Schizophrenia

What is Schizophrenia?

A brain disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia can have symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and extreme distorted thinking and behavior. Schizophrenia is an extreme type of mental disorder, and people who have it need to be taken care of for the rest of their life. This type of mental disorder is chronic, but can be treated with therapy, and drugs.Contrary to popular belief, schizophrenia isn't a split personality or multiple personality. The word "schizophrenia" does mean "split mind," but it refers to a disruption of the usual balance of emotions and thinking.

This study shows that Schizo is not purely genetic. These identical twins are 28 years old. The picture on the right is the brother with Schizophrenia.

Entry 1: The VoicesEveryday the voices in my head tell me what to do. I swear its not my decisions, the voices are telling me to. They tell me someone is out to get me, the people out to get me will do anything. I

can’t trust anyone. Some days are different though. Some days the voices don’t say much,

but I always have to be careful, because the people are everywhere. Sometimes the voices drive me crazy. So crazy that I can’t stand up

straight. they are always in my head telling me what to do and how to feel. Sometimes they tell me to do go out and sometimes I don’t leave my house for days. The voices in my head always

have something to say, They tell me i’m not safe. Ever.

Causes of Schizophrenia

The causes of Schizophrenia is still unknown but researchers believe that is is

caused by a combination of genetics and the environment. These two factors

can lead to the development of the mental disorder.

Problems with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including

neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, also may contribute to

schizophrenia. While researchers aren't certain about the significance of these

changes, they support evidence that schizophrenia is a brain disease.

Schizophrenia and the US

To the left, this picture shows some facts and myths of Schizophrenia. Some facts include, 1 out of every 125 people have Schizo, and 62.7 billion dollars went to Schizophrenia research in 2002. A myth of Schizophrenia is that it is only genetic.

Entry 2: My Psychologist

My psychologist sees me 3 times a week. Her name is Julie. She listens to us, and how we feel. I tell her about my day, and she tells me about her other patients that are just like me, they look like me, but are very different. One

day I would like to meet them. One plays music, she likes piano. The other day I saw someone playing piano in the middle of the park and I

was dancing. Then all of a sudden I was in the middle of the street, and I have no clue how I ended up there. It was very strange. I tell Julie

about my day, and she listens.

Symptoms● Delusions. These are false beliefs that are not based in reality. For example, you're being harmed or harassed; certain gestures or

comments are directed at you; you have exceptional ability or fame; another person is in love with you; a major catastrophe is about to

occur; or your body is not functioning properly. Delusions occur in as many as 4 out of 5 people with schizophrenia.

● Hallucinations. These usually involve seeing or hearing things that don't exist. Yet for the person with schizophrenia, they have the full

force and impact of a normal experience. Hallucinations can be in any of the senses, but hearing voices is the most common

hallucination.

● Disorganized thinking (speech). Disorganized thinking is inferred from disorganized speech. Effective communication can be

impaired, and answers to questions may be partially or completely unrelated. Rarely, speech may include putting together meaningless

words that can't be understood, sometimes known as word salad.

● Extremely disorganized or abnormal motor behavior. This may show in a number of ways, ranging from childlike silliness to

unpredictable agitation. Behavior is not focused on a goal, which makes it hard to perform tasks. Abnormal motor behavior can include

resistance to instructions, inappropriate and bizarre posture, a complete lack of response, or useless and excessive movement.

● Negative symptoms. This refers to reduced ability or lack of ability to function normally. For example, the person appears to lack

emotion, such as not making eye contact, not changing facial expressions, speaking without inflection or monotone, or not adding hand

or head movements that normally provide the emotional emphasis in speech. Also, the person may have a reduced ability to plan or

carry out activities, such as decreased talking and neglect of personal hygiene, or have a loss of interest in everyday activities, social

withdrawal or a lack of ability to experience pleasure.

How Schizophrenia affects the individual who has it

Entry 3: How I Feel EverydaySome days are longer than others and it’s the

strangest sensation. Some days I feel mad, like really mad. So mad I could scream at everyone and the voices, the voices tell me to. My sister is over a lot. Sometimes she sleeps over and

helps me pick out my clothes and we go out to eat. I like when she comes over. We like my

sister. Sometimes i feel anxious when the boy down the hall comes by. I cant seem to look him the eye. I feel like a child around him. My sister sometimes has to tell me it’s okay and to block

out the voices but it’s harder than you would think.

Tests and Diagnosis

● Tests and screenings. These may include a lab test called a complete

blood count (CBC), other blood tests that may help rule out conditions with

similar symptoms, and screening for alcohol and drugs. The doctor may

also request imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan.

● Psychological evaluation. A doctor or mental health provider will check

mental status by observing appearance and demeanor and asking about

thoughts, moods, delusions, hallucinations, substance abuse, and potential

for violence or suicide.

Steps for treatment after diagnosis is made

Entry 4: The BeginningWhen I was younger the other kids and I didn’t get along. I was always that one kid to read at recess. I have never been really social and I

guess I was right for that because now I know that those kids were out to get me. The voices

started coming when I was 12. they didn’t come all the time and it was rare. Some times they made it hard to focus and I would sometimes

forget how I got somewhere. My parents never noticed anything. They barely stayed around long enough to see me once a week. Me and my sister spent a lot of time together, she’s

always been there for me.

Treatments and Drugs

Schizophrenia is a chronic illness that requires a lot of support throughout the person's life. Between psychosocial therapy and medication the condition can be managed. Treatment can include a therapist, social worker, or a nurse. Medication is the main way to treat Schizophrenia. Medication can be hard when it comes to Schizophrenic patients. Because of their disorder, they can be reluctant to take the meds at all. Popular medications for treating Schizophrenia include lorazepam, and benzodiazepine. These drugs can be combined with an antipsychotic for maximum results.

These are some examples of art therapy from Schizophrenic patients

Entry 5: The Drugs

I don’t like taking my meds. The voices in my head tell me not to, they aren’t really

medication. Its poison. I only take my meds on wednesdays because its the middle of the week and there is something safe about being in the middle. My sister says I have to take my meds

or I won’t get any sleep. I believe her, but sometimes the TV tells me not too, and the

voices tell me not too, and the radio tells me not too. So I don't know who to believe or trust..

DISCLAIMER

This a project for a high school AP Psychology course. This is a fictionalized account of having a psychological ailment. For

questions about this blog project or its content please email the teacher, Laura Astorian: laura.astorian@cobbk12.org

Bibliography

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/basics/treatment/con-20021077Google.com/images/schizophrenia