Abstract This paper addresses childhood onsetschizophrenia (COS) and the controversy surrounding the causes as well as the diagnostic distinction between childhood onsetschizophrenia and the more known disorder schizophrenia, which is prevalent in adults. For the purposes of providing a differential diagnosis and a definitive clinical picture of COS, the paper examines the disorder as diagnosed prior to the age of thirteen. The paper points out that, until recently, the term childhood schizophrenia was given to a highly diverse mix of children with very little in common other than a profound and chronic disturbance during early childhood. The paper concludes that, although much work has been written about childhood onsetschizophrenia, there are still many issues subject to debate.
From the Paper "The assessment of diagnosing childhood onset schizophrenia is a very delicate matter and all areas of the child's life have to come into consideration. Because of the severity of schizophrenia and the elements it shares with other psychotic mood disorders, it is very important to perform thorough assessment prior to diagnosis. This assessment involves structured interviews, symptom scales, and diagnostic decision trees like those found in the DSM-IV-TR manual. The individuals that should be interviewed include the child, their parents, teachers, siblings and even their peers. A clear distinction is necessary to be determined so that proper action can be taken. The interview with parents and children must be thorough and include information on recent events, changes in mental state and functioning, developmental history and, as we have seen before family history. Information on family history is significant as the rate of schizophrenia is increased among first degree relatives (Gonthier, 2004)."
Abstract This paper examines schizophrenia in adult women. The paper begins by discussing the average age of onset. Then the paper presents the unique health care needs of schizophrenic women including pregnancy, motherhood issues and sexual abuse issues. The paper also explores gender differences and quality of life. The paper concludes with an examination of theories of causation and treatment.
From the Paper "The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that schizophrenia is the most disabling of all of the mental disorders. According to the NIMH globally about one percent of all..."
Abstract This paper explains that schizophrenia is a psychological disorder from an underlying brain disorder and that individuals diagnosed with acute schizophrenia have hallucinations and delusions. The paper then relates that individuals having lesser symptoms experience withdrawal, social isolation, and unusual speech, thinking or behavior. The paper also points out that although there are many mental disorders, schizophrenia is more complex yet it affects approximately 1 percent of people globally. The paper then explores the etiology, characteristics, assessment, and treatment of schizophrenia.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Etiology
Characteristics
Assessments
Treatment and Management
Conclusion
From the Paper "Schizophrenia, a complex mental health disorder, involves a harsh, persistent, and hindering interruption of the brain. There is no specific cause of obtaining schizophrenia. However research has suggested that it develops from a chemical imbalance in the brain from inherited factors such as genetics, behavioral, and environmental conditions. Schizophrenia affects men and women however the symptoms are more prone to men in their late teens and/or early 20s, women between 20s and 30s. Individual diagnosed with severe schizophrenia may have hallucinations or delusions. Lesser symptoms include individuals with disordered thinking. A licensed psychiatrist usually diagnoses schizophrenia. Treatment is given to individuals with schizophrenia by many factors i.e. age, health, medical history and therapy."
Abstract This paper examines the psychiatric illness of schizophrenia. The author discusses possible causes, risk factors, the symptoms such as depression, hallucinations, lack of motivation, social withdrawal, delusions, etc. The author also discusses how families cope with schizophrenic members, and the various anti-psychotic drugs available.
From the Paper "Schizophrenia can be classified as gradual-onset schizophrenia (also known as insidious schizophrenia) or acute-episode schizophrenia. Sometimes there is a slow build-up of symptoms leading up to episode schizophrenia; other times there are no warning signs. Episode schizophrenia spans a short period of time but is nevertheless intense and oftentimes includes the following symptoms: hallucinations or delusions, thought disorder, and self-disassociation. Schizophrenia can also be onset suddenly. In a matter of weeks or even days, a schizophrenic's behavior can change significantly."
