Understanding schizophrenia - Essay Example

Schizophrenia is, by and large, considered to be one of the most mentally debilitating mental disorders today. It is an extremely severe and challenging illness not just for the mental health experts but also for the patients themselves. Millions of Americans are suffering from Schizophrenia. As a matter of fact, in 2008, a study concluded that 2 million Americans are affected by the disease. Understanding the historical origin, cause, risk factors, signs and symptoms, and the latest available treatments for the disease is particularly crucial in that it provides us with a profound knowledge about the nature of the disease; and how it can be prevented and treated. While it is often dreaded and misjudged, schizophrenia is a remediable mental health condition. This paper shall elaborate on the nature of the disease, its symptoms, causes, treatments, and risk factors among others. Furthermore, in an attempt to reduce, if not to completely get rid of, the mistaken notions about schizophrenia, this paper points toward employing a rather laypeople’s approach toward the subject matter. Mental Health Disorders: Understanding Schizophrenia What is Schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that affects one’s ability to reason properly, control emotions, carry out an action appropriately, make sound decisions, and intermingle with other people (Sullivan, 2005; NAMI, 2008). Some of the most common manifestations of people suffering from Schizophrenia are hallucinations and delusions, which mean that they could see or hear things that are not actually present; they believe on things that contains less to no truth at all. For most of the affected people, it is always hard for them to organize their individual reasoning, execute complicated memory activities, and retain thoughts and concepts all at the same time (NAMI, 2008; Veague, 2007). Many studies have associated schizophrenia to the alteration on the chemical and structural composition of the brain (Sullivan, 2005; NAMI, 2008; NIH, 2009). Some of these modifications in the basic structures of the brain crop up even at the earliest stage of human development (Hirsch & Weinberger, 2003). Schizophrenia is a long-term, enduring mental health illness that affects different kinds of people. Contrary to popular beliefs, schizophrenia is not caused by faulty or inappropriate parenting or individual limitation. Nearly all victims of schizophrenia are not perilous or unsafe when they undergo a medical and psychiatric treatment; nevertheless, the comportment that they manifest resembles that of a chaotic, rare, and disturbing behaviour (NIH, 2009). If not taking medications, people suffering from schizophrenia could become very risky and violent, particularly those individuals who also had some history of alcohol and substance abuse (Veague, 2007; NAMI, 2008). Schizophrenia is a lingering, serious, and incapacitating mental illness that has distressed millions of people around the world, and throughout history. One percent of the total population of the United States is suffering from this illness (NIH, 2009; Regier et al., 1993). People with this mental illness may lost complete sense of the world around them, especially when they communicate. Sometimes, they could retain their positions and stay quiet for long hours. Some of them do not initially manifest signs that they are suffering from schizophrenia, but is later revealed once they start sharing things about what is in their thoughts (Hirsch & Weinberger, 2003; NIH, 2009). Sociologically, schizophrenia affects many people in terms of finding an employment in the job market. They do not have the capability to manage themselves, control their emotions, and think properly; hence, they always require constant aid from other people (NAMI, 2008). There are many available treatments nowadays that aid in alleviating the symptoms of the illness; although, majority of the people who are suffering from it contend with the symptoms all through their lifetimes. Nevertheless, people suffering from schizophrenia direct a worthwhile and significant function in their individual societies. In the recent years, scientists and scholars are developing more efficient treatments and employing newly-established research findings and tools in order to find out the real causes of the mental illness. In the future days, this may aid in the prevention and enhanced treatment of schizophrenia (Veague, 2007; NIH, 2009). What are the Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia? Owing to the complex, broad description and nature of the disease, the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia are divided into three main classifications: (1) positive symptoms; (2) negative symptoms; and (3) the cognitive symptoms (NIH, 2009; Regier et al, 1993). The symptoms of schizophrenia vary between mild and serious, and the accuracy at which symptoms are positively identified goes along with time. Usually, it takes six months before a mental health expert can provide correct and accurate diagnoses of the disease (NAMI, 2008). Positive Symptoms. Positive symptoms pertain to abnormal behaviors that cannot be observed in normal people. These are demonstrated by an escape from reality. At times, they become serious and sometimes they are imperceptible (Stanghellini et al., 2013; Sullivan, 2005), contingent to the amount of treatment that a victim receives. Positive symptoms also signify a bend of a person’s normal