1. Amber Keller avkeller@ucsd.edu Psychology major. Raise Mental Health Awareness: Break the Stigma! Schizophrenia

2. Despite the stigma, “Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable.” - National Alliance On Mental Health.

3. Schizophrenia -General Background -Symptoms -Causes -Treatment & the stigma associated with it  

4. What is Schizophrenia? Severe, long-term brain disorder. ~1% of Americans have this disorder. Stigma: They are super violent and scary. Actuality: Risk of violence = small. http://www.neurosci.ucla.edu

5. Symptoms Positive symptoms- something you “get” because of the disorder. 1) Hallucinations- Things they may hear, see, smell, or feel that no one else does. Hearing “voices”, is the most common. Schizophrenics may suffer from ANY combination of these:

6. Positive symptoms continued 2) Delusions- False beliefs. Ex: They may believe they are an FBI agent or famous person. Or others are paranoid and believe that people are planning to hurt them or their family. http://www.clivir.com paranoia

7. Positive symptoms 3) Disordered behavior- Some may take part in repetitive movements, while others are catatonic- they do not move or respond to others for hours at a time.

8. Negative symptoms Joy in everyday life/social function “Flat affect”- lack of facial expressions, and a monotone voice Good hygiene Something you may “lose” because of the disorder: www.brainline.org

9. Cognitive symptoms Trouble focusing Working memory deficits This is another reason why when untreated, most schizophrenics rely on others and do not hold a job psychology.wikia.com http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com

10. Symptoms Misidentified 1 st symptoms of schizophrenia such as: are often misidentified by others as depression, laziness, or lack of motivation. http://www.myzeo.com http://www.washingtonmonthly.com Bad grades Sleep changes

11. Causes of Schizophrenia!? 1)Genetics Thought to be a complicated of interplay of :

12. Causes of Schizophrenia!? 2) Environmental factors? For those already predisposed to mental illnesses in their family, recent studies suggest that marijuana may trigger onset of schizophrenia. (Psychology 179: Drug Addictions and Mental Disorders. Professor George Koob. UCSD).

13. Causes of Schizophrenia!? Environmental factors? If genetically predisposed: Does marijuana use cause schizophrenia? Or does being schizophrenic cause marijuana use? Still being studied. Psychology 179: Drug Addictions and Mental Disorders. Professor George Koob. UCSD). science.howstuffworks.c om

14. Causes of Schizophrenia!? 3) Genetic mutation? People with schizophrenia tend to have higher rates of genetic mutations. One gene may be responsible for chemical imbalances in schizophrenia. Research is still ongoing. (National Institute of Mental Health). xenophilius.wordpress.com

15. Causes of Schizophrenia!? 4) Brain Chemistry and Structure Overactive dopamine levels http://www.scienceclarified.com There are medications to decrease dopamine production now.

16. Those who don’t seek treatment  dhstelegram.com 25% of homeless have a mental disorder. 4-16% of them have schizophrenia. Only about half of the homeless with schizophrenia estimated to be receiving treatment. Statistics from Guest Lecture by: David L. Braff M.D. (UCSD Schizophrenia Research Program)

17. Success is still an option… John Nash. Brilliant mathematician, most popular for his works in the game theory. Shared a Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1994. Has had a successful life, with the disorder. The movie, “A Beautiful Mind” was loosely-based on his life. nytimes.com

18. There are many treatment options! One should talk to a professional to see what works best for them. Treatment http://www.chrisakins.com

19. Take Away Message… - Schizophrenia is a no fault disorder, a biological illness, that they do not choose. - They are unaware that their behaviors are unusual and they are convinced that their hallucinations are real. - Therefore, they need lots of support from family and friends so that they will seek treatment and improve their daily lives.

20. Credit given to: Professor George Koob (Ph.D.) Psychology 179: Drug Addictions and Mental Disorders. gkoob@ucsd.edugkoob@ucsd.edu David L. Braff (M.D.), Schizophrenia Research Program at UCSD, Guest Lecturer for Professor Koob’s class. National Institute of Mental Health-On their site you can find much useful info about many mental illnesses and treatment options. Also find out how to volunteer. www.nimh.nih.gov/ National Alliance On Mental Health www.nami.org/ Professor George Koob. http://neurograd.ucsd.edu