An overview of schizophrenia, a severe from of mental illness that seriously impacts the patient's life and the lives of others involved with the patient.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, 2006, $ 44.95
Abstract Schizophrenia is a severe form of mental illness that has warranted continued study from psychologists and researchers for over 100 years. With a complex number of symptoms and questionable etiology, schizophrenia continues to create new challenges today. Though four main subtypes of schizophrenia are recognized, it continues to be a complicated mental illness. More research and continued work with schizophrenic patients is necessary for further understanding of this illness, with the hope that quality of life may be improved. This paper discusses the symptoms, etiology and types of schizophrenia as well as ongoing research on the topic and the challenges a mental illness such as schizophrenia presents.
Abstract The paper relates that schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that affects over 1% of the population, for which there is no cure. The paper discusses the symptoms, causes and type of persons that may be affected, as well as the treatment.
Outline:
The Disorder
Positive Symptoms
Negative Symptom
Who Does Schizophrenia Affect and When
What Causes Schizophrenia Treatment
The Public Face of Schizophrenia Living With Schizophrenia In Summary
From the Paper "Delusions, according to Random House Dictionary, are fixed false beliefs that are resistant to reason or confrontation with actual fact. Those suffering from delusions may think that the local radio station is extracting information from their head, or that the post office has a magnetic wave generator that control's their actions. People with schizophrenia may also suffer from delusions of grandeur and delusions of persecution. When someone believes that they are a major historical figure, such as Napoleon Bonaparte, this is considered a delusion of grandeur. Delusions of persecution occur when someone with schizophrenia believes that he or she is being intentionally spied upon, plotted against, cheated, and generally mistreated."
Abstract This paper defines schizophrenia and the different subtypes. The paper first examines how the psychotic disorder affects patients. Next the paper defines the stages of schizophrenia. Then the paper discusses the causes and symptoms of the disease. The paper concludes with a discussion of diagnoses, treatment and prognosis of schizophrenia.
From the Paper "Schizophrenia is a group of psychotic disorders in which the patient has severely disordered patterns of thinking, emotions and behaviors. They may see, hear or feel things which are not there. It is estimated that approximately one percent..."
Abstract This paper looks at the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating patients with schizophrenia. The paper begins by describing the therapy and its application, as well as presenting studies that have both supported and contradicted its effectiveness. The paper notes that while CBT is the treatment of choice for schizophrenia in the United Kingdom and abroad, it has been slow to be accepted in the United States.
Abstract This paper describes schizophrenia, a major mental health problem that can affect people from all walks of life. The paper details the diagnostic criteria for the disease, its causes, risk factors and genetic and environmental factors associated with the disease. The paper also presents a history of schizophrenia and discusses various treatment options including anti-psychotic medication, psychotherapy and non-medical interventions.
From the Paper "Schizophrenia is a psychiatric diagnosis considered a chronic psychological or brain disorder that can happen to anyone. It is a major health problem that occurs in all cultures, affects men and women equally and affects all areas of functioning, including thought, emotion, perception and behavior. Although it can occur at any age, onset is typically in young adults. The most common symptoms are incoherent thinking, hallucinations, delusions and bizarre behavior. Because of these symptoms, schizophrenics cannot function effectively in the real world although the world of schizophrenics..."
Abstract This paper looks at the history of schizophrenia. The writer discusses its diagnosis and how it is portrayed in the media. The writer looks at how it is regarded by the law. This paper discusses the treatments used in schizophrenia. The writer also gives some examples of schizophrenics who have come to receive media attention, such as Andrea Yates.
From the Paper "The disease called schizophrenia was first described by German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin. Schizophrenia is a common psychotic disorder which affects approximately one percent of the population which transcends economic status education level geographic location and family structure and functionality. There is no way to accurately predict who will become schizophrenic and the cause is largely unknown although there is almost certainly a genetic predisposition for the disorder. However the genetic component is not omnipotent because in identical twins one can be ... "
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses what is known of the origins of schizophrenia, as these pertain to several fields of psychology. The writer looks at important concepts that include schizophrenia as a familial and genetic disease that may or may not present in the family members of diagnosed cases. Further, the writer reflects on how the disease is treated in the present and looks at risks of the condition. A commentary on how psychologists can support the patient who lives in the community is also presented.
