AP Psychology Project

1. Schizophrenia
Captain Sparkles
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2. Disclaimer
This a project for a high school AP Psychology course. This is a
fictionalized account of having a psychological ailment. For questions
about this blog project or its content please email the teacher, Laura
Astorian: laura.astorian@cobbk12.org
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3. Description
Schizophrenia is a brain disorder where people are unable to
differentiate between reality and fantasy. Symptoms can range from
very mild to very severe.
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4. Symptoms
Symptoms can range from:
● Abnormal social behavior such as isolation or constant aggression
● Cognitive issues such as delusions, thought disorder, memory loss
● Mood swings varying from anger to apathy to feelings of
detachment
● Psychological issues such as hallucinations, hearing voices,
paranoia
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5. Treatment
While there is no definite cure for Schizophrenia, treatment can help
in varying degrees of success. Examples of treatment include:
● Medication such as Antipsychotics and/or Anti-tremors
● Different types of therapies such as support groups, family
therapy, etc.
● Self-care from Psychoeducation
● Constant visits from specialists such as Psychiatrists
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6. Diagnosis
Schizophrenia is usually diagnosed by a professional such as a
Psychiatrist or some other type of medical doctor.
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7. Causes
The causes of Schizophrenia is unknown however scientists and
professionals believe that genetics have a big role in Schizophrenia.
Other professionals believe that your environment or irregular brain
chemicals may play a huge role in Schizophrenia.
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8. Ages Affected
0-2 - Never
3-5 - Very Rare
6-13 - Rare
14-18 - Common
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19-40 - Common
41-60 - Common
60+ - Common

9. Types of Schizophrenia
Paranoid Schizophrenia - A person is constantly suspicious of other
people and believe that they are out to get him/her
Disorganized Schizophrenia - A person who is often incoherent in
speech and thought bu may not necessarily experience delusions
Catatonic Schizophrenia - A person is withdrawn, mute, negative,
and assumes awkward body positions
Residual Schizophrenia - A person no longer is experiencing
delusions but no longer has any motivation or interest in life
Schizoaffective Disorder - A person has the symptoms of of both
Schizophrenia and a major mood disorder such as depression 9

10. Resources
National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
http://www.suicidepreventio
nlifeline.org/
National Schizophrenia
Foundation
www.nsfoundation.org
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Schizophrenia and Related
Disorders Alliance of
America
http://www.sardaa.org/
National Institute of
Mental Health
1-866-615-6464
nimhinfo@nih.gov
www.nimh.nih.gov

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