Schizophrenia Explained

As of 2010 approximately 2.5 million Americans suffer with schizophrenia (Kessler, Chiu, Demler). This mental illness affects men and women equally, with onset generally occurring later for women (Regier). Schizophrenia effects not only the individual, but everyone that the individual interacts with on a daily basis. Family, coworkers, neighbors-all are effected by this mental illness that has no cure: treatment is aimed at reducing severity of symptoms to a level that allows for an existence as close to normal as possible. There are 5 recognized sub-types of schizophrenia as well as limited options for treating them.

Schizophrenia is a chronic, debilitating mental illness that was labeled by Eugen Bleuler in 1911. The term schizophrenia comes from the greek roots 'schizo', meaning split, and 'phrene', meaning mind (John Hopkins). It usually strikes in late adolescence or early adulthood. The diagnosis is highly individual, but each person will demonstrate at least one of the following symptoms: delusions, bizarre behavior, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and 'negative' symptoms. Negative symptoms are generally a lack of interest or motivation in an area such as hygiene, socialization, or decreased emotional expression. In addition to the psychological manifestations , there are physical symptoms of schizophrenia such as unusual postures or gestures, awkward gait, clumsy motor skills, overly acute senses, blank facial expression and sleep disturbances (Schizophrenia).

Researchers believe schizophrenia is an example of the biopsychosocial model. This model demonstrates that schizophrenia is the result of biological, psychological, and social factors. There is also a strong hereditary link. These factors combine to create abnormalities in the brain. There is typically reduced amounts of grey matter in the frontal and temporal lobes, though the damage begins in the parietal lobe and spreads to other lobes over time. The severity of symptoms is directly related to the amount of loss (Mayoclinic).

There are five recognized sub-types of schizophrenia; paranoid, catatonic, disorganized, undifferentiated, and residual. Probably the most familiar of these would be paranoid schizophrenia. Most people have heard this term at least once and probably several times during their life. The classic features of the paranoid type are delusions and hallucinations. Patients are usually sure someone is 'out to get them'. This paranoia becomes a part of every day experiences and even common happenings become a great plot to harm the person. The delusions can also take on the form of believing that one can do extraordinary feats, such as fly, or that they are actually a very famous, important person. Any sort of delusion can result in violence if the person believes that they are in danger and must protect themselves, or react to a perceived wrong that has been done to them. In the mind of the delusional, they are the ones in their right mind while everyone else is deluded.

Hallucinations, visual or auditory, are also trademark to the paranoid schizophrenic. What is seen or heard is very real to the person and they can frequently be found responding to these delusions in conversation. The hallucinations are mostly in an unpleasant frame, and are rarely welcomed. Suicidal thoughts are also a common occurrence. This type of schizophrenia can worsen without treatment and does not go away on its own.

Catatonic schizophrenia is the rarest of the sub-types. It is most frequently found in conjunction with other types of mental illnesses. It is characterized by extremes. A sufferer may be completely immobilized -unable to speak, move or respond. On the other hand, one may be totally hyperactive and overexcited, unable to 'slow down'. Due to the advances in treatment, this type is not often encountered, and is most often found as part of a different mental illness.

Disorganized schizophrenia, also known as hebephrenic schizophrenia, is characterized by illogical thoughts and actions. Whereas paranoid schizophrenia includes delusional thoughts, they nonetheless made sense. The illogical thoughts and actions of the disorganized type do not make sense, and can leave the person thoroughly frustrated and angry since others can't understand what is being conveyed. The sufferer can be so debilitated by this scrambled thought process that they can't even carry out normal routines, such as bathing or laundry. The frustration and anger that ensues can cause the person to lash out . This is one of the more severe forms of schizophrenia.

Undifferentiated schizophrenia is diagnosed when symptoms aren't sufficient or specific enough to be classified as one of the other four sub-types. It is difficult to arrive at the diagnosis of undifferentiated variety because all other possible sub-types must be eliminated. Some people may have symptoms that fluctuate and are very hard to actually pin down. Others may have stable symptoms, yet still don't fall into any one of the other categories (Psychcentral). This type of schizophrenia is the most common.

Residual schizophrenia

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