Schizophrenia Rebecca Love

What is Schizophrenia? A mental disease that affects the way a person: Thinks Acts Expresses emotions Perceives reality Schizophrenia can cause a person to have problems functioning in society, at work, at school, and in relationships. Schizophrenia is a type of psychosis.

Psychosis A psychosis can cause the effected person to have trouble telling the difference between what is real and imagined Effected people can loose touch with reality A sudden change of personality and behavior is called a psychotic episode.

Symptoms Social withdrawal Hostility or suspiciousness Inability to cry or express joy Inappropriate laughter or crying Depression Oversleeping or insomnia Unable to concentrate Extreme reaction to criticism Delusions

Delusions Delusions: “firmly-held idea that a person has despite clear and obvious evidence that it isn’t true” Delusions occur in more than 90% of Schizophrenic patients Types of delusions include: Delusions of persecution: believing that someone is after him or her Delusions of reference: believing that something environmental has a special meaning Delusions of grandeur: believing that they are an important figure, famous, or that they have special powers Delusions of control: believing that someone outside of them has control over their thoughts and actions

Treatments No real cure for schizophrenia but there are some medications that can treat the symptoms are: Antipsychotics Antidepressants Psychotherapy Self help methods Support groups

Works Cited http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/defa ult.htm http://www.helpguide.org/mental/schizophr enia_symptom.htm http://www.epigee.org/mental_health/schiz ophrenia_treatment.html