Schizophrenia: An Overview

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at schizophrenia, a psychiatric disorder. The paper lists and explains predisposing factors such as genetics, precipitating factors such as changes in cerebral blood flow patterns, and perpetuating factors that can contribute to schizophrenia. The psychological assessment for use to diagnose schizophrenia is described and the other psychological disorders that a schizophrenia patient might also suffer from, such as bipolar disorder and depression, are also discussed. In addition, schizophrenia treatment and symptoms management techniques are also discussed

Outline:
Predisposing Factors
Precipitating Factors
Perpetuating Factors
Psychological Assessment
Preferred Psychotherapy

From the Paper:

"The manifestation of symptoms begins at the most concrete level with alterations in neurotransmitters and/or changes in cerebral blood flow patterns. Specifically, dopamine and serotonin are implicated in schizophrenia. With no set formula, upsetting the balance of neurotransmitters can precipitate disease symptom onset. Stress and other environmental triggers are implicated in the increase or decrease of symptoms. Social isolation may be a major environmental trigger. Substance abuse is also implicated as a factor that may precipitate symptom onset. Birth defects and complications that surface during childhood development, exposure to pathogens, and head injury may also precipitate disease onset."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Faraone, S.V. Taylor, L. and Tsuang, M.T. The molecular genetics of schizophrenia: an emerging consensus. Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine: 23 May 2002. Retrieved April 3, 2008 from http://www-ermm.cbcu.cam.ac.uk/02004751h.htm
• Haukka, J.K. Suvisaari,J. and Lonnqvist, J. Family structure and risk factors for schizophrenia: case-sibling study. BMC Psychiatry. 2004; 4: 41. Retrieved April 3, 2008 from http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=535802
• Hovatta, I. Varilo, T., Suvisaari, J., Terwilliger, J.D., Ollikainen, V., Arajarvi, R. Juvonen, H. Kokko-Sahin, M. Vaisanen, L., Mannila, H., Lonnqvist, J. and Peltonen, L. A Genomewide Screen for Schizophrenia Genes in an Isolated Finnish Subpopulation, Suggesting Multiple Susceptibility Loci. Am J Hum Genet. 1999 October; 65(4): 1114-1124. Published online 1999 September 3. Retrieved April 3, 2008 from http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1288245
• "How is Schizophrenia Caused?" Retrieved April 3, 2008 from http://www.enotalone.com/article/3019.html

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