Mental Disorders: Schizophrenia
Introduction to Psychology
SCHIZOPHRENIA
April 30th, 2011
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that has many long term symptoms, caused by both genetic and environmental factors and their interactions. Research on pathogenesis has traditionally focused on neurotransmitter systems in the brain, particularly those involving dopamine. Schizophrenia has been considered a separate disease for over a century, but in the absence of clear biological markers, diagnosis has historically been based on signs and symptoms.
A fundamental message emerging from …show more content…
They may appear months or years before positive symptoms. They include: loss of interest in everyday activities, appearing to lack emotion, reduced ability to plan or carry out activities, neglect of personal hygiene, social withdrawal, and loss of motivation
Cognitive symptoms: Cognitive symptoms involve problems with thought processes. These symptoms may be the most disabling in schizophrenia, because they interfere with the ability to perform routine daily tasks. A person with schizophrenia may be born with these symptoms, but they may worsen when the disorder starts. They include: problems with making sense of information, difficulty paying attention, and memory problems. Affective symptoms: Schizophrenia also can affect mood, causing depression or mood swings. In addition, people with schizophrenia often seem inappropriate and odd, causing others to avoid them, which leads to social isolation. Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common among people with schizophrenia.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing schizophrenia is based on observing patients’ actions. But doctors use certain tests to make sure nothing else as at the root of the …show more content…
The evaluation will begin with the doctor asking questions about your symptoms, medical history, and performing a physical exam. Although there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose mental illness, the doctor may use various tests to make sure something else isn 't causing the symptoms. If no other illness is found, you may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist, mental health professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists use specially designed interview and assessment tools to evaluate a person for a mental illness. The doctor bases his or her diagnosis on the person 's report of symptoms - including any social or functional problems caused by the symptoms -- and his or her observation of the person 's attitudes and behavior. The doctor then determines if the person 's symptoms and degree of disability point to a diagnosis of a specific disorder. Unfortunately, there is no laboratory test for schizophrenia. The complex spectrum of schizophrenia symptoms cannot be gauged with methods like the mental status examination. Diagnosis is made by clinically examining the
SCHIZOPHRENIA
April 30th, 2011
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that has many long term symptoms, caused by both genetic and environmental factors and their interactions. Research on pathogenesis has traditionally focused on neurotransmitter systems in the brain, particularly those involving dopamine. Schizophrenia has been considered a separate disease for over a century, but in the absence of clear biological markers, diagnosis has historically been based on signs and symptoms.
A fundamental message emerging from …show more content…
They may appear months or years before positive symptoms. They include: loss of interest in everyday activities, appearing to lack emotion, reduced ability to plan or carry out activities, neglect of personal hygiene, social withdrawal, and loss of motivation
Cognitive symptoms: Cognitive symptoms involve problems with thought processes. These symptoms may be the most disabling in schizophrenia, because they interfere with the ability to perform routine daily tasks. A person with schizophrenia may be born with these symptoms, but they may worsen when the disorder starts. They include: problems with making sense of information, difficulty paying attention, and memory problems. Affective symptoms: Schizophrenia also can affect mood, causing depression or mood swings. In addition, people with schizophrenia often seem inappropriate and odd, causing others to avoid them, which leads to social isolation. Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common among people with schizophrenia.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing schizophrenia is based on observing patients’ actions. But doctors use certain tests to make sure nothing else as at the root of the …show more content…
The evaluation will begin with the doctor asking questions about your symptoms, medical history, and performing a physical exam. Although there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose mental illness, the doctor may use various tests to make sure something else isn 't causing the symptoms. If no other illness is found, you may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist, mental health professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists use specially designed interview and assessment tools to evaluate a person for a mental illness. The doctor bases his or her diagnosis on the person 's report of symptoms - including any social or functional problems caused by the symptoms -- and his or her observation of the person 's attitudes and behavior. The doctor then determines if the person 's symptoms and degree of disability point to a diagnosis of a specific disorder. Unfortunately, there is no laboratory test for schizophrenia. The complex spectrum of schizophrenia symptoms cannot be gauged with methods like the mental status examination. Diagnosis is made by clinically examining the