Schizophrenia
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- Date Submitted: 06/27/2010 03:19 PM
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Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia, a chronic and disabling psychological disorder, affects individuals from all walks of life, all social, economic, and education classes. Although schizophrenia has long been a topic of extensive research, an exact cause has yet to be determined.
Schizophrenia typically affects an individual’s thoughts, feelings, percetions, and relationships with others. Although there are many different symptoms of schizophrenia, not all are present in every patient suffering from the disorder. Delusions, distorted speech, and hallucinations are common symptoms. Additional symptoms, such as ususual behavior, lack of hygiene, and withdrawal from social activites may often be dismissed as a phase.
The onset of schizophrenia typically occurs between the late teens to mid 30s; however, later onset may occur. Although symptoms are the same no matter the age of the individual, schizophrenia is difficult to diagnose at early ages. Women tend to have later onset of symptoms. The median age for onset of symptoms in women is the late 20s; while the median age for onset of symptoms in men is the mid 20s.
Depending upon the rate of onset, schizophrenia can be divided into two main types (Gulli, 2001). Individuals classified as having Type I schizophrenia have rapid onset of symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations, and respond well to medication. Individuals classified with Type II schizophrenia experience slower onset of symptoms as well as slowed physical and mental reactions.
Schizophrenia can also be divided into subtypes (Gulli, 2001) based upon the symptoms presented. Paranoid schizophrenics suffer from delusions and auditory hallucinations, but tend to function at a higher level than other subtypes. Although this subtype has nearly normal emotions and cognitive abilities, their behavior can become violent when delusional and are at a higher risk for suicide. Disorganized schizophrenics display disorganized...
Schizophrenia, a chronic and disabling psychological disorder, affects individuals from all walks of life, all social, economic, and education classes. Although schizophrenia has long been a topic of extensive research, an exact cause has yet to be determined.
Schizophrenia typically affects an individual’s thoughts, feelings, percetions, and relationships with others. Although there are many different symptoms of schizophrenia, not all are present in every patient suffering from the disorder. Delusions, distorted speech, and hallucinations are common symptoms. Additional symptoms, such as ususual behavior, lack of hygiene, and withdrawal from social activites may often be dismissed as a phase.
The onset of schizophrenia typically occurs between the late teens to mid 30s; however, later onset may occur. Although symptoms are the same no matter the age of the individual, schizophrenia is difficult to diagnose at early ages. Women tend to have later onset of symptoms. The median age for onset of symptoms in women is the late 20s; while the median age for onset of symptoms in men is the mid 20s.
Depending upon the rate of onset, schizophrenia can be divided into two main types (Gulli, 2001). Individuals classified as having Type I schizophrenia have rapid onset of symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations, and respond well to medication. Individuals classified with Type II schizophrenia experience slower onset of symptoms as well as slowed physical and mental reactions.
Schizophrenia can also be divided into subtypes (Gulli, 2001) based upon the symptoms presented. Paranoid schizophrenics suffer from delusions and auditory hallucinations, but tend to function at a higher level than other subtypes. Although this subtype has nearly normal emotions and cognitive abilities, their behavior can become violent when delusional and are at a higher risk for suicide. Disorganized schizophrenics display disorganized...