SCHIZOPHRENIA

A disruption of basic psychological processes, a distorted perception of reality, altered or blunted emotions,

and disturbances in thought, motivation, and behavior.

TYPES OF SCHIZOPHRENI

A

PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIA Symptoms dominated by absurd,

illogical and changeable delusions, frequently accompanied by vivid hallucinations.

There is less disorganization of behavior and less extreme withdrawal from social interactions.

CATATONIC SCHIZOPHRENIA Characterized by alternating periods of

extreme withdrawal and extreme excitement

Withdrawal state: there is a sudden loss of all animation and a tendency to remain motionless

Excitement state: the person may talk or shout incoherently and engage in uninhibited, impulsive, and frenzied behavior.

DISORGANIZED SCHIZOPHRENIA Usually occurs at an earlier age Represents a more severe disintegration

of the personality Emotional distortion manifested in

inappropriate laughter and silliness, peculiar mannerisms, and bizarre, often obscene behavior.

UNDIFFERENTIATED SCHIZOPHRENIA Rapidly changing mixture of all or most

of the primary indicators of schizophrenia

Perplexity, confusion, emotional turmoil, delusions, excitement, dreamlike autism, depression, and fear

Most often seen on patients breaking down and developing schizophrenia

RESIDUAL SCHIZOPHRENIA

Individuals have substantially recovered from at least one schizophrenic episode, but still have lingering symptoms

CAUSES OF SCHIZOPHREN

IA

GENETICS People with immediate relatives

who have Schizophrenia have a higher risk of developing it.

Merely1% of the earths population has Schizophrenia, but if you have a first-degree relative with the disorder, such as a parent, brother, or sister, your chances of developing the disorder increase to at least 10%

Scientists believe that there are many genes which are associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia, but there is not one gene that causes the disease by itself.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Environmental factors generally refers to

anything other than genes. This can include

factors such as the environment of the child in

the mothers womb, such as nutritional, hormonal

and chemical environment. up to the social

dynamics and stress a person experiences, to

street drug use, education, virus exposure, and

many other factors.

An example of some of the environmental

factors linked specifically to schizophrenia

would be:

Prenatal exposure to a viral infection Low oxygen levels during birth (from prolonged labor

or premature birth) Exposure to a virus during infancy Early parental loss or separation Physical or sexual abuse in childhood Abnormally high levels of stress

ABNORMAL BRAIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURE

It is believed that an imbalance in the complex

chemical reactions of the brain involving

dopamine and glutamate, and possibly other

chemicals, plays a role in schizophrenia. 

On the left is a picture of a normal male (top)

and female brain (bottom)

On the right is a picture of a male brain with

schizophrenia (top) and a female brain with

schizophrenia (bottom)

ONSET

PROGNOSIS OF EARLY ONSET SCHIZOPHRENIA

-The outcome for children with schizophrenia varies greatly and some individuals function well with medication.

-Earlier onset is often associated with a poorer outcome when it interferes with attending school and completing an education. However, because children typically live at home with the combined social environments of family and school, symptoms are often recognized early.

-This fact is significant because recent studies have suggested that earlier treatment may reduce the decline in functioning and long-term impairments commonly associated with schizophrenia. Therefore, accurate and early intervention and diagnosis are critical

An additional difficulty in making a diagnosis in children and adolescents relates to the fact that hallucinations are surprisingly common and, in fact, are most often seen in children and adolescents with diagnoses other than schizophrenia. In a large study at the National Institutes of Health, In many children with other conditions, the nature of the hallucinations is different. While hallucinations in people with schizophrenia are often pervasive when not well treated, many children with other conditions such as mood disorders and dissociative disorders report auditory hallucinations when they are under stress. These hallucinations tend to be brief and very intermittent (lasting for only a few minutes). Also, children are very susceptible to leading questions and therefore should be asked about symptoms in a neutral fashion (i.e., not "Do you hear voices?"). Additionally some of the worlds greatest thinkers were considered to have schizophrenia including, Decart, Davinci, Picasso and Thomas Edison. And of coarse Nostrodamus.

Warning Signs of Mental Illness-Marked personality change-Inability to cope with problems and daily activities-Strange ideas or delusions-Irrational fears-Prolonged feelings of sadness-Marked changes in eating or sleeping patterns-Thinking or talking about suicide-Extreme highs and lows

TREATMENTS FOR

SCHIZOPHRENIA

Anti-Psychotic Medications and Psychosocial Therapy

ANTI-PSYCHOTIC MEDICATIONS Anti-psychotic medications have been

available since the 1950’s The most commonly used medications

are Clozapine, Risperidone, Olanzapine,

Quetiapine, Ziprasidone

SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTI-PSYCHOTIC MEDICATIONS Drowsiness and dizziness Blurred vision and rapid heart beat Skin rashes and sensitivity to the sun Muscle spasms and rigidness Tremors and restlessness

MAIN CAUSE OF RELAPSE IS PATIENTS DISCONTINUING MEDICATION

PSYCHOSOCIAL THERAPY Used in conjunction with anti-psychotic

medications Patients who use psychosocial therapy

are less likely to relapse Patients are taught how to cope and live

daily with symptoms

PSYCHOSOCIAL THERAPY PROGRAMS Illness Management skills Rehabilitation Family Education Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Self-Help Groups

SCHIZOPHRENIA IS TREATABLE Schizophrenia is treatable 1 in 5 will get better with in their first

episode of schizophrenia 3 in 5 will get better, but still have some

symptoms Only 1 in 5 will get worse

Statistics from Melinda A. Smith M.A. and Jeanne Segal PhD helpguide.org (March,2011)

MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTI

ONS

MISCONCEPTION: “AREN’T ALL PEOPLE WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA VIOLENT?”

 Truth: Although the delusional thoughts and

hallucinations of schizophrenia sometimes lead to violent behavior. Unless patients forget to take their medications, are using drugs excessively or have a history of violence, there is no difference between the “normal” population and the population of people with schizophrenia. This portrayal has mainly been spread through the media and if anything, people suffering from this disease are the opposite. They tend to be passive, anxious and fearful of others/the environment.

MISCONCEPTION: “SCHIZOPHRENIA IS A RARE CONDITION.”

 Truth:   Schizophrenia is not rare; the lifetime

risk of developing schizophrenia is widely accepted to be around 1 in 100.

MISCONCEPTION: “SCHIZOPHRENIA IS THE SAME AS SPLIT PERSONALITY.”  

Truth: 

Split personality is actually an illness called ‘dissociative disorder,’ and it occurs when there are two or more personalities within one person.

 People with schizophrenia only have one personality.People with schizophrenia do not have split personalities.

Rather, they are “split off” from reality. Schizophrenia is derived from the Greek word "split mind," referring solely to the split in reality that is commonly experienced by people with schizophrenia.

   

MISCONCEPTION: “THERE IS NO HOPE OF RECOVERING.” Truth:  Being diagnosed with schizophrenia does not mean

that one will necessarily have a lifelong illness. Some people are able to improve and recover over time. The truth is, schizophrenia can be successfully managed. The first step is identifying the signs and symptoms. The second step is seeking help without delay. The third is sticking with treatment. With the right treatment and support from family, friends, and health professionals, a person with schizophrenia can lead a happy, fulfilling life and even improve and recover over time.