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108 Schizophrenia Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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Schizophrenia is a complex and often misunderstood mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. As a student studying psychology or mental health, you may be tasked with writing an essay on schizophrenia. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 108 schizophrenia essay topic ideas and examples to inspire your writing.

The history of schizophrenia research and treatment

The prevalence of schizophrenia in different populations

The genetic and environmental factors that contribute to schizophrenia

The role of neurotransmitters in the development of schizophrenia

The impact of schizophrenia on brain structure and function

The stigma associated with schizophrenia and its effects on individuals

The relationship between schizophrenia and substance abuse

The challenges of diagnosing schizophrenia in adolescents

The effectiveness of antipsychotic medications in treating schizophrenia

The benefits and risks of long-term antipsychotic treatment for schizophrenia

The impact of schizophrenia on social and occupational functioning

The role of family therapy in treating schizophrenia

The challenges of managing schizophrenia in a community setting

The relationship between schizophrenia and other mental health disorders

The potential for early intervention in preventing the onset of schizophrenia

The impact of schizophrenia on cognitive functioning and memory

The relationship between schizophrenia and violence

The experiences of individuals living with schizophrenia

The impact of cultural beliefs and practices on the treatment of schizophrenia

The challenges of providing care for individuals with treatment-resistant schizophrenia

The role of trauma in the development of schizophrenia

The impact of childhood adversity on the risk of developing schizophrenia

The relationship between schizophrenia and homelessness

The challenges of treating schizophrenia in the criminal justice system

The role of peer support in helping individuals with schizophrenia

The impact of schizophrenia on family dynamics and relationships

The benefits and risks of electroconvulsive therapy in treating schizophrenia

The relationship between schizophrenia and suicide

The challenges of managing schizophrenia in older adults

The impact of schizophrenia on physical health and well-being

The potential for personalized medicine in treating schizophrenia

The role of exercise and nutrition in managing symptoms of schizophrenia

The benefits and risks of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating schizophrenia

The relationship between schizophrenia and creativity

The challenges of providing culturally competent care for individuals with schizophrenia

The impact of social support on the recovery of individuals with schizophrenia

The role of vocational rehabilitation in helping individuals with schizophrenia

The benefits and risks of clozapine in treating treatment-resistant schizophrenia

The relationship between schizophrenia and sleep disorders

The challenges of providing care for individuals with co-occurring schizophrenia and substance use disorders

The impact of schizophrenia on parenting and family dynamics

The role of mindfulness and meditation in managing symptoms of schizophrenia

The benefits and risks of peer-led support groups for individuals with schizophrenia

The relationship between schizophrenia and trauma-related disorders

The challenges of providing care for individuals with schizophrenia in rural communities

The impact of stigma on the treatment and recovery of individuals with schizophrenia

The role of supported housing in helping individuals with schizophrenia

The benefits and risks of mobile health technologies in managing symptoms of schizophrenia

The relationship between schizophrenia and metabolic disorders

The challenges of providing care for individuals with schizophrenia in low-resource settings

The impact of schizophrenia on quality of life and well-being

The role of occupational therapy in helping individuals with schizophrenia

The benefits and risks of mindfulness-based interventions in managing symptoms of schizophrenia

The relationship between schizophrenia and social isolation

The challenges of providing care for individuals with schizophrenia in the LGBTQ+ community

The impact of schizophrenia on academic achievement and educational attainment

The role of peer support specialists in helping individuals with schizophrenia

The benefits and risks of exercise interventions in managing symptoms of schizophrenia

The relationship between schizophrenia and cognitive impairment

The challenges of providing care for individuals with schizophrenia in the foster care system

The impact of schizophrenia on decision-making and problem-solving skills

The role of animal-assisted therapy in helping individuals with schizophrenia

The benefits and risks of group therapy in managing symptoms of schizophrenia

The relationship between schizophrenia and personality disorders

The challenges of providing care for individuals with schizophrenia in the military

The impact of schizophrenia on social relationships and friendships

The role of peer support in helping individuals with schizophrenia stay engaged in treatment

The benefits and risks of art therapy in managing symptoms of schizophrenia

The relationship between schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder

The challenges of providing care for individuals with schizophrenia in the criminal justice system

The impact of schizophrenia on sexual health and relationships

The role of supported employment in helping individuals with schizophrenia

The benefits and risks of dialectical behavior therapy in managing symptoms of schizophrenia

The relationship between schizophrenia and personality traits

The challenges of providing care for individuals with schizophrenia in the workplace

The impact of schizophrenia on self-esteem and self-concept

The role of peer support in helping individuals with schizophrenia navigate the healthcare system

The benefits and risks of music therapy in managing symptoms of schizophrenia

The relationship between schizophrenia and eating disorders

The challenges of providing care for individuals with schizophrenia in the school system

The impact of schizophrenia on spirituality and religious beliefs

The role of peer support in helping individuals with schizophrenia build social connections

The benefits and risks of family therapy in managing symptoms of schizophrenia

The relationship between schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder

The challenges of providing care for individuals with schizophrenia in the aging population

The impact of schizophrenia on emotional regulation and coping skills

The role of peer support in helping individuals with schizophrenia develop self-advocacy skills

The benefits and risks of mindfulness-based stress reduction in managing symptoms of schizophrenia

The relationship between schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders

The challenges of providing care for individuals with schizophrenia in the juvenile justice system

The impact of schizophrenia on social skills and communication abilities

The role of peer support in helping individuals with schizophrenia build a sense of community

The benefits and risks of animal-assisted therapy in managing symptoms of schizophrenia

The relationship between schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder

From exploring the biological underpinnings of schizophrenia to examining the social and cultural factors that influence its treatment and management, there are countless avenues for investigation in this field. By choosing a topic that resonates with your interests and expertise, you can delve deep into the complexities of schizophrenia and contribute to a better understanding of this challenging mental disorder. Good luck with your essay writing!

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90 Schizophrenia Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on schizophrenia, 🔎 easy schizophrenia research paper topics, 👍 good schizophrenia research topics & essay examples, 🎓 most interesting schizophrenia research titles, 💡 simple schizophrenia essay ideas.

