering, dressing,
and preparing meals.
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Paranoid-type schizophrenia is characterized
by delusions and auditory hallucinations
(hearing voices that don't exist) but relatively
normal intellectual functioning and expression
of emotions. The delusions can often be about
being persecuted by a person or an
organization, or feeling harassed or treated
unfairly. People with paranoid-type
schizophrenia can exhibit anger, aloofness,
anxiety, and can be argumentative.
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It is estimated that more than 2.1 million Americans now
have schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia can be found in approximately 1% of the
world’s population, regardless of racial, ethnic or even
economic background.
Three-quarters of persons with schizophrenia develop the
illness between 16 and 25 years of age.
The disorder tends to “run” in families, but only among
blood relatives.
To be diagnosed as having schizophrenia, one must have
associated symptoms for at least six months.
Studies have indicated that 25% of those having
schizophrenia recover completely, 50% are improved over a
10-year period, and 25% do not improve over time.
POSITIVE
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Delusions, thought
disorders, and
hallucinations.
People with schizophrenia
may hear voices other
people don't hear, or
believe other people are
reading their minds,
controlling their thoughts,
or plotting to harm them.
NEGATIVE
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"Flat affect" (a person's
face does not move or he
or she talks in a dull or
monotonous voice)
Lack of pleasure in
everyday life
Lack of ability to begin
and sustain planned
activities
Speaking little, even when
forced to interact.
Cognitive
Difficulty focusing
or paying attention
Difficulty
understanding
information or
following
instructions
Poor memory and
concentration
What Causes Schizophrenia?
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Genetics- having blood relatives diagnosed
with schizophrenia increases the chance:
Relative risk for schizophrenia is around:
1% for normal population
5.6% for parents
10.1% for siblings
12.8% for children
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Brain Chemistry. Schizophrenia is associated with
an unusual imbalance of neurotransmitters
(chemicals that act as messengers between nerve
cells). In particular, brain chemicals such as
dopamine and glutamine may be involved.
Brain Structure. Magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) scans of the brains of patients with
schizophrenia have revealed structural
abnormalities. Such problems may cause nerve
damage and disconnections in the pathways that
carry brain chemicals.
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Viral infections. Factors that increase exposure to viruses
(living in urban environments, large families, winter and
spring births) have been associated with higher risk for
schizophrenia.
Prenatal and Perinatal Problems. Maternal exposure to
viruses, maternal malnutrition, and birth complications
(such as a baby experiencing lack of oxygen during
delivery) may be linked to schizophrenia.
Father’s age. According to some studies, the older a father is
when a child is born, the greater the risk is for schizophrenia
in his offspring, perhaps because of a greater chance of
genetic mutations in the sperm that can be passed on.
Childhood trauma. Although parental influence is no
longer believed to directly lead to the development of
schizophrenia, certain types of childhood trauma (including
sexual and physical abuse) may play a role.
What is the treatment for schizophrenia?
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Motivational interviewing to encourage the
patient's commitment to change
Use of antipsychotic medications with
monitoring
Community-based rehabilitation and social
skills training
Family psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy to reduce
delusions and hallucinations
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Hospitalization- is necessary during the acute phase of the
illness because risk of serious suicidal thoughts or his
unable to care for himself. to treat delusions, hallucinations,
or problems with drugs and alcohol.
Medication- Antipsychotic drugs are currently the best
treatment available, but they do not "cure" schizophrenia or
ensure that there will be no further psychotic episodes.
Psychosocial- help these patients deal with the everyday
challenges of the illness, such as difficulty with
communication, self-care, work, and forming and keeping
relationships
Cognitive behavioral therapy- helps patients with
symptoms that do not go away even when they take
medication. The therapist teaches people with schizophrenia
how to test the reality of their thoughts and perceptions,
how to "not listen" to their voices, and how to manage their
symptoms overall.
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