reasoning and performance (NIH, 2009). It is challenging for people with schizophrenia to distinguish reality from delusion or illusion. Positive symptoms comprise the following: Hallucinations. Hallucinations refer to objects or entities that are seen, smelled, heard, or felt by a person when no one else does (NIH, 2009; NAMI, 2008; Sullivan, 2005; Veague, 2007); although, vocal noises are the most common form of hallucination in schizophrenia. The nature of these voices is oftentimes strange and varies widely. There are voices that alert a person about a forthcoming threat or danger; voices that command a person to do something; voices that talk about eerie things. At times, these voices converse among each other. Aside from hearing voices, seeing things that are not physically present, smelling scents or odors that he or she alone smells, feeling someone or something touches his or her skin are also common among individuals suffering from schizophrenia (NIH, 2009). Delusions. Delusions are mistaken beliefs of a person; generally, these beliefs do not belong to the person’s culture and notion (Veague, 2007; NIH 2009). Delusions are very strong psychological force that makes a person believe in something even after it has been confirmed that the belief is mistaken, illogical, or erroneous. People suffering from schizophrenia may have delusionary thinking that appears strange or weird. For instance, a person who is having some delusionary thoughts may believe that his neighbors are controlling his or her thoughts or actions by means of magnetic waves (NIH, 2009). Another example would be a belief that he or she is something different, so different from others that they liken themselves to famous personalities and historical figures. Furthermore, people suffering from schizophrenia experience the delusion of persecution: they believe that someone wants to kill them or is spying on them, or planning a summary execution against them or to their loved ones (NIH, 2009; Sullivan, 2005). Thought disorders. Thought disorders refer to the uncommon or abnormal manners of reasoning. One common type of thought disorder is "disorganized thinking". Disorganized thinking pertains to a condition in which a person is having a difficulty in forming and structuring his or her ideas; he or she is having a hard time linking his or her thoughts sensibly and understandably. In most cases, people with disorganized thinking usually talk in a distorted and confused manner, which makes them so difficult to comprehend. Another type of disorganized thinking is "thought blocking". Thought blocking refers to a condition in which a person halts while forming or stating an idea. The most common reason for this halt is that there is a sudden stoppage on the information processing. People who are having thought disorders are used to fashioning pointless words, terms or phrases (NIH, 2009; NAMI, 2008). Movement disorders. Another type of negative symptom is movement disorders. Movement disorders refer to disconcerted bodily movements (NIH, 2009; NAMI, 2008). This takes place when a person does the same action or motion over and over again. At some instances, people experiencing movement disorders also experience catatonia - a condition in which a person fails to mobilize himself or herself; he or she fails to respond to other people. Catatonia exists mostly among individuals suffering from schizophrenia who do not receive medical treatments (NIH, 2009). Negative Symptoms. Negative symptoms are consorted with disturbances to normal emotions and behaviors (NIH, 2009; NAMI, 2008). Negative symptoms are much difficult to identify as related to schizophrenia. As a matter of fact, it is sometimes mistakenly diagnosed as part of depression or any other mental health disorders. Negative symptoms include the following: (1) inability to move or talk freely and with ease; (2) lacking motivation; (3) inability to initiate and maintain intended undertakings; and (4) inability to interact healthily with others despite being compelled to do so. People who are having negative symptoms need assistance in carrying out their daily activities. People with this symptom tend to become indolent and untidy, especially when it comes to personal hygiene. Cognitive Symptoms. Cognitive symptoms refer to those which are understated. They are rather hard to identify whether it is part of the disorder or not (NIH, 2009). Cognitive symptoms are often discovered only after prior tests have already been conducted. Cognitive symptoms are manifested by the following: (1) inadequate ability to comprehend information that can be utilized in order to make effective decisions; (2) having a difficulty in concentrating or paying attention; (3) inability to utilize information that has just been learned. What Causes Schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is caused by several factors including the following: Genes and the Surroundings. Researchers have long associated schizophrenia with genes. Schizophrenia affects one percent of the total population of the United States of America (NIH, 2009; Regier et al., 1993); however, it happens in 10% of individuals who have first-degree relative who suffer from the same illness such as a brother, a sister, uncle, etc. (NIH, 2009). Also, individuals with second-degree relatives suffering from schizophrenia are also most likely to develop the illness as compared to the general population (NIH, 2009). Scientists contend that genes are not the sole causative