Schizophrenia By: Ahmed Lezzaik, John Bailey, Karim Hamza

What is Schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a disorder that usually happens in late adolescence or early adult years. It is a disorder that affects the way a person sees the world, the way they think, and how they behave.

What causes Schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is caused by changes in vital brain functions, such as, thoughts, cognition, perception, emotions, and behavior, show that the brain is either entering or in a state of Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is linked to the destruction of brain cells.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia Many people with Schizophrenia will show a slow and gradual change in behavior (often happens in a period of 6-9 months or more) Early signs are: Social withdrawal Odd behavior Lack of attention to personal hygiene Excessive preoccupation with religious or philosophical constructs.

Types of Delusions Delusions are strong false beliefs; the more common delusions are: grandiose, persecutory, religious, and jealous. Grandiose: delusions of power, knowledge, identity, or social relationship with a famous person. Persecutory: delusions that the person is being dishonestly treated.

Types of Delusions (Continued) Religious: individual’s beliefs revolve around religious themes. Jealous: delusions that his/her sexual partner is being unfaithful.

Types of Hallucinations Hallucinations are annoyances in perceptions, in Schizophrenia, the most common type of hallucinations are auditory; some examples are: Audible thoughts: hears thought spoken out loud. Voices Arguing or Discussing: hears 2 or more people arguing or discussing with each other.

Types of Hallucinations (Continued) Voices Commenting: hears voices commenting on their behavior, thoughts, speech, appearance, etc. Voices are described as intrusive, abusive, and critical. Voices Commanding: hears one or more voices instructing hide to carry out specific demands (deeds).

Diagnosis Positive Symptoms (delusions, hallucinations) Negative Symptoms (sadness, few emotions, withdrawal) Behavioral Disturbance (range from very disruptive to threatening) Significant agitation in areas of daily life (social, family, school/work)

Treatment To reduce impact of schizophrenia on the individual early treatment is required. During severe reactions a person with schizophrenia may require hospitalization.

Treatment (Continued) A good treatment plan includes: Antipsychotic medication Education & support for both ill and individuals and families Social Skills training Improve activities of daily life Recreational support Cognitive therapy

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