• Nash’s Schizophrenia in “A Beautiful Mind” Film
• Schizophrenia of John Nash in “A Beautiful Mind”
• Evaluation of the Symptoms of Schizophrenia in “A Beautiful Mind”
• Factors That Caused Schizophrenia
• A Mental Health Nursing Social Interventions for Patients With Schizophrenia
• Schizophrenia in “A Beautiful Mind” Film by Howard
• Gender Differences in Development of Schizophrenia
• Schizophrenia: Definition and Symptomps Schizophrenia is one of the most prolific mental disorders that is characterized by people having an abnormal interpretation of reality.
• Schizophrenia: Chapters 15-16 of Psychology by Spielman et al. This research will focus on schizophrenia, a psychological disorder discussed in chapters 15 and 16 of the book Psychology by Spielman, Jenkins, and Lovett.
• Advancements in Schizophrenia Research The article’s primary goal is to review the dopamine hypothesis and study and analyze new targets invented in recent years.
• A Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Utility of Schizophrenia The paper describes how cognitive-behavioral therapies may be utilized in mental health settings to aid schizophrenic patients in overcoming mental health problems.
• Consciousness and Psychedelic Sciences in Managing Schizophrenia Behavioral management is emerging as a significant intervention in psychiatric treatment, focusing mainly on preserving order for those with clinical mental illness.
• Gender Differences in Schizophrenia The study sheds light on the gender differences in schizophrenia onset. Schizophrenia in women and men manifests itself at different ages.
• Schizophrenia Disorder Diagnosis The main reason for the patient’s visit entails experiences and behavior out of touch with reality. It is the duty of a practitioner to enhance optimal Medicare for a patient.
• Schizophrenia Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis This study evaluates the diagnosis of schizophrenia in a high school teenager, focusing on their background history to assert the prevalence of a different disorder.
• Variables Impacting a Patient With Schizophrenia The mother brought Demetri, her 39-year-old son previously diagnosed with schizophrenia, because of his deteriorating mental well-being.
• Medical Terminology of Treating Schizophrenia The article Clinical relevance of paliperidone palmitate 3-monthly in treating schizophrenia discusses how the mentioned injectable antipsychotic (PP3M) improves non-adherence.
• Aspects of Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that demands a specific response. It is vital to diagnose it by using available criteria.
• Schizophrenia in Young Women and Men Schizophrenia, according to several researches, affects both men and women. However, men show high vulnerability as the development of this disorder is concerned.
• Schizophrenia Treatment With Fluphenazine Decanoate The present paper suggests Fluphenazine Decanoate as a medicine useful for decreasing the patient’s paranoid behavior.
• Case Presentation: Schizophrenia The client’s name for this case presentation is Clara Hunters. She is a thirty-three-year-old woman. She is white and has been married for five years.
• Schizophrenia: Fundamentals and Possible Causes The medicinal approach involves taking drugs based on histone deacetylases, as they improve the condition of certain parts of histones’ acetylation.
• Schizophrenia: Diagnosis and Treatment The presence of signs such as hallucinations, delusions, cognitive issues, and negative symptoms is a marker of developing schizophrenia.
• Schizophrenia: A Comprehensive Explanation Schizophrenia is a severe concern of the modern health care system because it is highly complicated and associated with mental and physical health and reduced life expectancy.
• Schizophrenia. Abnormal Psychology The implications of the analysis include the unmet need for schizophrenia stigma reduction strategies for both general audiences and mental health communities.
• Case Study of Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Misconceptions and Diagnosis The case study describes the appointment with Jasmine Mack, an African American 18-years old college student who has experienced several symptoms associated with schizophrenia.
• Schizophrenia Symptoms and Diagnosis: Patient Interview This article proposes an interview with a patient with schizophrenia, gives his reactions to the questions of the interviewer and describes the symptoms of the disease.
• Neuroscience of Schizophrenia: The Thinking Patterns The journey to understanding the neuroscience of schizophrenia continues, and firsthand stories like that of John Nash and Lewis continue to play a central role in this process.
• Gerontology Nursing: Schizophrenia This paper discusses schizophrenia: Its definition, statistics, signs and symptoms, types, risk factors, diagnostic criteria, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
• Schizophrenia Treatment With Approved Drug Schizophrenia is one of the most common mental disorders in the US. Treatment of schizophrenia is critical since patients stand as dangers to themselves and society.
• The Concept of Symptoms in Schizophrenia The essay will delve into the concept of symptoms in schizophrenia and underline the implications for the patient’s treatment.
• Drugs for Treating Schizophrenia and Mood Disorders Schizophrenia and mood disorders are serious mental illnesses, which are challenging to treat. Millions of people suffer from adverse effects on all aspects of life.
• The Portrayal of Schizophrenia in a Beautiful Mind A Beautiful Mind by Ron Howard managed to portray the schizophrenia diagnosis accurately but not without a shred of Hollywood exaggeration.
• Schizophrenia Versus Schizoaffective Disorders Schizophrenia and schizoaffective are two distinct disorders, each having its way of diagnosis and treatment. However, they share almost similar psychotic characteristics.
• Schizophrenia Treatment: Biopsychological Approaches This paper is aimed at discussing schizophrenia as a mental illness from the perspective of various biopsychological approaches.
• Schizophrenia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and Myths This paper will discuss the causes and symptoms of schizophrenia, the ways of its treatment, and the myths that surround this mental illness.
• Connection Between Schizophrenia and Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters do the visible impact on the development of schizophrenia, although it manifests when they are inflamed.
• Influence of Sexual Dysfunction and Schizophrenia on Human The paper examines the causes, problems and manifestations of mental problems that affect the physical condition of a person.
• Schizophrenia Disorder: Causes and Treatment Schizophrenia is a mental disease, which affects the thinking capacity of an individual. A considerable number of populations around the globe are affected by this disease.
• An Accurate Portrayal of Schizophrenia This paper will analyze the Schizophrenia along with its symptoms. It will also analyze an important scene in the movie “a beautiful mind” which was directed by Ron Howard.
• Schizophrenia: Non- and Pharmacological Treatment There are effective pharmacological approaches to treating Schizophrenia, such as Clozapine, and non-medical methods, such as psychoeducation.
• Deleuze’s “A Thousand Plateaus” and Guattari’s “Capitalism and Schizophrenia” The book “A Thousand Plateaus” written by the French philosopher Gilles Deleuze and the psychoanalyst Felix Guattari is the second part of the project “Capitalism and Schizophrenia”.
• Family Psychoeducation for Schizophrenia Patients This work reviews a meta-analysis on FPE conducted, focusing on the effectiveness of the educational approach in treating patients with schizophrenia and supporting their families.
• Schizophrenia in a First-Year College Student The paper studies a case of schizophrenia, which manifested in a 39-year-old woman during her first year at college in the form of prodromal symptoms, which caused her to drop out.
• Schizophrenia Features Among African American Men Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that may occur at any age. African Americans usually have severe psychotic symptoms regarding the scope and quality of hallucinations.
• Schizophrenia and QT Prolongation The paper considers the case of a 62-year-old woman with a history of psychiatric diagnoses, which indicates her predisposition to delusions.
• Schizophrenia: Modern Approaches and a Patient’s Behavior It is hypothesized the symptoms of schizophrenia can be attributed to the increased dopaminergic activities in such brain areas as striatum and thalamus.
• Schizophrenia Causes: Genetics, Brain Malfunctions, Environment Schizophrenia is mental illness with a genetic basis and its complexity is presents in form of chronic psychosis and the cognitive ability of the individual becomes impaired.
• Psychiatry: The Multi-Dimensional Nature of Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a psychological condition in which patients suffer from disabling chronic mental disorders that adversely affect the normal functioning of the brain.
• Difficulties That the Person With Schizophrenia Goes Through
• Altered Cerebral Blood Flow Covariance Network in Schizophrenia
• Broader Visual Orientation Tuning in Patients With Schizophrenia
• Imaging Schizophrenia With Voxel-Based Morphometry
• Antipsychotics, Metabolic Adverse Effects, and Cognitive Function in Schizophrenia
• Chronicity and Sex Affect Genetic Risk Prediction in Schizophrenia
• Correlation Between Child Abuse and Schizophrenia
• Genetic and Environmental Factors of Schizophrenia
• Complex Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Sources of Inflammation in Schizophrenia
• Environmental and Genetic Effects and Schizophrenia
• Current Controversial Issues During Treatment of Schizophrenia
• Environmental Factors and the Development of Schizophrenia
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Schizophrenia
• Biological and Cognitive Approaches for the Treatment of Schizophrenia
• Antigliadin Antibodies Relation to Neurochemistry in Schizophrenia
• Considering Brexpiprazole and Its Role in Managing Schizophrenia
• Disrupted Thalamic Resting-State Functional Networks in Schizophrenia
• Demystifying Common Misconceptions About Schizophrenia
• Implementing Evidence-Based Practice With Schizophrenia
• Altered Volume and Functional Connectivity of the Habenula in Schizophrenia
• Causes and Key Symptoms of Paranoid Schizophrenia
• Definitions and Social Perceptions of Schizophrenia
• Decreasing Social Interaction Anxiety for Schizophrenia
• Identifying Modifiable Risk Factors for Relapse in Patients With Schizophrenia in China
• Family Education and Management of Schizophrenia
• Creativity and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Across the Arts and Sciences
• Diagnosing and Treating Schizophrenia
• Drug Abuse and Schizophrenia
• Critical Diagnostic Review of Schizophrenia
• Disorganized Schizophrenia and Its Effects on Children