From the Paper "Studying possible causes of schizophrenia has led to a large literature in areas that involve brain chemistry, genetics, abnormal development, and the precise nature of cognitive deficits and emotion. Biological theories of schizophrenia gained from progress in neuro-psychiatry, the psychology of perception, and what can be dormant genetic features until a period of abrupt or prolonged stress to produce a first psychotic episode. The emergence of Neuroscience as a distinct discipline in the late 1950s and early 1960s has helped to track genetic factors that influence schizophrenia, in new knowledge to do with genetic dysfunction, molecules, neuronal organelles or differences in neural systems."
Abstract In this essay the writer reviews the pathophysiology of schizophrenia with respect to cell mutations, genetics, cellular adaptation, inflammation, and transmitter disruptions. The article includes a review of current research in the area of schizophrenia. A conclusion is presented with respect to diagnostic procedures as well as treatment regimens. This report also addresses the pathophysiology of the disease as well as discussing diagnostic and treatment modalities.
From the Paper "Today's modern American family, on entering the twenty- first century, is beset by events and conditions that, fifty years ago, were the story lines of authors such as Orwell and Hersey. Mega-technology, ever-increasing healthcare costs, unprecedented scientific advancement, continual cost of living increases, global conflict, and a broadening of cultural diversity besiege the American family today. The pressures brought to bear on the family are healthy in some ways and detrimental in others. With so much more pressure confronting the American family, the rise of psychopathology must be addressed. The remainder of this report will examine one particular psychological disorder, schizophrenia, with respect to its relationship with the modern American family."
Abstract This paper presents three main theories of schizophrenia indicated in contemporary medical literature. The paper gives a general history of schizophrenia and discusses some of the past literature into the condition. It then discusses it towards the understanding of biochemical abnormalities, influences and defects of development, and then the pivotal link to acute stress.
From the Paper "Biological, Genetic and Developmental Roots of Schizophrenia. Introduction Research into schizophrenia has created large literatures on brain chemistry, genetics, and abnormal development. Biological theories of schizophrenia gained from progress in neuropsychiatry, the psychology of perception, and what can be dormant genetic features till an occasion of abrupt or prolonged stress creates a first psychotic episode. The rise of Neuroscience in the late 1950s and early 1960s has helped to track genetic factors that influence schizophrenia towards some knowledge of genetic dysfunction, neuronal molecules, neuronal organelles or differences in neural systems."
Abstract This paper explains a mysterious disease that modern research has permitted understanding better in terms of causation/abnormalities. The paper discusses developmental differences, genetic findings and biochemical differences of schizophrenia. It then focuses on the medical treatment of schizophrenia.
From the Paper "Three Theories of Schizophrenia in the Early 21st Century Introduction Schizophrenia continues to generate tremendous research towards several breakthroughs in our knowledge of developmental and genetic differences, in addition to biochemical research rendering abnormalities identifiable. Unfortunately, few patients are examined according to this knowledge until perhaps severe symptoms, positive and negative, have been presented, in visual and other hallucinations, non-motivation, social withdrawal, acute agitation, disordered thinking, paranoid delusions and emotional decay. A most controversial diagnosis of the present is evaluated in terms of changes to the normal personality, in patients who usually do not present symptoms till adolescence, or beyond."
Abstract Summary: This paper is a critical analysis of Frost's "The Onset". The poem also reflects the power of the human mind to overcome the worst kind of adversity. From observing the seasonal cycle of Nature and its pattern of regeneration against all odds, we learn that good inevitably triumphs over evil, but evil lingers.
