Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia
Michael Cocca

Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is thought to be caused by an imbalance of chemicals, serotonin and dopamine that are found in the brain. The condition is characterized by positive and negative symptoms.

Causes
There is nothing specifically that someone does to “get” Schizophrenia, nor is it anyone’s fault.
Schizophrenia is a disease like other diseases that simply occur in certain people.
There is some research that suggests Schizophrenia may run in families.

Diagnosis
There is no specific laboratory test or procedure that reveals Schizophrenia.
The doctor may first review the patient’s medical history and, sometimes, the medical history of the patient’s family.
The doctor will base a diagnosis on symptoms, including symptoms the patient has had in the past, particularly if the patient has experienced symptoms over a period of 6 months.

Treatment
Although there is no cure for Schizophrenia, its symptoms are treatable.
With the appropriate medication and therapy, many people with Schizophrenia can start to move forward in their lives.
Medication that can effectively be used as a treatment for symptoms, along with therapy and the support of family and friends, are all important parts of a person's Schizophrenia treatment plan.

Positive Symptoms
Delusions
Hallucinations
Disorganized Speech/Thinking
Catatonic Behaviors
Grossly disorganized behavior

Negative Symptoms
Affective flattening is the reduction in the range and intensity of emotional expression, including facial expression, voice tone, eye contact, and body language.
Alogia, or poverty of speech, is the lessening of speech fluency and productivity, thought to reflect slowing or blocked thoughts, and often manifested as short, empty replies to questions.
Avolitionis the reduction, difficulty, or inability to initiate and persist in goal-directed behavior; it is often mistaken for apparent disinterest. (examples of avolition include: no longer interested in going out and meeting with friends, no longer interested in activities that the person used to show enthusiasm for, no longer interested in much of anything, sitting in the house for many hours a day doing nothing.)

Cognitive Symptoms
Disorganized thinking
Slow thinking
Difficulty understanding
Poor concentration
Poor memory
Difficulty expressing thoughts
Difficulty integrating thoughts, feelings and behavior

Types of Schizophrenia
Paranoid Schizophrenia
Disorganized Schizophrenia
Catatonic Schizophrenia
Residual Schizophrenia
Schizoaffective Disorder
Undifferentiated Schizophrenia

Misdiagnosis Issues
Because there is currently no physical test that confirms the presence of schizophrenia, and because schizophrenia often shares a significant number symptoms with other disorders, misdiagnosis is a common problem. According to one study surveying members of the National Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, there is an average delay of 10 years from the first onset of symptoms to correct diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
However, getting a correct diagnosis is necessary for finding a treatment program that works for you.
Being aware of the potential for misdiagnosis, and knowing what other disorders may appear like schizophrenia or vice-versa, will hopefully help you get started on the right treatment as soon as possible.

Early Warning
As with most serious illnesses, its important to get diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible.
Getting treatment early can significantly improve an individual's chances at a partial or complete recovery by preventing further brain damage or other damage caused by the disease symptoms.

I feel as if I'm all alone in the world.

I feel like I'm going insane.

I feel like I don’t have control over my own life.

I feel that I am running away from everyone.

I cant have a complete thought.

I feel confused about literally everything.

I feel lost and no one will help me.

Im burning on the inside. It feels like I'm dying.

I feel worthless beyond all recognition.

That’s it jocham. Its been fun!
Sorry again about the map 

Schizophrenia

by Michael on May 18, 2010

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