Schizophrenia is genetically influenced and it believed to be caused by fluid filled holes in the brain and a smaller than normal cortex (amoung other brain deformalities) paired with biochemical disruptions.
symptoms include:
(+)
-delusions
-hallucinations
-disordered thinking, fragmented mind
(-)
-social withdrawal
-extreme apathy
-diminished motivation
-less than normal amount of emotional expression
schizophrenia is often mistaken for depression and the cognitive disabilities that accomany schizophrenia are also hard to recognize. These illness like syptoms are what makes living a normal life with schizophrenia almost impossible.
it is diagnosed when active schizophrenia symptoms are apparent for two weeks or more and debilitate the person. such symptoms include a psychotic episode
It is treated with medium to heavy antipsychotic drugs that work to balance out neurotransmitter levels. One important neurotransmitter to regulate in schizophrenic people is dopamine.
article found at: http://schizophrenia.emedtv.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia.html
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Our book defines schizophrenia, lists possible causes and possible treatments. However, they do not go over what happens when a person either does not respond to treatment and/or voluntarily goes off medication because it effects other areas of their lives. I think our book should have more real life examples of people with these psychological disorders. I think it would help us to better understand and relate to the disorders. Don't you?
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