Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
A life with schizophrenia
EtymologyMade up of two Greek words
Schizo-to split or divide
Phrenos-related to the mind
HistoryGiven its name only in 1911
Identified as a disease in 1887 by Emil Kraepelin
Possible cases and symptoms recorded since ancient times
Believed to caused by demonic possession for centuries
Those with the disease labeled as “mad”, treatment was very poor
SymptomsPositive symptoms-added dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors
Hallucinations (mainly auditory) Delusions Disorganized thoughts, speech, or behavior Anxiety or depression
Negative symptoms-lack of normal ability Inappropriate facial expressions Lack of motivation, movement, or speech at given times Neglect of self-care
Types of schizophrenia Paranoid-hallucinations and delusions, usually no disorganized thinking
Catatonic-inability to move for long periods of time, sometimes repeat others actions or words
Disorganized-disorganized thinking and behavior, inappropriate expressions
Undifferentiated-two or more positive symptoms from other types
Residual-only negative symptoms
CausesNo know definite cause
Vulnerability affected by genetics and environment Twins have a 40-60% chance of developing schizophrenia if their twin also has it Studies suggest that genetics may cause a defect in neurotransmitters, resulting in chemical imbalance
and brain damage
Population statisticsAffects approximately 1% of the population
About 2 million diagnosed in America
More cases in men
Usually starts around 25 years, development in childhood and old age is rare
TreatmentNo “cure”, but treatment does help with symptoms
Anti-psychotic medicine-amisulpride, olanzapine, risperidone and clozapine common examples Type used works on different people Only helps with positive symptoms Side effects-reduction of some cognitive functions
Support and Therapy Family therapy Help to get involved in community and social activites
Lobotomy in extreme cases-only used as a last resort
Well-known CasesJohn Nash-professor at Princeton University, won a Nobel Prize for his mathematic formula, suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, life story told in the film A Beautiful Mind
Nathaniel Ayers-a very talented, mostly self taught musician, diagnosed with schizophrenia and began playing on the streets, homeless, life made into the film The Soloist
John Nash-real life (top)A Beautiful Mind (bottom)
ResearchCognitive remediation being studied as a possible treatment
Scientists searching for a cause, studies have been done on the brain about how it is affected by the disease
Genetics research
Search for possible treatments
More information/Sourceshttp://www.medicinenet.com/schizophrenia/article.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophrenia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_with_schizophrenia
Visual hallucinations The hallucinations can be anything from a distorted object to a person with a unique appearance and personality. I can’t normally tell if they are real or not. Sometimes they are pleasant, like having a friend, but they are often chaotic and scary.
Auditory Hallucinations The voices in my head are very clear and seem very real to me. They tell me to do things that may not make sense, or are just horrible. Sometimes they say bad things about me, and voice things that I am thinking or feeling.
Delusions Sometimes I believe things that don’t make sense and I later find out aren’t real. They can be strange things like the ability to fly, or scary things, like believing someone is out to get me.
Disorganized thinking Sometimes my head just feels like it’s spinning. Random thoughts pop into my head and lead to other thoughts with no connection. I can’t focus and sometimes don’t know what to do.
Strange emotions I sometimes react to things and people are upset or surprised. The emotions come and go without any logical trigger. I may feel afraid of a pointless comment, or happy when I receive bad news.
Paranoia Certain hallucinations, or even nothing at all, can make me very afraid and anxious. The voices often suggest that someone is out to get me or that eating something will hurt me.
Depression I occasionally go through depressive episodes. I feel tired and unmotivated to do anything except stay in bed all day.
Other’s reactions My family and friends reactions range from confused as to why I’m talking to myself to disturbed about my strange emotional reactions. It is much easier to deal with schizophrenia when other support me.
Disclaimer This a project for a high school AP Psychology course. This is a fictionalized account of having a psychological ailment. For questions about this blog project or its content please email the teacher, Laura Astorian: [email protected]
