Schizophrenia

Definition Greek for “split brain” Term used to describe a collection of brain disorders that cause the afflicted to interpret reality in a extremely abnormal function It is not the same as dissociative personality disorder (multiple personality disorder) Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder

Symptoms No known cause, although research indicates genetic and environmental factors Imaging studies show that the brains/CNS of schizophrenics are different

Risk Factors Family history Exposure to viruses, toxins, malnutrition during preganancy Stress Older age of parents Psychoactive drug use during adolescence/young adulthood (brain is still developing, particularly in the most advanced areas)

Difficulties Suicide Self-destructive behavior, such as self-injury Depression Abuse of alcohol, drugs or prescription medications Poverty Homelessness Family conflicts Inability to work or attend school Health problems from antipsychotic medications Being a victim or perpetrator of violent crime Heart/Lung Disease, often connected with heavy smoking

Categories of Schizophrenia 1)Childhood: typically, onset of schizophrenia occurs in late teens-late 20s. For some, signs of schizophrenic behavior appear much earlier (e.g. Jani) - Signs include late motor development, unusual repetitive behaviors, social withdrawal, and decreased interest in self-care. -life-long disorder, treated w/ medication

2) Paranoid Schizophrenia: individual loses touch with reality, including presence of delusions and/or hallucinations. -Because memory and concentration may not be affected, those afflicted may be able to function within society. -Emotional distance -Others out to harm you (delusions)

3) Catatonic Schizophrenia: loss of touch with reality combined with abnormal physical behavior. Physical behavior can go from coma-like states to extremely agitated movements. -physical immobility -Waxy flexibility -Echolalia, echopraxia -Stereotyped behaviors -Excessive mobility -Extreme resistance to being moved Note: because of better treatment, catatonic schizophrenia is rarely seen.

4) Disorganized schizophrenia: defined by words, thoughts and behavior that fail to make sense. -Afflicted often become frustrated, and lash out -“Word Salad” -Because of thought disorganization, hard to plan/coordinate/take care of oneself

Affiliated disorders 1)Schizoaffective Disorder: person has combination of schizophrenic symptoms as well as symptoms of either depression or bipolar disorder. 2)Schizoid Personality Disorder: loner, lack of social relationships, poor at recognizing social cues, aloof, poor performance at school/work. Possible associated with child abuse/neglect

3) Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Similar to schizophrenia, except that those with it: a)Experience far less delusions/hallucinations, both in intensity/frequency; and b)Usually can be made aware of their distorted thoughts versus reality.