factor to schizophrenia. Researchers believe that the environment plays a critical role in the development and occurrence of schizophrenia. There are various environmental influences such as early encounter with viruses, poor nutrition, and problems during birth among others (NIH, 2009). Brain Chemistry and Structure. While there have been many studies conducted in the past that suggest several factors causing schizophrenia, still experts are not really sure what causes it exactly; although, research suggests that schizophrenia “has something to do with brain chemistry and brain structure” (NAMI, 2008). Scientists, scholars, and researchers believe that a disparity in the complex, interwoven chemical structure and responses of the brain has something to do with schizophrenia (NIH, 2009; Veague, 2007). In the present time, scientists are attempting to discover whether brain chemistry and structure is indeed one of the real causes of schizophrenia. What are some of the Available Treatments for Schizophrenia? Treatments for schizophrenia can be classified into two groups: medication and psychosocial treatments. Medication. Medications such as antipsychotic drugs are proven effective in treating schizophrenia; however, the efficacy is contingent to which patient the medication is being applied to. The downside of medications is that they have adverse side-effects; although, most of these side effects fade away after several days (NIH, 2009). Some of the most common side-effects of taking medications for schizophrenia are as follows: blurred vision, increasing heart rate, skin rashes, sleepiness, nausea, restlessness, and involuntary body movements (NIH, 2009; Veague, 2007). Psychosocial Treatments. Psychosocial treatments include: drug and alcohol treatment, family education, illness management skills, rehabilitation, small group, therapeutic activities such as talking with a therapist (NIH, 2009). Schizophrenia and Cultural Influences Cultural factors, especially socio-cultural influences, are the most ignored element in studying the cause of not just schizophrenia, but also mental disorders and illnesses as a whole (Lopéz & Nùńez, 1987; Nasser et al., 2002). In an investigation conducted by Lopéz & Nùńez (1987), it was found out that negligibly recognized cultural factors influence the manifestation and description of schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Particularly, gender role and gender differences are considered to be the most significantly beneficial research elements that can be included in future research studies about the cause of schizophrenia. A study of cross-cultural research provides proof for the necessity to widen the predating research concentration in schizophrenia to include gender and other socio-cultural factors (Nasser et al., 2002). Personal Experience on the Topic Prior to carrying out this research, particularly in rummaging on existing literatures pertaining to schizophrenia, little knowledge has been afforded with the researcher. This knowledge was merely limited to the notion that schizophrenia is a generally violent mental illness, and is parallel to a completely irreversible mental condition. With sufficient evidence on hand, a much wider perspective has been developed for understanding schizophrenia; that it is a remediable disease, which is utterly contrary to popular beliefs. The Role of Social Work Social work plays a critical role in providing assistance for individuals suffering from schizophrenia. With the aid of social workers, it is ensured that patients do not just receive medications, but they are also given psychosocial treatments, which are likewise very important in eradicating the mentally degenerative symptoms of schizophrenia (Dziegielewski, 2010). References Dziegielewski, S.F. (2010). Social work practice and psychopharmacology: A person-in- environment approach (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company. Hirsch, S.R., & Weinberger, D.R. (2003). Schizophrenia. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Lopéz, S., & Nùńez, J.A. (1987). Cultural factors considered in selected diagnostic criteria and interview schedules. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 96(3): 270-272. Nasser, E.H., Walders, N., & Jenkins, J.H. (2002). A critical review of the current status of research on schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 28(2): 351-362. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2008). Understanding schizophrenia and recovery. [PDF Document]. Retrieved from: http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=by_illness&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=67729 National Institute of Mental Health. (2009). Schizophrenia. [PDF Document] Retrieved from: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-booket-2009.pdf Regier, D.A., Narrow, W.E., Rae, D.S., Manderscheid, R.W., Locke, B.Z., & Goodwin, F.K. (1993). The de facto US mental and addictive disorders service system: Epidemiologic catchment area prospective 1-year prevalence rates of disorders and services. Archives of General Psychiatry, 50(2): 85-94. Stanghellini, G., Bolton, D., & Fulford, W.K.M. (2013). Person-centered psychopathology of Schizophrenia: Building on Karl Jasper’s understanding of patient’s attitude toward his illness. Schizophr Bull, 39(2): 287-294. Sullivan, P.F. (2005). The genetics of schizophrenia. PLoS Medicine, 2(7): n.p. Veague, H.B. (2007). Schizophrenia. New York City, NY: Infobase Publishing. Read More