SCHIZOPHRENIA

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia

Introduction

Schizophrenia is a complex brain disorder. Like many other illnesses, schizophrenia is believed to result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. All the tools of modern science are being used to search for the causes of this disorder. Schizophrenia is a complex and puzzling illness. Even the experts in the field are not exactly sure what causes it. Some doctors think that the brain may not be able to process information correctly (Andreasen, 1994).

Discussion

Schizophrenia is a group of mental illnesses characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and distorted views of reality. It affects roughly one hundred fifty people out of one hundred thousand and accounts for more than half of all hospitalizations. Schizophrenia usually appears between the late-teens and mid-thirties. It is the most chronic and disabling mental illness; it affects the way people think, feel, and act (Doane, 1986). The disorder impairs a person's ability to manage emotions, interact with others, and think clearly. It generally occurs in periods of remission and relapse. Symptoms will often disappear, only to return later. Often, a schizophrenic has trouble determining the difference between what reality is and what is imaginary. There is no cure for schizophrenia; however, there are many treatment options available (Costello, 2000).

Causes

There is no known single cause of schizophrenia; however, there are several theories that explain what factor or factors lead to schizophrenia. One belief is that genetics cause the disorder. However, it is believed that the genetic make-up may not be sufficient for the development of the illness and that environmental factors may play a role as well (certain stresses may result in schizophrenia). The fact that monozygotic twins, identical twins, raised in different families and different environments, both having schizophrenia was fairly high (about 47 percent), shows that genetic factors may outweigh environmental factors (Andreasen, 1994).

One of the more heavily studied theories is the dopamine theory. This theory states that increased levels of dopamine in the brain may cause schizophrenia. This hypothesis appears to have some evidence that makes it credible. For example, some experiments have shown that several schizophrenics have increased concentrations of homovanillic acid (HVA), the major dopamine metabolite (Doane, 1986). Studies have shown that the higher the concentrations of HVA in the plasma of schizophrenics, the more severe the symptoms of the disease and the more severe the treatment has to be to successfully work. It also has been pointed out that almost all of the effective drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia decrease the production and effect of dopamine (Andreason, 1991).

Symptoms

Symptoms of schizophrenia are highly variable; people with schizophrenia behave differently at different times. Some may become distressed and agitated, while others become catatonic. Almost all of the disorder's symptoms have to do with some kind of disassociation with reality. Schizophrenic symptoms are usually characterized as being positive or negative. Positive symptoms are abnormal thoughts and perceptions. This includes hallucinations, disordered thinking, and delusions. Negative symptoms are a loss or decrease in normal functioning. This includes lacking emotion (apathy), lacking energy, lacking ...