2. A long-term mental disorder of a type involving a breakdown
in the relation between thought, emotion, and behavior, leading to
faulty perception, inappropriate actions and feelings, withdrawal
from reality and personal relationships into fantasy and delusion,
and a sense of mental fragmentation.
Definition
3. Etiology
Genetic
Caused by interactions of several genes.
Schizophrenia is only influenced by genetics,not determined by it.
Neurobiological factor
A leading neurobiological hypothesis looks at the connection
between the disease and excessive levels of dopamine, a chemical that
transmits signals in the brain
Substance Use
• Cannabis
• Amphetamines and other stimulants
• Hallucinogens
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
4. Environmental Causes
• Prenatal exposure to a viral infection
• Low oxygen levels during birth (from prolonged labor or premature birth)
• Exposure to a virus during infancy
• Early parental loss or separation
• Physical or sexual abuse in childhood
Etiology (cntd…)
5. The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia has been the dominant theoretical
construction guiding research and treatment of the schizophrenic disorders
over the past generation.
This hypothesis, in its simplest guise, posits the presence of a functional
alteration in central dopaminergic systems in the brains of schizophrenic
patients.
Recent findings have resulted in a greater understanding of the complexity of
the central dopaminergic systems and have led to revisions of the hypothesis
of a simple functional hyperactivity of central dopaminergic systems
Pathogenesis
6. Symptoms
The symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three broad categories.
Positive Symptoms
• unusual thoughts or perceptions,
• hallucinations,
• delusions,
• thought disorder and disorder of movement.
• Auditory hallucinations.
Negative Symptoms
• Immobile facial expression,
• monotonous voice.
• Lack of pleasure in everyday life.
• Diminished ability to initiate and sustain planned activity.
• Speaking infrequently even when forced to interact
• often neglect basic hygiene.
7. Symptoms (cntd…)
Cognitive Symptoms
• Poor executive functioning. (the ability to absorb and interpret
information and make decisions based on that information).
• Inability to sustain attention.
• Problems with working memory (the ability to keep recently learned
information in mind and use it right away).
8. Diagnosis
o Currently there is no physical or lab test that can absolutely
diagnose schizophrenia.
o A psychiatrist usually comes to the diagnosis based on
clinical symptoms.
o Schizophrenia may get misdiagnosed:
• Schizoid personality
• Schizophreniform disorder
• Schizotypal personality
• Bipolar Disorder
• Asperger’s syndrome
9. Treatments
During an episode of schizophrenia, the person may need to stay in
the hospital for safety reasons.
Antipsychotic medicines are the most effective treatment for
schizophrenia. They change the balance of chemicals in the brain and
can help control symptoms.
Family members and caregivers are very important in the treatment of
schizophrenia. Important skills that may be learned at such programs
include:
• Coping with symptoms that are present even while taking
medicines
• A healthy lifestyle, including getting enough sleep and staying
away from recreational drugs
• Taking medicines correctly and how to manage side effects
• Watching for the return of symptoms, and knowing what to do
when they return