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StudyCorgi . "90 Schizophrenia Essay Topics." May 10, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/schizophrenia-essay-topics/.

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These essay examples and topics on Schizophrenia were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 9, 2024 .

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The History of Schizophrenia

Analysis of the symptoms of schizophrenia, biopsychosocial influences on schizophrenia, an examination of the six mental illnesses and its impact on human life, let us write you an essay from scratch.

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A Case Study on The Mental Illness of Mr. Nash and The Treatment Plan for His Schizophrenia

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Schizoaffective Disorder: The Bridge Between Schizophrenia and Bipolar

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Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder characterized by a profound disruption in thinking, perception, emotions, and behavior. It affects approximately 1% of the global population and typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood. Individuals with schizophrenia often experience a range of symptoms that can significantly impair their ability to function in various aspects of life.

Delusions: People with schizophrenia often experience delusions, which are fixed false beliefs that are not based in reality. These delusions can be paranoid, grandiose, or related to persecution. Hallucinations: Another common characteristic of schizophrenia is hallucinations, particularly auditory hallucinations. These involve hearing voices or sounds that are not actually present. Disorganized thinking: Schizophrenia can lead to disorganized thinking, making it difficult for individuals to maintain a logical thought process or communicate coherently. They may jump between unrelated topics or exhibit incoherent speech. Negative symptoms: Negative symptoms refer to a decrease or loss of normal functions. These may include a lack of motivation, decreased emotional expression, social withdrawal, and reduced ability to carry out everyday tasks. Cognitive impairments: Schizophrenia can also impact cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. This can make it challenging for individuals to focus, learn, and make decisions. Impact on daily functioning: Schizophrenia can significantly interfere with an individual's ability to function in daily life. It can disrupt relationships, work or educational performance, and self-care.

Genetics: There is a strong genetic component to schizophrenia, as individuals with a family history of the disorder have a higher risk of developing it. Certain genes and gene variations are associated with an increased susceptibility to schizophrenia. Brain chemistry and structure: Imbalances in brain chemicals, specifically dopamine and glutamate, have been implicated in schizophrenia. Structural abnormalities in the brain, such as enlarged ventricles and reduced gray matter volume, have also been observed in individuals with the disorder. Environmental factors: Prenatal and early life factors can contribute to the development of schizophrenia. Maternal stress, infections during pregnancy, and birth complications have been linked to an increased risk. Additionally, exposure to certain environmental stressors and substance abuse during adolescence and adulthood may also play a role. Neurodevelopmental abnormalities: Schizophrenia is thought to involve disruptions in brain development during early life stages. Factors such as abnormal neural migration, synaptic pruning, and connectivity between brain regions may contribute to the manifestation of symptoms. Psychological and social factors: Stressful life events, trauma, and dysfunctional family environments may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia or trigger its onset in susceptible individuals.

1. Paranoid Schizophrenia 2. Disorganized Schizophrenia 3. Catatonic Schizophrenia 4. Undifferentiated Schizophrenia 5. Residual Schizophrenia

1. Antipsychotic medications 2. Psychotherapy (i.e. cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)) 3. Social support (vocational rehabilitation, housing assistance, and community programs) 4. Self-care (practicing good sleep hygiene, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding alcohol and drugs) 5. Ongoing management.

