Sharon Pinter
June 8,2014
PSY/270 Abnormal Psychology
DeBorah Gilbert White, Ph.D.
Table of Content
1. Introduction
2. Symptoms
3. Diagnosis
4. Different Viewpoints
5. Methods of treatment
6. Comparing treatments
7. Conclusion
Introduction to schizophrenia
“Currently an estimated 2.5 million people suffer from schizophrenia in the US and 1% world wide.”(Nevid & Rathus, 2005)(Stoker, 2008) It seems that more divorce and separated people suffer from schizophrenia. We have also learned the an equal number of men and women suffer with schizophrenia. So what are the treatments to help people that suffer from schizophrenia? As Psychologist and
Psychiatrist we must look closely for the symptoms. It is up to each and every one of us to make sure they get the best care they can so they can live happy lives.
Symptoms
“Positive symptoms are excesses or bizarre additions to thoughts, emotions and behaviors”.(Comer, 2011)(page 360)
“Delusions are strange false beliefs that are maintain even when proved other ways”.(Comer, 2011)(page 360)
“Formal thought disorder is a disturbance in the production and organization”.(Comer, 2011)(page 360)
Loose association is you have thoughts that change in a rapid form.
The conversation goes from one topic to another in a fast pace.
Hallucinations are when you see and hear things that are not there.
Their sounds and sights over run them. It becomes overwhelming.
(Comer, 2011)
Negative Symptoms
Poverty of speech is when one does not talk while others say a lot and mean nothing.
Blunt and flat affect is when a person shoes no anger, no emotion, no joy or excitement.
With the loss of volition they are unable to finish a task and cannot start one. They seem to be drained of energy. (Comer,
2011)
Social withdrawal is when the person stops going to social events such as church or family outings.
Psychomotor Symptoms
Catatonia is when people do not move for long times of