Transcript Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia
Chapter 11
A
severe and chronic psychological
disorder characterized by
disturbances in thinking, perception,
emotions and behavior.
 Schizophrenia
has Greek roots
meaning “split brain”.
Schizophrenia

Affects about 1 in 100 people in the U.S.

There are an estimated 2.5 million people
diagnosed with schizo. and 1/3 of these
people are hospitalized.

Treatment of schizo. Accounts for 75% of
the nation’s mental health hospitalization
Stats
It is a psychotic disorder- a disorder in
which people confuse reality with fantasy,
seeing and hearing things that aren’t
there (hallucinations and delusions).
 Auditory hallucinations (hearing voices) is
most common.
 Delusions can take different shapes, but
most dwell on themes of persecution

Symptoms of Schizophrenia
 People
with schizo. may
◦ Show bizarre/incoherent speech
◦ Illogical thinking
◦ May not know the time of day
◦ May not know what day or year it is
◦ May not know where they are
◦ May not know who they are
Symptoms Continued
Thought Disorder- a Breakdown in the
logical structure of thinking and speech
characterized by loose associations
between expressed ideas.
 Our thoughts follow a logical sequence
(one thought followed by the next)
 In schizo. there is a lack of logical
connection of thoughts (speech may even
become incomprehensible)

Symptoms Continued Again

Positive Symptoms- Hallucinations,
delusions, bizarre behavior and thought
disorder (tend to fade).

Negative Symptoms- Extreme
withdrawal or social isolation, apathy and
lack of facial expression of emotions
(usually are more enduring).
Positive and Negative


Disorganized- Characterized by confused
behavior, incoherent speech, vivid and
frequent hallucinations, inappropriate
emotions or lack of emotions, and
disorganized delusions of sexual or
religious nature.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJf6UWkeoxo&saf
ety_mode=true&safe=active&persist_safety_mode=1
Types of Schizophrenia


Catatonic- Bizarre movements, postures,
or grimaces. Some persist in a motionless
state for hours and abruptly change into a
highly agitated state. Others stand in
uncomfortable or unusual positions for
hours.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRQMDsw02Dw&safety
_mode=true&safe=active&persist_safety_mode=1
Types of Schizophrenia
 Paranoid-
The most common form.
Characterized by delusions that are
accompanied by frequent auditory
hallucinations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTUMt05_nCI&feature=rel
ated&safety_mode=true&safe=active&persist_safety_mode=1

Delusions are often:
◦ Themes of grandeur (believing they are Jesus)
◦ Persecution (by demons or mafia)
◦ Jealousy (unfaithful lover or spouse w/ no
evidence)
Types of Schizophrenia
 Genetic
Factors
◦Genetics plays an important
role
◦Adopted children who have
biological parents w/ schizo
are more likely to develop
schizo
◦What about identical twins?
Causes of Schizophrenia
 Biochemical
Imbalances
◦ Biochemical imbalances in the nerve
pathways in the brain that utilize the
neurotransmitter dopamine contribute
in the development of schizo.
◦ Brains of schizo people have an
excess number of dopamine receptors
(could also be over sensitive)
Causes of Schizophrenia
 Brain Abnormalities◦ Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and
Computed Tomography (CT) show a
range of brain abnormalities associated
with schizophrenia.
◦ These abnormalities may develop during
prenatal periods.
◦ Prefrontal cortex and limbic system
seem to be affected.
Causes of Schizophrenia