"A Beautiful Mind" (Film, 2001): This biographical drama portrays the life of mathematician John Nash, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The film depicts his struggle with the illness, showcasing both the challenges and the triumphs he experiences. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (Novel, 1962): This classic novel by Ken Kesey takes place in a psychiatric hospital and features a character named Chief Bromden, who is believed to have schizophrenia. The story explores the institutional treatment of mental illness and challenges the notions of sanity and insanity. "Silver Linings Playbook" (Film, 2012): This romantic comedy-drama revolves around a man named Pat Solitano, who has bipolar disorder but also exhibits symptoms of psychosis, including delusions. While the film primarily focuses on bipolar disorder, it sheds light on the complexities of mental health and the impact it has on relationships. "The Soloist" (Book, 2008; Film, 2009): Based on a true story, "The Soloist" follows the life of Nathaniel Ayers, a gifted musician who becomes homeless and is diagnosed with schizophrenia. The narrative explores the challenges faced by Ayers as he navigates his mental health condition while pursuing his passion for music.

1. Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the global population, with no significant variation across different cultures or ethnicities. 2. Schizophrenia typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood, although it can occur at any age. 3. Men often experience the onset of schizophrenia earlier than women. Additionally, men tend to have more severe symptoms, while women generally have a better overall prognosis. 4. Research suggests that an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. 5. Schizophrenia is often stigmatized, leading to discrimination and social isolation for those affected. Education and awareness campaigns aim to combat the stigma and promote understanding.

The topic of schizophrenia is important to write an essay about due to its significant impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole. Understanding schizophrenia is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it is a complex mental health disorder that affects a considerable portion of the population worldwide, leading to significant personal and societal burdens. Exploring the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for schizophrenia can contribute to advancing knowledge in the field of mental health.

Secondly, addressing the misconceptions and stigma associated with schizophrenia is paramount. By writing an essay on this topic, one can raise awareness and promote empathy, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals living with schizophrenia.

Additionally, studying schizophrenia can provide insights into the intricate workings of the human mind and the intricate interplay between genetics, neurobiology, and environment. This knowledge can lead to advancements in early detection, intervention, and treatment strategies.

Lastly, exploring the lived experiences of individuals with schizophrenia and their journeys towards recovery can provide valuable perspectives on resilience, hope, and the human capacity for growth and adaptation.

1. Andreasen, N. C. (1999). A unitary model of schizophrenia: Bleuler's "fragmented phrene" as schizencephaly. Archives of General Psychiatry, 56(9), 781-787. 2. Cannon, T. D., & van Erp, T. G. M. (2003). Bearden CE: Early-onset schizophrenia: a review of recent findings. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 16(3), 307-312. 3. Hafner, H., Riecher-Rössler, A., & Hambrecht, M. (1993). IRAOS: an instrument for the assessment of onset and early course of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Research, 9(1-2), 209-223. 4. Javitt, D. C. (2009). When doors of perception close: bottom-up models of disrupted cognition in schizophrenia. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 5, 249-275. 5. Kahn, R. S., Sommer, I. E., Murray, R. M., Meyer-Lindenberg, A., Weinberger, D. R., Cannon, T. D., O'Donovan, M., Correll, C. U., Kane, J. M., & van Os, J. (2015). Schizophrenia. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 1, 15067. 6. Leucht, S., Cipriani, A., Spineli, L., Mavridis, D., Örey, D., Richter, F., Samara, M., Barbui, C., Engel, R. R., Geddes, J. R., Kissling, W., Stapf, M. P., Lässig, B., Salanti, G., & Davis, J. M. (2013). Comparative efficacy and tolerability of 15 antipsychotic drugs in schizophrenia: a multiple-treatments meta-analysis. The Lancet, 382(9896), 951-962. 7. McGrath, J., Saha, S., Chant, D., & Welham, J. (2008). Schizophrenia: a concise overview of incidence, prevalence, and mortality. Epidemiologic Reviews, 30(1), 67-76. 8. Millan, M. J., Andrieux, A., Bartzokis, G., Cadenhead, K., Dazzan, P., Fusar-Poli, P., Gallinat, J., Giedd, J., Grayson, D. R., Heinrichs, M., Kahn, R., Krebs, M. O., Leboyer, M., Lewis, D., Marin, O., Marin, P., Meyer-Lindenberg, A., McGorry, P., McGuire, P., ... & Stephan, K. E. (2016). Altering the course of schizophrenia: progress and perspectives. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 15(7), 485-515. 9. Sullivan, P. F., Kendler, K. S., & Neale, M. C. (2003). Schizophrenia as a complex trait: evidence from a meta-analysis of twin studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 60(12), 1187-1192. 10. van Os, J., Kapur, S., & Schizophrenia, C. (2009). Progressive brain changes in schizophrenia? A meta-analysis of longitudinal MRI studies. Schizophrenia Research, 115

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Schizophrenia - Essay Samples And Topic Ideas For Free

Argumentative essays can be prepared on different subjects and reveal different issues of the science branch. Medicine is among the most popular sciences that medical college or university students choose. They can be asked to describe different types of illnesses: a symptom, conditions of progression, and methods to handle them. If you are given to craft an essay about Schizophrenia, we recommend you get familiar with our list of argumentative essay topics to opt for the unique one. Then, you can find some essay examples on Schizophrenia to understand how to accurately provide your research and content.

Schizophrenia is a disease that leads to a psychological disorder. Such diseases affect a person’s health, and they can experience hallucinations. To be able to uncover the entire topic, you should explore many sources and use writing samples. You can also find a documentary movie that reflects the life of people diagnosed with Schizophrenia. We understand how difficult it can be to keep all information in your head. That’s why it is advisable to draw an outline and fix there all your ideas about your topic. It is important to organize your content through an introduction, main body, and conclusion. When determining thesis statements, mention them in the introductory part and conclude them. You can find a research paper example about Schizophrenia on our platform.

Two Different Approaches Used to Explain the Psychological Phenomenon of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a very rare psychological disorder or brain condition that a significantly small number of people. This disorders most common symptoms include hallucinations or hearing voices, and having a hard time with concentrating or thinking. When most people think of someone having Schizophrenia, they think of a person who is crazy or not in their ""right mind,"" which is not really the case. Sometimes, Schizophrenia is also often mistaken for Dissociative Identity Disorder, which can be similar in a […]

Schizophrenia – the Beautiful Mind of John Forbes Nash Jr.

