Schizophrenia

What is schizophrenia?A group of disorders characterized by confused and

disconnected thoughts, emotions, and perceptions

Not a problem of emotion, but rather one of cognition

A class of disorders marked by disturbances in thought that spill over to affect perceptual, social, and emotional processes

Literally means “split minds”- term devised by Eugen Bleuler in 1908. Prior to this it was called dementiaNot two separate personalities but a split between the

intellectual and emotional parts of a singular personality

How common is schizophrenia?It affects about 1 in 100 people worldwide

May not sound like a lot but it is about 4 million people

However, the odds increase to 1 in 10 if schizophrenia is already in the family

What are the symptoms?Irrational thought and delusions (false beliefs that a

person maintains in the face of contrary evidence)

Distorted perception; Hallucinations (perceptions that have no direct external cause; occur in the absence of real, external stimulus)

Deterioration of Adaptive behaviour (example: personal hygiene)

Disturbed emotion; disturbances of affect (may show inappropriate emotional responses)

Types of schizophreniaParanoid type Catatonic TypeDominated by delusions of

persecution, along with delusions of grandeur.

They may think they have enemies and be suspicious

Believe themselves to be important people

Common form of schizophrenia

Marked by striking motor disturbances, ranging from muscular rigidity tor random motor activity

Remain motionless for long periods

Types of schizophreniaDisorganized type Undifferentiated typeSevere deterioration of

adaptive behaviour

Prominent symptoms: emotional indifference, frequent incoherence, and virtually complete social withdrawal, hallucinations, giggling for no apparent reason

Encompasses the basic symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations, delusions, inappropriate emotions, and thought disorders

Fairly common

What are the causes of schizophrenia?Biological influences: Genetics

10% chance if it is in your family, 46% chance if both parents have the disorder

Neurochemical factors: Changes in the activity of one or more neurotransmittersExcess dopamine activity has been implicated as a

possible cause of schizophrenia (dopamine hypothesis)

Structural abnormalities of the brain: Often show signs of signs of deteriorated brain tissue and sometimes enlarged brain ventricles

What are the causes of schizophrenia?Family and Interactions:

Bad experiences during childhoodFamily communication and expression of

emotionsDefective interpersonal communication during

childhood

StressTriggers schizophrenia in individuals that are

vulnerable to the disorder

Treatment of schizophreniaManagement of schizophrenia depends

largely on medications (antipsychotic drugs) and on psychosocial interventions (therapy)

No single approach is widely considered effective for all patients

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