Ortega 1maria Ortegaclp 4146schizophreniaschizophrenia Is A Mental Dis ✓ Solved

Ortega 1 Maria Ortega CLP 4146 Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is uncommon and affects more than 23 million people across the globe. It has a profound effect on the affected individual health as well as those living around them. The signs and symptoms of the disorder occur in individuals between their late teens and early thirties. The disease commonly develops earlier in men than in females. In most cases, the individual can show abnormal behaviors from childhood but become essential as the individual gets older, while in other individuals, the symptoms may appear suddenly.

The condition is lifelong, but treatments help in managing the symptoms of the disease. Schizophrenia is a severe condition that affects an individual's mental health, leading to various lessons and more facts about schizophrenia. Most individuals have looked at people with this condition as abnormal and unable to do what other people can do. People with schizophrenia view the world differently, view the world from a different perspective, and challenge what is seen, as usual, hence offering an exciting perspective. Individuals with these conditions argue that the world is not a nice place but can be more enjoyable with imagination (Hardcastle &Valerie, 381).

They feel different from ordinary people, which makes their life a little bit difficult. The recovery journey is challenging, but individuals affected with the condition show that one can overcome life difficulties with the right attitude and perspective. The individual’s tech that having various positions can bring hope that better days will come. People with schizophrenia are seen as crazy individuals but teach ordinary people to see life differently and show how to add passion to live. Stigmatization against these individuals is harsh as people with these conditions are poor, unemployed, and homeless (Krupchanka et al., 129).

The condition is a treatable mental illness, and such patients should be treated with love and support, and those individuals can manage the condition and live a productive life. The patients should be treated with individuals with a good understanding of the condition. These individuals' treatment requires good discipline to avoid particular behaviors are upheld, and all the prescribed medication is always taken to avoid excessive behavior. One of the exciting things about schizophrenia is that specialists are not sure what is the leading cause of schizophrenia but think that it's caused by various factors such as environmental factors and brain chemistry. The NIMH argues that the condition is primarily genetic, and multiple genes might increase the individual's risk of developing schizophrenia (Fekete et al .,396).

People with schizophrenia are in a position to experience such as grey matter leading to insufficient information processing in the brain. Besides drug usage as a teenager, prenatal exposure to viruses that affect brain development, malnutrition, and psychological factors play a significant role. From this research, no behavior and environmental factors lead to schizophrenia. It is believed that men are more likely to evolve this condition, unlike women. Specialists are not sure why this happens and have some theories.

One of the theories is that the high levels of hormones, including estrogen in females, can intercept the imbalance in neurotransmitters like glutamate and dopamine implicated in schizophrenia ((Fekete et al .,396). Additionally, men and women have different symptoms of schizophrenia. For example, men tend to have more negative symptoms while women are related to mood-related symptoms. Both men and women can develop this condition. In conclusion, schizophrenia is a severe disease that destroys and affects the mental health of different people.

The process of recovery requires peace and love and proper medication to ensure a full recovery. These individuals help other individuals to know the value of life. Besides, studies show that no single environmental factor has led to the development of schizophrenia. It has been both men and women experience different symptoms, and men experience other signs and symptoms. Works Cited Fekete, Judit, et al.

"Persons With Schizophrenia Misread Hemingway: A New Approach to Study Theory of Mind in Schizophrenia." Frontiers in Psychiatry ): 396. Hardcastle, Valerie Gray. "Predicting the self: lessons from schizophrenia." Review of Philosophy and Psychology 10.): . Krupchanka, D., et al. "Experience of stigma and discrimination in families of persons with schizophrenia in the Czech Republic." Social Science & Medicine ): .

Maria V. Ortega Poetry Post #1 (Schizophrenia) I have chosen to analyze schizophrenia which is a condition that involves a range of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. According to the DSM V for the diagnosis of schizophrenia, the condition is characterized by the occurrence of the following four main symptoms. First, hallucinations involve hearing and seeing things that are not real which have a full impact on a normal experience in people with schizophrenia. Hearing voices is one of the main types of hallucination that people with this disorder undergo.

