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

1. Schizophrenia

2. What is Schizophrenia?
A brain disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia can
have symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and extreme distorted thinking
and behavior. Schizophrenia is an extreme type of mental disorder, and people
who have it need to be taken care of for the rest of their life. This type of mental
disorder is chronic, but can be treated with therapy, and drugs.
Contrary to popular belief, schizophrenia isn't a split personality or multiple
personality. The word "schizophrenia" does mean "split mind," but it refers to a
disruption of the usual balance of emotions and thinking.

3. This study shows that
Schizo is not purely
genetic. These
identical twins are 28
years old. The picture
on the right is the
brother with
Schizophrenia.

4. Entry 1: The Voices
Everyday the voices in my head tell me what to
do. I swear its not my decisions, the voices are
telling me to. They tell me someone is out to get
me, the people out to get me will do anything. I
can’t trust anyone. Some days are different
though. Some days the voices don’t say much,
but I always have to be careful, because the
people are everywhere. Sometimes the voices
drive me crazy. So crazy that I can’t stand up
straight. they are always in my head telling me
what to do and how to feel. Sometimes they tell
me to do go out and sometimes I don’t leave my
house for days. The voices in my head always
have something to say, They tell me i’m not
safe. Ever.

5. Causes of Schizophrenia
The causes of Schizophrenia is still unknown but researchers believe that is is
caused by a combination of genetics and the environment. These two factors
can lead to the development of the mental disorder.
Problems with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including
neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, also may contribute to
schizophrenia. While researchers aren't certain about the significance of these
changes, they support evidence that schizophrenia is a brain disease.

6. Schizophrenia and the US
To the left, this picture shows
some facts and myths of
Schizophrenia. Some facts include,
1 out of every 125 people have
Schizo, and 62.7 billion dollars
went to Schizophrenia research in
2002. A myth of Schizophrenia is
that it is only genetic.

7. Entry 2: My Psychologist
My psychologist sees me 3 times a week. Her
name is Julie. She listens to us, and how we
feel. I tell her about my day, and she tells me
about her other patients that are just like me,
they look like me, but are very different. One day
I would like to meet them. One plays music, she
likes piano. The other day I saw someone
playing piano in the middle of the park and I was
dancing. Then all of a sudden I was in the
middle of the street, and I have no clue how I
ended up there. It was very strange. I tell Julie
about my day, and she listens.

8. Symptoms
● Delusions. These are false beliefs that are not based in reality. For example, you're being harmed or harassed; certain gestures or
comments are directed at you; you have exceptional ability or fame; another person is in love with you; a major catastrophe is about to
occur; or your body is not functioning properly. Delusions occur in as many as 4 out of 5 people with schizophrenia.
● Hallucinations. These usually involve seeing or hearing things that don't exist. Yet for the person with schizophrenia, they have the full
force and impact of a normal experience. Hallucinations can be in any of the senses, but hearing voices is the most common
hallucination.
● Disorganized thinking (speech). Disorganized thinking is inferred from disorganized speech. Effective communication can be
impaired, and answers to questions may be partially or completely unrelated. Rarely, speech may include putting together meaningless
words that can't be understood, sometimes known as word salad.
● Extremely disorganized or abnormal motor behavior. This may show in a number of ways, ranging from childlike silliness to
unpredictable agitation. Behavior is not focused on a goal, which makes it hard to perform tasks. Abnormal motor behavior can include
resistance to instructions, inappropriate and bizarre posture, a complete lack of response, or useless and excessive movement.
● Negative symptoms. This refers to reduced ability or lack of ability to function normally. For example, the person appears to lack
emotion, such as not making eye contact, not changing facial expressions, speaking without inflection or monotone, or not adding hand
or head movements that normally provide the emotional emphasis in speech. Also, the person may have a reduced ability to plan or

9. How Schizophrenia affects the individual who has it

10. Entry 3: How I Feel Everyday
Some days are longer than others and it’s the
strangest sensation. Some days I feel mad, like
really mad. So mad I could scream at everyone
and the voices, the voices tell me to. My sister is
over a lot. Sometimes she sleeps over and
helps me pick out my clothes and we go out to
eat. I like when she comes over. We like my
sister. Sometimes i feel anxious when the boy
down the hall comes by. I cant seem to look him
the eye. I feel like a child around him. My sister
sometimes has to tell me it’s okay and to block
out the voices but it’s harder than you would
think.

11. Tests and Diagnosis
● Tests and screenings. These may include a lab test called a complete
blood count (CBC), other blood tests that may help rule out conditions with
similar symptoms, and screening for alcohol and drugs. The doctor may
also request imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan.
● Psychological evaluation. A doctor or mental health provider will check
mental status by observing appearance and demeanor and asking about
thoughts, moods, delusions, hallucinations, substance abuse, and potential
for violence or suicide.

12. Steps for treatment after diagnosis is made

13. Entry 4: The Beginning
When I was younger the other kids and I didn’t
get along. I was always that one kid to read at
recess. I have never been really social and I
guess I was right for that because now I know
that those kids were out to get me. The voices
started coming when I was 12. they didn’t come
all the time and it was rare. Some times they
made it hard to focus and I would sometimes
forget how I got somewhere. My parents never
noticed anything. They barely stayed around
long enough to see me once a week. Me and
my sister spent a lot of time together, she’s
always been there for me.

14. Treatments and Drugs
Schizophrenia is a chronic illness that requires a lot of support throughout the
person's life.
Between psychosocial therapy and medication the condition can be managed.
Treatment can include a therapist, social worker, or a nurse.
Medication is the main way to treat Schizophrenia. Medication can be hard
when it comes to Schizophrenic patients. Because of their disorder, they can
be reluctant to take the meds at all. Popular medications for treating
Schizophrenia include lorazepam, and benzodiazepine. These drugs can be
combined with an antipsychotic for maximum results.

15. These are some examples of art therapy from Schizophrenic patients

16. Entry 5: The Drugs
I don’t like taking my meds. The voices in my
head tell me not to, they aren’t really medication.
Its poison. I only take my meds on wednesdays
because its the middle of the week and there is
something safe about being in the middle. My
sister says I have to take my meds or I won’t get
any sleep. I believe her, but sometimes the TV
tells me not too, and the voices tell me not too,
and the radio tells me not too. So I don't know
who to believe or trust..

17. 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

18. Bibliography
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/schizophrenia/basics/treatment/con-
20021077
Google.com/images/schizophrenia