Index

I. Definition

II. History

III. Types and symptoms of schizophrenia

IV. Causes

v Brain abnormality

Ø Brain anatomy

Ø Dopamine over activity

v Genetic factors

v Psychological factors

V. Treatment

VI. Prevention

Definition

Schizophrenia is one of the most serious psychological disorders. Even though the word “schizo” means split, it does not mean schizophrenia is a split personality disorder. It is a disease that makes it difficult for a person to tell the difference between real and unreal experiences. It also makes hard to a think logically, to have normal emotional responses to others, and to behave normally in social situations.

History

In 1896, schizophrenia was first named as dementia praecox by Emil Kraeplin. He described this disorder as an independent disease, which begins at a young age. In 1911, Eugen Bleuler renamed it to dementia praecox schizophrenia. He considered schizophrenia as several interrelated disorder than considering it as an independent disorder, and most of the experts in this field agrees with him.

Types and symptoms of schizophrenia

There are five recognized types of schizophrenia, they are

· Catatonic type, which shows anxiety with delusions or hallucinations.

· Paranoid type, which shows disorganized speech or behavior, or flat or inappropriate emotions.

· Disorganized type, which shows immobility, extreme negativism and/or parrot type repeating others speech or movement.

· Undifferentiated type which shows many and varied type symptoms.

· Residual type, which shows withdrawal after hallucinations and delusions.

Causes

Schizophrenia is a complex and puzzling illness. Some doctors think during this disease the brain may not be able to process information correctly. The main causes of Schizophrenia are brain abnormalities, genetic factors and psychological factors.

v Brain abnormality: Two types of Brain abnormalities open the door to schizophrenia; they are brain anatomy and dopamine over activity.

Ø Brain anatomy:

· Especially in man, enlarged, fluid filled areas and shrinkage of cerebral tissue cause Schizophrenia. (Cannon & Marco, 1994; Elkis & others, 1992)

· Low birth and birth complications are well known risk factors of schizophrenia. (Buka & others, 1999; Zornberg & others, 2000)

· Low brain activities in the frontal lobes of brain can cause Schizophrenia. (Pettegrew & others, 1986)

· Midpregnancy viral infection will cause Schizophrenia. (Waddington, 1993)

Ø Dopamine over activity:

· Excess amount of dopamine in our body also leads to Schizophrenia. Some studies (Seeman & others, 1993; Wong & others, 1986) about the brain of schizophrenics, after their death, unearth the truth they has an excess of receptors for dopamine in their brain.

v Genetic factors: Genetic factors have a significant role in this disease. People who have family members with schizophrenia may be more likely to get the disease. Statistics shows that child of a schizophrenic have more than 10% chance to became a schizophrenic, while a child whose both parents schizophrenic have more than 40% chance. Identical twins also share more than 40% threat of Schizophrenia.

v Psychological factors: Psychological and social factors may also play some role in Schizophrenia development. Studies show that most schizopherniac youth had a trobled relationship with their parents. So it says that stressfull experiencses, biochemical abnormalities and schizophernia’s symptoms often occurs together. However, the level of social and familial support appears to influence the course of illness and may be protective against relapse.

Treatment

During an acute episode of schizophrenia, hospitalization is often required to prevent self-inflicted harm or harm to others, and to provide for the person's basic needs such as food, rest, and hygiene. Antipsychotic medications (the ones that mostly control the positive symptoms of schizophrenia: hallucinations, delusions, confusion) that work by changing the balances of chemicals in the brain are usually used to control the symptoms of this illness. These medications are effective but are also associated with uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous side effects. Common side effects from traditional antipsychotic include sedation, weight gain, and "extra pyramidal symptoms" (such as muscle contractions, problems of movement and gait, and feelings of inner restlessness or "jitters"). Long-term risks led to a movement disorder of involuntary movements of the facial muscles or tongue called “tardive dyskinesia”. Parkinson’s disease, restless legs and body are another important side effects of these types of drugs.

Supportive and problem-focused forms of psychotherapy may be helpful for many individuals. Behavioral techniques, such as "social skills training", can be used in a therapeutic setting, or in the client's natural environment to promote social and occupational functioning. Family interventions that combine support and education about schizophrenia (psycho education) appear to help families cope and reduce relapse. Intensive case management programs that emphasize active outreach and linkage to a range of community support services may help clients who lack family and social support.

Prevention

The best way to prevent relapses is to continue to take the prescribed medication. Because side effects are one of the most important reasons why people with schizophrenia stop taking their medication, it is very important to find the medication (and the doses) that controls symptoms without causing side effects.

Bibliography:

Schizophrenia.20 April2004<http://www.schizophrenia.com/>.

National Institute of Mental Health. April 09 2004. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

http://www.psychiatry-in-practice.com/

Myers, David G.E. Exploring Psychology