Schizophrenia By: Alia Church and Melissa Markhardt

Symptoms Negative Symptoms: normal behaviors that are absent Lack of emotional expression Lack of interest or enthusiasm Apparent unawareness of the environment Difficulties with speech Positive Symptoms: abnormal behaviors that are present Delusions Hallucinations Disorganized speech Disorganized behaviors

Types of Schizophrenia Disorganized Schizophrenia: – Arises at earlier time in life than other types of schizophrenia – Symptoms include disorganized speech and behavior, inappropriate emotions, and trouble performing simple tasks Catatonic Schizophrenia: – Decrease or increase in motor activity – Either dramatic or indifferent

Types of Schizophrenia Paranoid Schizophrenia: – Strange ideas or beliefs that usually revolves around a consistent story – Best long-term prognosis – Thinking and behavior less disordered than most – Delusions of persecution Undifferentiated: – Many and varied symptoms Residual: – Withdrawal after hallucinations and delusions

Etiology Genetic Causes Can be influenced by genetics 60% of schizophrenic have no family members with the disorder People with family members with schizophrenia have a 10% chance of developing the disorder Environmental Prenatal or infancy exposure to a viral infection Low oxygen levels during birth Early parental loss or separation Physical or sexual abuse in childhood

Etiology Brain Chemical Imbalances – Dopamine: in excess amounts is the primary brain chemical that contributes to schizophrenia – Glutamate: important neurotransmitter in contributing to schizophrenia when underactive – Dopamine receptors inhibit the release of glutamate.

Diagnosis No laboratory test for schizophrenia Is made clinically by examining: – Family history – Emotional history – Current symptoms CT scans of the head may find changes in the brain and be able to rule out other disorders.

Comorbidity with other Disorders Many people with schizophrenia also suffer mood disorders: – Unipolar disorder – Bipolar disorder Cardiovascular conditions Metabolic conditions Substance abuse/suicide

Treatment Psychotherapy, group therapy, and family therapy combined with drugs may have positive results. Medications: – Antipsychotics – Antidepressants – Antianxiety

Famous People with Schizophrenia Not many famous people have schizophrenia because it develops at an early age Mary Todd Lincoln (Wife of President Abraham Lincoln) Syd Barrett (of the band Pink Floyd) Eduard Einstein (Albert Einstein’s son)

Statistics About 2.2 million people in the US have schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia: – 6% are homeless or live in shelters – 6% live in jails or prisons – 5% to 6% live in Hospitals – 10% live in Nursing homes – 25% live with a family member – 28% are living independently – 20% live in Supervised Housing (group homes, etc.)

Prognosis When medication is discontinued, the relapse rate is about 80% within 2 years 50% of schizophrenics completely recover or improve to the point where they can function independently 25% improve but require a strong support network 15% are unimproved and hospitalized 10% commit suicide

Works Cited Bengston, M. (2001, March 30). Schizophrenia and psychosis. Retrieved from Myers, D.G. (2007). Psychology eighth edition. New York, NY: Worth Publishers. Rose, D., & Schulman, B.J. (2009). Intro to schizophrenia. Retrieved from Smith, M., & Segal, R. (2010, November).Understanding schizophrenia. Retrieved from Swierzewski, S.J. (2001, February 01). Schizophrenia overview. Retrieved from