Fernanda Green
SOC 313
Instructor Deborah LaBarca
May 21, 2013
Schizophrenia I. Introduction a) Percentage of the U.S. population being affected by Schizophrenia II. Definition: What is schizophrenia? III. Symptoms caused by the disorder: Challenges of the afflicted patient population IV. Who is more likely to be affected by the illness? V. Intervention(s): How to promote health stability for those dealing with symptoms of schizophrenia. a) Maintaining Health Stability b) Medication Treatment VI. Meeting the needs of the population: Community Based Programs. a) research projects
Executive Summary
A chronic psychotic disorder, schizophrenia …show more content…
“Schizophrenia is characterized by a constellation of distinctive and predictable symptoms. The symptoms that are most commonly associated with the disease are called positive symptoms, which denote the presence of grossly abnormal behavior. These include thought disorder, delusions, and hallucinations. Thought disorder is the diminished ability to think clearly and logically. Often it is manifested by disconnected and nonsensical language that renders the person with schizophrenia incapable of participating in conversation, contributing to his alienation from his family, friends, and society. Delusions are common among individuals with schizophrenia. An affected person may believe that he is being conspired against. Hallucinations can be heard, seen, or even felt; most often they take the form of voices heard only by the afflicted person,” (http://www.schizophrenia.com). While these symptoms are obvious, consistent, and usually expected from those affected by schizophrenia, there are also “quieter indications” known as “negative symptoms,” that may contribute to the gravity of the illness. The quieter symptoms are responsible for the absence of “normal” behavior. In other words, people might have a dull or flattened reaction to things, people, and situations; they often show lack of emotions and other physical expressions. They might also act and feel indifferent, becoming more and more socially …show more content…
A person may begin life functioning well, but when schizophrenia hits, it alters the way a person perceives and responds to their internal and external environment, affecting their ability to function within personal relationships, professionally, and within society as a whole. Schizophrenia can cause delusions, hallucination, odd thought processes, difficulty discerning reality, self-imposed isolation, and substance abuse,” (www.macalester.edu). However, there is hope for those who struggle with Schizophrenia. Remission can be attained by use of interventions, which generally require anti-psychotic intake. Support from family and community is also very important for the individual’s stability and coping