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A Psychological Diagnosis of John Wayne Gacy

In 1942, a baby was born in a Chicago hospital, named John Wayne Gacy. He came from what seemed like a normal family. He grew up with his two sisters, his mother, and his father. However, no one knew that Gacy's father was both verbally and physically abusing him. This would ultimately affect Gacy for the rest of his life. In 1968, Gacy was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly committing the act of sodomy with a young teenage […]

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a major psychiatric disorder, or cluster of disorders, characterized by psychotic symptoms that alter a person's perception, thoughts, affect and behavior (NICE, 2009). Tai and Turkington (2009) define Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) as an evidence-based talking therapy that attempts cognitive and behavioral change, based on an individualized formulation of a client's personal history, problems and world views. CBT was built on behavioral principles that emphasized clear relationships between cognition, physiology and emotion (Beck, 1952). This essay will look […]

Schizophrenia: Mind and Mental Health

Psychological clarity is something that everyone strives for. A mind that is free from abundant clutter and jumbled thoughts that bring on stress and negativity. Everyone wants a mind that is able to recognize what is presented to it. A reliable psyche that is free from hallucinations and unwanted paranoia. Even though clarity can be achieved, certain illnesses can hinder individuals from reaching it. There are a multitude of disorders that affect the mind in more ways than one. The […]

The Wrongful Conviction of Charles Milles Manson

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The Causes Effects and Treatments of Schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia – a Genetic and Environmental Review

Introduction Schizophrenia is defined as "a severe brain disorder characterized by disturbances of thoughts, perceptions, volition, and cognition, which affects about 1% of the world population today" (Ozawa et al., 2006, p. 546). The disorder can be incapacitating to those who live with it, preventing normal societal function. Despite its frequency in the population, scientists and medical professionals still struggle to find a conclusive explanation for why some people develop schizophrenia. This may be, in part, due to its ties […]

Schizophrenia: Definition, Symptoms, Causes

Schizophrenia alters how a person thinks, feels, and acts, making it hard for them to differentiate between reality and imagination. Individuals with schizophrenia can often become unresponsive or withdrawn, making it difficult to establish personal and professional relationships (Haycoco, 2009). Contrary to popular misconception, schizophrenia is not a split or multiple personality disorder. Most people with schizophrenia are non-violent and do not pose a danger to others (Mental Health America, 2013). People with schizophrenia may conjure up details about people […]

Schizophrenia in the United States

In the United States, schizophrenia is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders that Americans suffer from daily. Those who deal with such a debilitating disorder go through a variety of different symptoms that can be classified in three categories, positive, negative and cognitive. Initial symptoms of schizophrenia-like irritability and the inability to sleep may cause alarm before a diagnosis is made. Positive symptoms of schizophrenia, those symptoms that are not usually present, can include hallucinations and delusions ("How […]

Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse

Up to 60 percent of chronic schizophrenic patients have been reported to be substance abusers (Hambrecht 1). The comorbidity of drugs and alcohol asks the question if one disorder causes another disorder. From a collected sample of 232 schizophrenic patients, alcohol abuse prior to admission was found in 24 percent (Hambrecht 2). Whereas, drug abuse was found in 14 percent. These rates are two times higher than the rates in the general population (Hambrecht 2). Both alcohol and drug abused […]

Emotions and Schizophrenia

Do you know anyone with a mental disorder? Have you ever felt nervous around them? Do you feel it is hard to understand their feelings? Let me tell you about schizophrenia. I decided to further research schizophrenia when one of my brothers was diagnosed with it a couple of years ago. It was weird at first because I didn't feel comfortable around him due to the way he was acting. Even though it wasn't in a harmful way, I never […]

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disease that drastically affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia often seem disconnected from reality, with a long list of symptoms that significantly change the lives of those it affects. Throughout history, society has held resentment for the mentally ill and discriminated against them in terrible ways. Following the classification of schizophrenia, the disease became gravely misunderstood by the public. Society harshly stigmatized people with schizophrenia because of the extensive list […]

Schizophrenia: Chronic and Severe Mental Disorders

As we know, schizophrenia and its spectrum disorders are chronic and severe mental disorders that affect an individual in many aspects of life. These disorders impact the ability to think and feel and also affect behavior. This means that people with schizophrenia may seem as if they have lost touch with reality. Sometimes, diagnoses can be difficult as there are no specific tests and the only way to identify it is to recognize symptoms that negatively impact an individual's social […]

Portrayals of Schizophrenia by Media

In media portrayal of schizophrenia, such as A Beautiful Mind, schizophrenic characters are depicted as dangerous, violent, distrusting, paranoid, awkward, and unstable people that need to be hospitalized due to exaggerated delusions and hallucinations. Not only does this stigmatize the diagnosis, but it also inflates the reality of knowing someone with the diagnosis. In actuality, schizophrenia shares many of the same characteristics as other disorders such as OCD, depression, anxiety, and ADD, yet none of these disorders have a more […]

Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia

Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia affect many people. According to Mahoney (2017), over 2.5 million Americans over the age of 18 are believed to be living with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder. This does not include those who have not been diagnosed properly due to misinformation about symptoms. Schizophrenia affects approximately one percent of people worldwide, impacting men and women equally. Schizophrenia can strike anyone and usually occurs between the late teenage years and thirty years of age. Males typically […]

Living with Schizophrenia

In today's modern world, research has found and diagnosed multiple mental illnesses. Through this spread of information, psychologists generated Schizophrenia. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Schizophrenia involves a range of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional symptoms, and can be difficult to diagnose. There is no test for it, resulting in the diagnoses involving the recognition of negative symptoms that impact social functioning. These symptoms include diminished emotional expression, delusions, and hallucinations, etc. all for […]

Mental Disorder: Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects many adults all around the world. It is usually diagnosed between the late teenage years and early 20s. Even though Schizophrenia is a mental disorder, it affects the entire body as well. It also has many symptoms that are usually misinterpreted and portrayed incorrectly in movies and everyday life. Schizophrenia is described as a mental disorder that makes the person suffering it seem like they are detached from reality. They usually experience delusions, […]

