Schizophrenia: Psychology and Childhood Schizophrenia Essay example

Submitted By LauraaElenaa50
Words: 520
Pages: 3

SCHIZOPHRENIA

Although schizophrenia was thought to be rare in the history books before the 19th century, reports of irrational, unintelligible, or uncontrolled behavior were common. The word schizophrenia roughly translates into “splitting of the mind” which comes from the Greek roots schizein (to split) and phren (mind). Eugen Bleuler joined this word and described the separate functions such as personality, thinking, memory, and perception. In later years, specifically the 1970s, procedures were created in order to diagnose the disease. There may be many ways for this complex disease to develop, however mental health experts are not completely sure what causes it. One the most common reasons would be just genetic. Certain events could trigger the schizophrenia that lies within their genes because there is more probability of developing this disease if there is family member with it. Patients diagnosed may experience a variety of symptoms or only a few. They often have difficulty making friends or keeping a job. The starting symptoms include irritable or tense feeling, trouble concentrating, or trouble sleeping. As the disorder progresses, the symptoms consist of bizarre behaviors, hallucinations, isolation, lack of emotions, trouble focusing, and wandering thoughts. The type of schizophrenia that is acquired could also affect which symptoms you go through. There are three stages to schizophrenia: the prodromal stage, acute stage, and finally the residual stage. The first stage refers to the year before the illness appears where the patient begins to isolate themselves. The acute stage is also known as the active stage because the patient begins experiencing psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, or grossly disorganized behavior. The active phase indicates full development of the disorder. The primary treatment for schizophrenia would be antipsychotic medications, with the help of psychological and social support groups. There may be hospitalization for severe episodes either voluntarily or involuntarily. Schizophrenia’s prognosis could be hard to foretell but most often than not symptoms will improve with the medication. But some