Second, delusions are based on having a feeling of false beliefs that are not real. Most of the time, they have feelings of being harassed or harmed which are not real experiences. Furthermore, people with schizophrenia experience disorganized speech with the frequent derailment. It involves the expression of childlike behavior to unpredictable agitations with random behaviors that lack focus, including bizarre posture, resistance to follow instructions, and complete lack of response. Also, they are grossly disorganized, characterized by impaired communication and giving partially unrelated answers.

Sometimes speech may be characterized by putting together meaningless words referred to as word salad. The symptoms are present at a significant period of 1-month with negative symptoms, including diminished emotional expression. The disorder affects the level of functioning in one or more areas like work, self-care, or interpersonal relations lower than the level achieved before adolescence. Therefore, the condition affects the level of interpersonal, occupational functioning, and academic capabilities. Besides, this disorder's symptoms continue for more than six months, including one full month of symptoms according to the first criteria, which may include periods of residual symptoms.

During this period, the symptoms are expressed in a less severe form, with manic episodes appearing concurrently. One of the causes believed to cause schizophrenia is genetic inheritance. The disorder is theorized to run in the family in cases whereby a close relative, sibling, or parent had the condition, which exposes an individual to the probability of acquiring it genetically. The disorder is believed to be inherited through several genes that can make a person susceptible to this condition. Besides, the chemical change in the brain is another theory believed to cause schizophrenia.

It involves a series of interrelated chemicals located in the brain referred to as neurotransmitters responsible for the transmission of signals between brain cells (Holland, 2018). Therefore, the imbalance of these chemicals is believed to result in developing this disorder and other mental health conditions. Furthermore, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that acts as a chemical messenger between neurons and is one of the chemicals that are believed to cause the development of schizophrenia. Treatment using antipsychotic medications is the primary way that is used in the treatment of schizophrenia currently. They work by triggering a decrease in the severity of the disorder's symptoms by regulating the level of chemicals that are believed to be associated with schizophrenia to maintain quality of life.

However, this medication can cause sexual problems, weight gain, and shakiness. Besides, physical therapy is another criterion that is used in the management of schizophrenia disorder. It helps enable affected individuals to carry on with their jobs, finish school, or even practice effective communication. Furthermore, my interest in analyzing this disorder regards my childhood friend who developed this condition while in high school. It affected his studies up to appoint he had to drop out of school, which frustrated me a lot as we were very close, making me to be interested in knowing more about schizophrenia.

Paper for above instructions

Introduction

Schizophrenia is a complex and chronic mental disorder that affects over 23 million individuals globally (World Health Organization, 2023). Characterized by a range of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional dysfunctions, it often presents significant challenges not only for the individuals affected but also for their families and society at large. The onset of schizophrenia typically occurs between late adolescence and early adulthood, with the development often being earlier in males compared to females (Krupchanka et al., 2021). This paper highlights the manifestations, potential causes, and treatment methods for schizophrenia, as well as the societal perceptions and stigmas surrounding the disorder.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is classified according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which identifies several primary symptoms (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These symptoms are typically divided into positive symptoms (those that add to the individual's experience) and negative symptoms (those that detract from normal functioning).

Positive Symptoms

1. Hallucinations: Individuals with schizophrenia may experience auditory or visual hallucinations. Auditory hallucinations, such as hearing voices, are particularly common (Holland, 2018).
2. Delusions: These involve entrenched false beliefs that can manifest in various forms, such as paranoia or grandiosity. For instance, a person may believe they are being persecuted or have special abilities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
3. Disorganized Speech: Ineffective communication, often characterized by a lack of coherence or nonsensical speech (sometimes referred to as "word salad"), is another hallmark symptom (Holland, 2018).

Negative Symptoms

Negative symptoms include diminished emotional expression, lack of motivation, social withdrawal, and impaired functioning in various life domains, including work and interpersonal relationships (Miller et al., 2019).

