Schizophrenia-Schizophrenia-a state characterized by the coexistence of a state characterized by the coexistence of

contradictory or incompatible elements.contradictory or incompatible elements.

Jenny HaJenny Ha11stst Period PeriodJochamJocham

Increased dopamine activity in the brain Increased dopamine activity in the brain is found in schizophrenic individuals.is found in schizophrenic individuals.

People with schizophrenia are likely to People with schizophrenia are likely to have additional conditions (major have additional conditions (major depression and anxiety disorders)depression and anxiety disorders)

Occurs equally in males and femalesOccurs equally in males and females appears earlier in men. appears earlier in men.

Symptoms

• Auditory hallucinations

• Paranoid or bizarre delusions

• Disorganized speech and thinking

• Social or occupational dysfunction

TypesTypes

• Paranoid– Delusions and hallucinations are present but thought

disorder and disorganized behavior are absent

• Disorganized– Thought disorder present along with a lack of

emotions

• Cationic– Almost immobile or exhibit agitated, purposeless

movement

DiagnosisDiagnosis

The most widely used The most widely used standardized criteria for standardized criteria for diagnosing schizophrenia diagnosing schizophrenia come from DSM-IV.come from DSM-IV.

Diagnosis is based on the Diagnosis is based on the self-reported experiences of self-reported experiences of the person.the person.

Clinical assessment by a Clinical assessment by a psychiatrist, clinical psychiatrist, clinical psychologist or mental health psychologist or mental health professional. professional.

CausesCauses

Factors includeFactors include GeneticsGenetics PrenatalPrenatal SocialSocial Substance AbuseSubstance Abuse

Drugs such as Amphetamines, hallucinogens, and Drugs such as Amphetamines, hallucinogens, and marijuana. marijuana.

TreatmentTreatment

• MedicationsMedications– Antipsychotic medications (chlorpromazine)Antipsychotic medications (chlorpromazine)– type of drug works by suppressing dopamine type of drug works by suppressing dopamine

activity activity

• PsychotherapyPsychotherapy

• Electroconvulsive therapy and Electroconvulsive therapy and psychosurgerypsychosurgery– Not recommended, rarely used. Not recommended, rarely used.

Positive and Negative SymptomsPositive and Negative Symptoms Positive symptomsPositive symptoms - delusions, - delusions,

auditory hallucinations, and auditory hallucinations, and thought disorder.thought disorder.

Negative symptoms -Negative symptoms - flat or flat or blunted affect and emotion, lack blunted affect and emotion, lack social relationships, and lack of social relationships, and lack of motivationmotivation

Confusions

Schizophrenia has often been confused with other illnesses– bipolar disorder– borderline personality disorder– drug intoxication

Look-alikes

Some symptoms may seem to indicate schizophrenia, when it is not. Such as:

metabolic disturbance

Syphilis

Epilepsy

brain injuries

►Taking certain medications can help Taking certain medications can help suppress the symptoms of suppress the symptoms of schizophrenia. There are an abundant schizophrenia. There are an abundant amount of pills I have to take. amount of pills I have to take.

Schizophrenia often causes Schizophrenia often causes hallucinations of others who aren’t in hallucinations of others who aren’t in reality. Sometimes I see multiplies of reality. Sometimes I see multiplies of myself, telling myself to make certain myself, telling myself to make certain decisions. decisions.

Sometimes I feel depressed, as if I am all Sometimes I feel depressed, as if I am all alone and no one understands me.alone and no one understands me.

Scan of my brain, deficit of my brain will continue on within the next years. I start to worry…

I hear many voices all the time, I hear many voices all the time, telling me what to do. I want them telling me what to do. I want them out of my mind.out of my mind.

Sometimes I don’t feel like myself..I feel like I’m watching myself on a movie screen

I’m so confused, I become frustrated with myself. Why is this happening.

I feel so many eyes on me. Everyone is looking at me. Is it because they think I’m a freak? I’m paranoid.

I always ask myself questions. They are left unanswered because no one has the answers.

• I believe things that are unreal. But it keeps me from going crazy. If only I can just believe what I want to believe without others telling me what reality is.