Psychology Degree Guide: Schizophrenia Resources

For many, schizophrenia conjures images of psychopaths and serial killers. Popular culture has demonized sufferers of this challenging mental disorder and imparted inaccurate perceptions of its effects. While it is often mistaken for dissociative identity disorder, a condition in which an individual presents multiple distinct identities, schizophrenia does not include split personalities. The Guide to Schizophrenia Resources de-mystifies and examines this very real problem, its symptoms, and its treatments. Intended for students, patients, or family members of those who suffer from this disorder, this guide provides valuable resources for further learning.

Overview

Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder which is marked by the loss of thought processes and emotional responsiveness. The disorder makes it difficult for those suffering to distinguish between real and unreal experiences. While its cause is not yet fully understood, it is genetically linked. Higher incidence has been discovered in those with relatives who have developed the disorder. More recent research on the subject has revealed that previously unrecognized genes partly responsible for this condition are usually rare. Additionally, it is believed that some environmental factors may trigger schizophrenia in those who are already at risk for its development. These environmental influences include early and late factors.  The extreme complexity of this disorder results in widely varying symptoms and diverse groups of sufferers. Often, schizophrenia is developed in the teenage years or young adulthood. Neurobiology is currently among the most highly investigated areas pertaining to the disorder, though no single isolated cause can be traced to its development.  The major varieties of schizophrenia include: paranoid schizophrenia, disorganized schizophrenia, catatonic schizophrenia and undifferentiated schizophrenia.

Symptoms

One of the most remarkable characteristics of schizophrenia is its presentation. Often, the disorder results in hallucinations (frequently auditory, in the form of spoken voices) and delusions. Hallucinations have no environmental stimulus, while delusions are false beliefs loosely anchored in real world experiences. Sufferers often have difficulty understanding social situations and tend to be relatively socially dysfunctional. An inability to express thoughts or speak in an organized manner is common. Further, emotional unresponsiveness contributes to difficulties in maintaining meaningful relationships or expressing oneself. Anxiety manifests in many who suffer from schizophrenia in a number of ways. Depression and suicidal thoughts often plague those with the disorder.

Paranoid schizophrenia is marked by delusion and hallucination. Those suffering from this type are highly affected by problems pertaining to reality, but tend not to display thought disorder or disorganized behavior. Typically, those who suffer from this variety tend to do relatively well in their daily lives. They do not suffer from the same problems related to memory, concentration or lacking emotion. Nevertheless, this condition remains a serious obstacle for many. Other well recognized symptoms include paranoia and delusions of grandeur.

Disorganized schizophrenia results in thought disorder and emotional unresponsiveness, also known as flat affect. Behavior and speech are dictated by disorganization. Compared to other types of schizophrenia, the disorganized variety frequently appears earlier in life, often at the onset of puberty. Hallucinations and delusions may be present, but are not primary features.

Catatonic schizophrenia manifests in sufferers as limited physical response or movement. In some cases, individuals experience stupor, which includes advanced apathy and almost no reaction to external stimuli. Alternatively, symptoms may include hyperactivity or catatonic excitement. Movements may be repetitive and seemingly arbitrary. This condition is known as catatonia, and is the primary feature of catatonic schizophrenia. Fortunately, modern medicine has greatly reduced the number of people who are diagnosed with catatonic schizophrenia.

Undifferentiated schizophrenia is distinguished by a patient presenting with mixed symptoms. An individual with this type may not show symptoms consistent with other types and cannot be wholly diagnosed as paranoid, disorganized, or catatonic. Further, one who suffers from undifferentiated schizophrenia will usually show signs of hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech.

Treatment

There is no definite treatment for schizophrenia, but medication and prescription drugs can help lessen symptoms. Currently, there is much debate regarding the effectiveness of certain medications, with many claiming that a number of drugs are ineffective as standalone treatments. Antipsychotic medications are often used for preventing hallucinations, and in some cases are effective in eradicating them. Mood stabilizers such as lithium and valproic acid are used in order to treat manic episodes, as experienced by those with catatonic schizophrenia. These drugs are especially beneficial to such patients as they experience dramatic changes in mood and excitement. Such medications alter the balance of chemicals present in the brain and are aimed at making the symptoms controllable.

Due to the lack of understanding surrounding the biological and physiological bases of schizophrenia, treatment is only marginally effective, and often results in a number of negative side effects. While there are many individuals who are greatly helped by medication, some have difficulty finding medication which works well enough to limit symptoms suffered. For this reason, it is not uncommon for schizophrenics to go from medication to medication. As research continues to reveal information regarding the way in which schizophrenia operates, treatment will improve.

In addition to classic methods of treatment, support and therapy programs can be helpful for improving the quality of life for those who suffer from schizophrenia. The goal of such programs is often to improve behavioral and social skills. Family therapy has been shown to reduce relapses and prevent further hospitalizations. Other approaches like cognitive remediation have also proven to be helpful in improving neuropsychological thought processes. These programs can be instrumental in maintaining employment or social relationships.

Additional Resources

Due to the highly complex nature of schizophrenia, there is still a great deal left unknown. Facing this challenge, researchers continue to investigate the biological and genetic processes responsible for the disorder and its symptoms. In the last decade, a number of studies have revealed some significant findings. One study found that hallucinations in schizophrenia are linked to the area of the brain that is responsible for processing voices. This finding partially explains the prevalence of the symptom, while showing that mental degeneration is caused by physical abnormalities. Another study suggests that supplements such as Omega-3 may help prevent or curtail the development of symptoms. Despite the amount of knowledge on the subject, there remains much to learn about schizophrenia and its treatment.

Schizophrenia, “Just the Facts” is an overview of schizophrenia that discusses the most established findings and generally accepted knowledge pertaining to the disease. A greater understanding of treatment for schizophrenia can be gained by reading the comprehensive Guideline on Core Interventions in the Treatment and Management of Schizophrenia. Published by the British Psychological Society and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, this book explains the current state of knowledge surrounding schizophrenia, experience of care, engagement, pharmaceutical interventions, and psychological therapy.