Schizophrenia and Problems in Everyday Lives

People with schizophrenia have a lot of struggles in their everyday lives. Their minds work differently than the average, mentally sound individual. Schizophrenia is defined as a long-term mental disorder of a type involving a breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion, and behavior, leading to faulty perception, inappropriate actions and feelings, withdrawal from reality and personal relationships into fantasy and delusion, and a sense of mental fragmentation (Oxford English Dictionary). Some examples of schizophrenia symptoms consist of delusion, hallucinations, […]

Modern Plague Vs Schizophrenia

Although the cause is unknown, this mental illness can be developed through factors such as genetics, brain chemistry, brain abnormality and environmental factors."" Schizophrenia affects more than 21 million people worldwide. Scientists are still unable to locate the cause of this disorder. Symptoms of this disorder include hallucinations, abnormal behavior, inability to complete activities, lack of pleasure, and emotional flatness. Although a cure has not yet been discovered, treatments may help. Even though the cause is unknown and the disease […]

Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Mental health illnesses affect many people worldwide, among them is schizophrenia which is a chronic mental health disorder that affects a person's brain. Patients with schizophrenia can experience various symptoms as well as functional impairments. Symptoms include delusions, trouble concentrating, and hallucinations (Parekha, 2017). Schizophrenia also interferes with activities of daily living, social interactions, and occupational performance. Most patients will require financial assistance to help support themselves, because only a very low percentage of people are able to work full […]

Schizophrenia: Mental Illness that Controls how a Person Thinks, Behaves and Feels

When you have schizophrenia you lose touch with reality. You make things up and start to hallucinate and began to get violent. You can start feeling irritated and get mad easily at the person near or by you. It can be hard to handle a person with schizophrenia they can sometimes be intolerable, when dealing with someone with schizophrenia you need to keep an eye on them at all times. Schizophrenia normally starts between the ages of 16 and 30, […]

Growth Patterns and Risk of Schizophrenia

In the introduction of this article called Growth Patterns and Risk of Schizophrenia, it mentions how the growth and nutrition of a fetus can play a part that leads to schizophrenia. It includes, that during the fetal development stage if there is malnutrition can lead a higher risk of the baby developing schizophrenia The studies involve with adult height, weight, or growth patterns. In continuation it mentions that birth weight has an effect when it comes to disorders later in […]

Schizophrenia Symptoms and Treatment in a Beautiful Mind

The film A Beautiful Mind chronicles the adult life of John Nash Jr., a Nobel Prize recipient widely regarded as a brilliant mathematician who greatly influenced modern economic theory. The film focuses on Nash's decades long struggle with paranoid schizophrenia after he receives a diagnosis in 1958. Although it is well known that Nash was diagnosed with schizophrenia in real life, I will use this paper to discuss specific symptoms portrayed in the film, and consider how his treatment and […]

Age of Onset of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, which occurs in late adulthood, is characterized as a mental health disorder marked by psychotic features, disrupted relationships, and thought processes that disturb a person's mood, thoughts, and behavior. It affects approximately 1.1% of the world's population, or about three and a half million Americans (About Schizophrenia, 2018). Schizophrenia, a disease that impairs neurocognitive functioning (Snyder, 2013), requires long-term treatment given the varying severity of symptoms across different age groups. Affected individuals may suffer from delusions, false beliefs such […]

Schizophrenia and Stigma

While there are a variety of feasible and effective programs to reduce stigmatization among health professionals in mental health related areas, there are several other strategies that can be put in place by health professionals to counter stigmatization within the population. Thornicroft (2006) identifies some of them. First, health professionals would benefit from getting more involved in the media to properly inform the public about mental health issues. The media, often overly sensational, convey negative images of violence, weakness, and […]

A Beautiful Mind Summary: John Nash’s Struggle with Schizophrenia

A Beautiful Mind Summary: Hallucinations In the movie A Beautiful Mind, they bring forth multiple symptoms of schizophrenia. One of the most apparent symptoms shown is Johns's hallucinations. Hallucinations are "the experiencing of sights, sounds, or other perceptions in the absence of external stimuli." In Johns's case, in the movie, he heard as well as saw things that weren't real. The voices that he heard would talk directly to him, giving him commands and tasks to accomplish as well as […]

Comprehensive Understanding of DSM-5 Schizophrenia Criteria

Schizophrenia, a convoluted and frequently misconstrued psychological ailment, intricately alters an individual's cognition, emotions, and conduct. The fifth iteration of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), issued by the American Psychiatric Association, furnishes an exhaustive array of parameters for discerning schizophrenia. This discourse delves into these parameters, endeavoring to elucidate the diagnostic procedure for this perplexing affliction. The DSM-5 delineates several pivotal indicators requisite for diagnosing schizophrenia. These indicators are classified into affirmative indicators, adverse indicators, and […]

Decoding the Enigma: a Journey through the DSM-5 Labyrinth of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a labyrinthine puzzle of the mind, has captured the intrigue of both scholars and practitioners for generations. Within the intricate tapestry of psychiatric literature, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), stands as a guiding compass for understanding this enigmatic condition. Yet, delving into its depths requires more than mere academic prowess; it demands a voyage through the complexities of human experience and perception. At the heart of the DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia lies the […]

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How To Write an Essay About Schizophrenia

Understanding schizophrenia.

Before starting an essay about schizophrenia, it's important to have a comprehensive understanding of this mental disorder. Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It's characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, sense of self, and behavior. Begin your essay by explaining the symptoms of schizophrenia, which can include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and speech, and impaired cognitive ability. Discuss the known causes of schizophrenia, such as genetic factors, brain chemistry, and environmental influences. Also, explore the impact of schizophrenia on individuals' daily lives, including social interactions, employment, and self-care challenges.

Developing a Thesis Statement

A strong essay on schizophrenia should be centered around a clear, concise thesis statement. This statement should present a specific viewpoint or argument about schizophrenia. For example, you might discuss the challenges in diagnosing and treating schizophrenia, analyze the social stigma associated with the disorder, or explore the latest research in understanding its underlying causes. Your thesis will guide the direction of your essay and provide a structured approach to your analysis.

Gathering Supporting Evidence

To support your thesis, gather evidence from credible sources, such as medical journals, research studies, and healthcare professionals. This might include data on the prevalence of schizophrenia, treatment success rates, or personal narratives from individuals living with schizophrenia. Use this evidence to support your thesis and build a persuasive argument. Remember to consider different perspectives and address potential counterarguments to your thesis.