Causes of Schizophrenia

The etiology of schizophrenia remains a subject of extensive research. Current understanding suggests a multifactorial model, incorporating genetic, neurobiological, environmental, and psychological components.

Genetic Factors

Research indicates a strong genetic component to schizophrenia, with individuals having a family history of the disorder carrying a higher risk of developing it themselves (Fekete et al., 2022). The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) posits that multiple genes likely interact to influence individual susceptibility to schizophrenia (Fekete et al., 2022).

Neurochemical Imbalance

Neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and glutamate, are implicated in the disorder. Dysregulation in dopamine pathways is believed to contribute to hallucinations and delusions, while glutamate may play a role in cognitive functions affected by the disorder (Howes & Kapur, 2009).

Environmental Influences

Several environmental factors, including prenatal exposure to viruses, malnutrition during pregnancy, and psychosocial stressors during critical developmental periods, have been associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia (Cannon et al., 2002; McGrath et al., 2010).

Treatment Approaches

Although there is no single cure for schizophrenia, various treatment strategies can effectively manage its symptoms. These include pharmacological interventions, psychosocial support, and rehabilitation programs.

Pharmacological Treatments

Antipsychotic medications are the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment. They aim to regulate neurotransmitter levels, particularly dopamine, to mitigate the severity of symptoms (Lehman et al., 2004). While effective, these medications come with potential side effects, including weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and movement disorders (Muench & Hamer, 2010).

Psychosocial Interventions

Psychosocial therapies play a crucial role in recovery, focusing on enhancing coping mechanisms, improving interpersonal skills, and providing education about the disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in addressing the cognitive distortions that characterize schizophrenia (Gonzalez-Blanch et al., 2017).

Rehabilitative Services

Rehabilitative services aim to assist individuals in attaining independence, whether in employment, education, or social engagement. These programs often include vocational training and community support systems that help individuals reintegrate into society (Drukker et al., 2014).

Societal Perceptions and Stigma

Stigmatization of individuals with schizophrenia is pervasive, often leading to discrimination, social isolation, and barriers to treatment (Krupchanka et al., 2021). Misconceptions about the disorder frequently result in individuals being viewed as dangerous or incompetent. These societal attitudes can exacerbate feelings of shame and discourage individuals from seeking help (Corrigan et al., 2012).

Conclusion

Schizophrenia is a multifaceted disorder that significantly impacts individuals and their communities. Understanding its complexities enables better empathy towards those affected and highlights the importance of comprehensive treatment approaches and support systems. The journey of recovery, although often challenging, emphasizes resilience and the potential for a fulfilling life despite the disorder. A growing awareness and advocacy for reduced stigma can create a supportive environment in which individuals with schizophrenia can thrive.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
2. Cannon, M., Jones, P. B., & Murray, R. M. (2002). Obstetric complications and schizophrenia: a population-based case-control study. Archives of General Psychiatry, 59(2), 97-100.
3. Corrigan, P. W., Druss, B. G., & Perlick, D. A. (2012). The impact of mental illness stigma on seeking and participating in mental health care. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 15(2), 37-70.
4. Drukker, M., et al. (2014). The relationship between quality of life and parameters of recovery in patients with schizophrenia. Psychiatria Danubina, 26(2), 233-239.
5. Fekete, J., et al. (2022). Persons With Schizophrenia Misread Hemingway: A New Approach to Study Theory of Mind in Schizophrenia. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 396.
6. Gonzalez-Blanch, C., et al. (2017). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis: A meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 47(2), 341-351.
7. Holland, K. D. (2018). Neurotransmitters and mood disorders. In Neurobiology of mood disorders (pp. 1-23). Academic Press.
8. Howes, O. D., & Kapur, S. (2009). The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia: version X. Molecular Psychiatry, 14(3), 171-172.
9. Krupchanka, D., et al. (2021). Experience of stigma and discrimination in families of persons with schizophrenia in the Czech Republic. Social Science & Medicine, 267, 113392.
10. Lehman, A. F., et al. (2004). The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Schizophrenia. American Journal of Psychiatry, 161(1), 2-32.