Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder that makes it difficult to distinguish between reality and fantasy. Symptoms vary but can include abnormal social behavior, cognitive issues like delusions or hallucinations, mood swings, and psychological problems. While there is no cure, treatment through medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms. Schizophrenia is usually diagnosed by a medical professional and believed to have genetic and environmental causes. It most commonly develops in late adolescence and early adulthood.
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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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