Answer To: Topic will be on schizophreniaPlease refer to rubricOnly references can be used is mention in the...
Dr Insiyah R. answered on Nov 09 2023
Title: Schizophrenia: A Comprehensive Overview
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Subject: Psychology
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Date:
B. Introduction/Background/History :
Schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, is one of the most daunting challenges to health worldwide. It transforms the formulated reality of individuals, making it strenuous for them to manage emotions, interact normally with the world around them, and even carry out everyday tasks. This disorder is more than a single condition and is termed as a heterogeneous group, which signifies a cluster of disorders that have shared symptoms but differ in aetiology. This ominous illness has engrossed generations of clinicians and researchers, yet its enigma stands unabridged. As we progress in this paper, we journey through its intricate contours exploring its origins, manifestations, treatments, and potential preventive strategies.
C. Content:
1. Schizophrenia: Its Roots and Manifestations:
Schizophrenia is not a malaise of straightforward causality; rather, it is borne from a maelstrom of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. Research has underscored a considerable manacle to genes responsible for synapse function and plasticity. Further, neuroimaging studies have discovered specific morphological differences in the schizophrenic brain, wherein reductions in grey matter volume and cortical thickness were implicated. There is also a strong association with certain environmental pathogens, both prenatal and postnatal, like viral infections, early-life trauma, and abuse of psychoactive substances.
The onset of this illness usually happens in late adolescence or early adulthood, with men comparatively showing an early onset. The disease manifests much heterogeneity in its clinical syndrome -positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, negative symptoms like blunting of affect and logia, and cognitive symptoms like impairments in memory and attention are classic to this disorder. Psychosocial functioning is usually compromised to a great extent, with self-care, employment potential, and interpersonal relationships being negatively impacted.
2. Treatment Options and Efficacy:
The cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment has traditionally been pharmacological interventions. Antipsychotic drugs significantly ameliorate the positive symptoms. Classic drugs like Chlorpromazine and Haloperidol, along with atypical ones like Risperidone and Olanzapine have demonstrated efficacy. However, the challenge of managing negative symptoms stays large.
Therapeutic strategies have also evolved over the years to become more patient-centric, involving psychoeducation, family education, and integrated care approaches. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), in particular, has been recommended as an efficacious treatment modality to prevent relapse and manage residual symptoms. CBT combines the techniques of...