Analyzing Treatments and Challenges

Dedicate a section of your essay to analyzing the treatments available for schizophrenia and the challenges associated with them. Discuss various treatment methods, such as antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, and community support. Explore the benefits and limitations of these treatments and the challenges patients face, such as medication side effects and the ongoing need for support and care. Additionally, consider the impact of societal attitudes and healthcare policies on the treatment and management of schizophrenia.

Concluding the Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points of your discussion and restating your thesis in light of the evidence provided. Your conclusion should tie together your analysis and emphasize the importance of understanding and effectively addressing schizophrenia in society. You might also want to suggest areas for future research or policy improvements that could benefit individuals with schizophrenia.

Reviewing and Refining Your Essay

After completing your essay, review and refine it for clarity and coherence. Ensure that your arguments are well-structured and supported by evidence. Check for grammatical accuracy and ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mental health professionals to further improve your essay. A well-crafted essay on schizophrenia will not only demonstrate your understanding of the disorder but also your ability to engage with complex medical and social issues.

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30 Schizophrenia Research Topics

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality. Although there is no cure for schizophrenia, it can be treated with medication, therapy, and support. In this article, we will provide an overview of some current research topics in schizophrenia.

What You'll Learn

Thirty Schizophrenia Research Topics

1. The causes of schizophrenia. 2. The symptoms of schizophrenia. 3. The relationship between schizophrenia and creativity. 4. The link between schizophrenia and violence. 5. The role of genetics in schizophrenia. 6. The role of the environment in schizophrenia. 7. The prevalence of schizophrenia in different cultures. 8. The impact of schizophrenia on the family. 9. The economic cost of schizophrenia. 10. The treatment options for schizophrenia. 11. The effectiveness of medication for treating schizophrenia. 12. Alternative treatments for schizophrenia. 13..The challenges of living with schizophrenia. 14..How to cope with the symptoms of schizophrenia 

15..The role of support groups in managing schizophrenia 16. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia 17. The long-term outlook for people with schizophrenia 18. The impact of schizophrenia on employment 19. The effect of schizophrenia on relationships 20. Having a baby when you have schizophrenia21. Parenting with schizophrenia 22. Schizophrenia and substance abuse 23. Schizophrenia and self-harm 24. Schizophrenia and suicide 25. The role of the media in reporting on schizophrenia 26. The use of service user involvement in mental health research 27. The experiences of people from black and minority ethnic groups with schizophrenia 28. The experiences of carers of people with schizophrenia 29. Improving access to services for people with schizophrenia 30. Developing new treatments for schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia: An Informative View Essay

Introduction, handling the situation, effects on family and society, reference list.

The brain is undoubtedly one of the most important parts as it is designed to process information and signals projected by the surrounding environment and relay an adequate response to the same throughout the entire body. The brain controls every single muscle of the body whether in an activity as significant as running a marathon or as minute as a twitch.

The brain’s intricate design and the complexity of its operations is something that scientists in general and psychologists in particular find fascinating as each new discovery regarding the functioning of the brain leads to a better understanding of how each part of the body works and most importantly, how to fix it when it stops working either entirely or partially.

However, just like various parts of the body experience difficulty in the performance of their normal functions sometimes, some factors, both internal (within the body) and external, can lead to a disruption of some of the brain’s functions and in severe cases the brain can stop working altogether.

Sometimes, signs and symptoms of such disruptions appear on parts of the body such as the legs causing a lack of mobility or the eyes causing visual disability, while in some cases, they are evident in the behavioral aspect of the person suffering from the disruption.

There are various behavioral disorders caused by the disruption of the brain’s functions including, but not limited to, the bipolar disorder, autism, schizophrenia, and Tourette’s syndrome.

Most people may not be aware of these disorders and may base their knowledge of the disorders on depictions of the same in movies and literary works that often exaggerate the severity of the symptoms for entertainment purposes.

For instance, some writers use their knowledge to write films about possession and people who have the superhuman ability to see things that other people cannot see. In such movies, hallucinations are seen as being good elements and enviable.

This paper looks into schizophrenia, which is caused by various factors either jointly or independently. It discusses the symptoms of the disorder, the cause, and the impact it has on both the individual suffering from it and the people surrounding the victim, both within and outside the family unit.

The word schizophrenia is derived from two Greek words, viz. “ skhein , which translated means ‘to split’ and phrein , which translates to “mind” (Tandon & Maj, 2008, p. 23). Although this etymologizing is mistakenly understood to mean that it is a “split-personality” disorder by many people, schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder characterized mainly by bizarre delusions, hallucinations, and emotional dissociation.

Unlike in other mental disorders such as Tourette’s syndrome and autism where the victims are aware of their actions, individuals with schizophrenia are clueless as to whether they suffer from symptoms of the disorder. Being a disorder that occurs as a combination of various other disorders, schizophrenia is defined through its characteristic elements.

Tandon and Maj (2008), define schizophrenia as, “A mental illness in which a person is unable to link her or his thoughts and feelings to real life, suffers from delusions and withdraws increasingly form social relationships into a life of the imaginations” (p.23). The American Psychiatric Association has set out a criterion for the determination of the disorder. According to the manual, in order to be diagnosed with the disorder, a person must have:

• Two (or more) of the following, each present for the significant portion of the time during a one-month period: (1) delusions, (2) hallucinations, (3) disorganized speech, (4) grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, (5) symptoms such as flat affect ( i.e. showing no emotion), or inability to engage in goal-directed behavior
• Social/ occupational dysfunction: one or more major areas of functioning (e.g. work, relationship, and self-care) are markedly lower than when the symptoms began.
• Duration: – continuous signs of the disturbance for at least six months including at least one month of active symptoms.
• Symptoms are not due to another disorder (e.g. major depressive disorder, autism), and are not due to substance use or a medical condition (American Psychiatric Association, 2000, p.308).

Given that different people suffering from the disorder bare unique symptoms from one another coupled with the variation of the symptoms that each of the individuals encounters with the progression of the disorder, a diagnosis on the disorder is made based on observation of behavior and experiences reported to the psychologist concerning an individual.

Schizophrenia usually affects people in their late childhood and early adulthood, and it progresses as people grow older (Marshall & Rathbone, 2009). Some of the known causes of the disorder include genetic factors, environmental factors, drug, and substance abuse. Some scholars also argue that traumatic effects in a person’s life can trigger the onset of the disorder, especially in young adults with a genetic predisposition to the disorder (O’Donovan et al., 2003).

