Schizophrenia

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that schizophrenia is perhaps the most harsh and cruel mental disorder because it gives the sufferers views and insights of reality, which are extremely uncommon and psychotic. The author points out that recent studies have shown that people suffering from schizophrenia not only feel afraid, mystified, nervous and apprehensive on a consistent basis but also suffer from speech disorders and jumbled behavior; these behaviors often terrify the people around the patient. The paper relates that, although many people think that schizophrenia actually takes place because of drug abuse, this is not the case: Although some schizophrenics may be high drug abusers and although the symptoms of schizophrenia are similar to those of drug abusers, research has yet to establish any connection between the two conditions.

Table of Contents
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Onset and Course
Behavioral Manifestations
Prognosis
Possible Interactions with Substance Abuse
Drugs Most Likely to be Misused
Possible Patterns of Use
Treatment Issues
The Role of Medication
Illness' Affect on Client Compliance and Motivation
Illness' Affect on the Client's Support System
Other Interpersonal (Work, Family, Educational) Issues
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Majority of the people suffering from schizophrenia are considered to be chain smokers and thus greatly abuse nicotine. Approximately one third of Americans are smokers, but people suffering from schizophrenia are found to drink cigarettes three times more than an average American. Research has shown that the relationship between smoking and schizophrenia is complex. Although people with schizophrenia may smoke to self medicate their symptoms, smoking has been found to interfere with the response to antipsychotic drugs. Several studies have found that schizophrenia patients who smoke need higher doses of antipsychotic medication."

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