The main course of treatment involves the use of anti-psychotic medication coupled with social rehabilitation through the attendance of individual therapy sessions as well as support groups.

In cases where the disorder advances to such great lengths that the individuals pose danger to themselves and the public in general, involuntary hospitalization is the method of choice, though it is usually used as a last resort. Treatment of the disorder, as is the case with every other disease and disorder, at its earliest point of detection does go a long way in easing the recovery process.

The disorder has a myriad of effects to the individual and the immediate family, as well as the public. Due to the disorder’s interference with the thought process, the majority of people with schizophrenia display some form of disorganization in the way they perform some of the normal activities such as dressing.

They also suffer from disconnection in the train of thought when discussing issues, lack of long-term memory, low attention spans, poor communication skills, and display a lack in cognitive processes such as planning and problem solving. This aspect usually results to long-term job loss and consequently depression and irritability.

Such individuals become withdrawn, thus keeping to themselves most of the time. Living with such a person within the family unit can be frustrating, as although the person suffers an inability to display affection, it does not necessarily mean that he or she does not need it (Broom et al., 2005, p.31).

On the other hand, it is difficult for family members to show their affection to a person who is withdrawn and emotionally detached as it is innate to expect reciprocation when affection is given. Stigma is also common toward people with schizophrenia, mainly because of ignorance and misinformation of what the disorder entails.

Family members are sometimes compelled to hide the fact that one of them suffers from the disorder for fear that most people do not know the disorder as a medical condition, but rather as a personality disorder associated with heinous behavior such as serial killing. Family members also may not know the proper way to explain the intricacies of the disorder, as they are hard to understand even for the family members, as the symptoms keep changing as the disorder graduates.

It is hard for a person with schizophrenia to hide its symptoms because they do not think that they suffer from it. The effect of this element is that it is hard for people to associate with a person who does not readily accept help as he or she does not think it is necessary.

The victims may also take this move as negative criticism of their abilities to conduct normal activities, which leads to resentment and withdrawal. The lack of ability to conduct cognitive processes such as problem solving and planning leads to long-term job losses, which results to the financial frustration to both the individual and the family unit as the family is then tasked to provide for the person’s needs.

This kind of frustration may lead to the individual contemplating and even in some cases attempting suicide. It could also lead to crimes such as murder, with the schizophrenic person justifying this action as a way of punishing people whom he or she thinks are to blame for the problems he or she faces.

Emotional dissociation means that a person is unable to convey emotions, whether verbally or by any other means, and as a characteristic symptom of schizophrenia, it causes the victim to keep emotions, good or bad, bottled up inside. It is also characteristic of schizophrenics to suffer from an inability to experience pleasure, mainly due to their paranoid delusions of persecution.

The combination of these two characteristics is dangerous mainly due to the ways these individuals resort to as means of releasing the bottled up emotions. Most of them result to drug abuse and alcoholism (Perala et al., 2010) while others go to the extremes, experiencing sudden bursts of rage or extreme sorrow, which may cause them to destroy property or even commit suicide.

Although prevention would go a long way in alleviating the disorder, it is not a possibility yet, for the first symptoms of the disorder are not discernible, as they resemble symptoms of normal factors such as stress. The symptoms can be singled out as specific to schizophrenia only at advanced stages. In addition, the fact that the disorder is more predominant in young adults means that it is not easy to differentiate it from normal adolescence characters (Van Os & Kapur, 2009).

The participation of family members in the rehabilitation forums and consequently the recovery process is essential to both the family and the suffering individual. It prepares the family unit mentally and physically on what to expect and what the appropriate reaction would be. It also helps them to prepare financially so that they do not undergo sudden financial strain. In addition, it aids in the acceptance process and helps them learn hoe to deal with stigma and its effects.

Family members are in a position to know that they would have to make social sacrifices in order to keep the family unit strong. About the individual, family support helps to ease the issues of acceptance that surround schizophrenic individuals. Family support also gives the victims comfort in knowing that they are not dealing with the problem alone, but that the family is present to support them along the way.

Although the way the family treats a schizophrenic individual is not necessarily a cause for the trigger or elevation of the disorder, it does help in the recovery process. Family support presumably reduces resentment and anger and thus it plays a role in the reduction of chances of a relapse after recovery.

Knowledge of how to deal with the condition as a family also reduces the chances of involuntary hospitalization, which in moments of paranoid schizophrenia might be interpreted by the schizophrenic individual as an act of rejection by the family, thus causing anger and resentment.

Supportive work environments are also a good way of aiding in the recovery process as such environments give the victims something to concentrate on unlike in situations when they are left alone. The fact that they have the disorder does not negate their sanity and their ability, although restricted by their condition, to be productive.

Although misunderstood by most people as more of a personality disorder, schizophrenia is in fact a medical disorder that disrupts the normal functioning of the individual affected, without the knowledge of the sufferer that he or she does indeed suffer from it.

The attitude of the people surrounding the individual suffering form it plays a big role in the management and recovery of the sufferer. Particularly, family members play a critical role in helping the victims of this condition along the way, which helps one to accept the condition and live positively.

American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association Press.

Broom, R., Wooley, B., Tabraham, P., Johns, L., Bramon, E., Murray, G., Pariante, C., McGuire, G., & Murray, M. (2005). What Causes the Onset of Psychosis. Schizophrenia Research, 79 (1), 23-34.

Marshall, M., & Rothborne, J. (2009). Early Intervention for Psychosis. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

O’Donovan, M., William, M., & Owen, M., J. (2003). Recent advances in Genetics and Schizophrenia. Human Molecular Genetics, 12 (2), 125-133.

Perala, J., Kouppasalmi, K., Pirkola, S., Harkanen, T., Saarni, S., Tuulio-Henrikisson, A., Viertio, S., Suviisari, J. (2010). Alcohol-induced psychotic disorder and delirium in the general population. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 197, 200-06.

Tandon, R., & Maj, M. (2008). Nosological status and definition of schizophrenia: Some considerations for DSM-V and ICD-11. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 1 (2), 22-27.

Van Os, J., & Kapur, S. (2009). Schizophrenia. Lancet, 374 (9690), 635-645.

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