Video Examples

žhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTCqP-lrTRI

žhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTe1xiBzAws

žhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U-f8RBMVHc

Myths about Schizophrenia

žSchizophrenia refers to a “split personality” or multiple personalities.

—Multiple personality disorder is a different and much less common disorder than schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia do not have split personalities. Rather, they are “split off” from reality.

žSchizophrenia is a rare condition.

—Schizophrenia is not rare; the lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia is widely accepted to be around 1 in 100.

žPeople with schizophrenia are dangerous.

—Although the delusional thoughts and hallucinations of schizophrenia sometimes lead to violent behavior, most people with schizophrenia are neither violent nor a danger to others.

žPeople with schizophrenia can’t be helped.

—While long-term treatment may be required, the outlook for schizophrenia is not hopeless. When treated properly, many people with schizophrenia are able to enjoy life and function within their families and communities.

Treatment

žBased on both Clinical Research and Experience

ž

žAntipsychotic Medication and their side effects

• —Clozapine
• —Risperidone and Olanzapine
• Haloperidol and chlorpromazine
• Olanzapine
• Quetiapine
• —Risperidone

žSupport comes from families & friends, and agencies devoted to fighting the disease

ž

žWorries about the drugs – Some of the drugs have potentially dangerous side effects.

ž

When patients aren’t treated correctly, negative or no effects can take place

Basic Facts about Schizophrenia

žIn the U.S., approximately 2.2 million adults have schizophrenia (about 1% of pop.)

žRates of schizophrenia are very similar from country to country-about 1 percent of the population.

žSchizophrenia ranks among the top 10 causes of disability in developed countries worldwide.

žThe risk of suicide is serious in people with schizophrenia.

žHighly treatable (No cure, but psychotic medicines and psycho-social therapies generally cause a lot of success)

žVery expensive disorder to treat

žBegins in early adulthood; between the ages of 15 and 25 (women usually develop it slightly later; onset happens on average for men @ age 18, while for women @ age 25)

ž

žThe earlier that schizophrenia is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome of the person and the better the recovery

žAnyone can be affected by schizophrenia, regardless of gender or race

Symptoms & Recognition

žDelusions

žHallucinations

žDisorganized speech

žDisorganized/Catatonic behavior

žNegative symptoms (decrease or loss of abilities or functions that existed in the individual before schizophrenia)

ž—————————————–

žSocial withdrawal

žHostility or suspiciousness

žDeterioration of personal hygiene

žFlat, expressionless gaze

žInability to cry or express joy

žInappropriate laughter or crying

žDepression

žOversleeping or insomnia

žOdd or irrational statements

žForgetful; unable to concentrate

žExtreme reaction to criticism

žStrange use of words or way of speaking

Environmental Influences on Schizophrenia

žPrenatal influences (i.e. drugs)

žStress on life (i.e. social problems)

žPersonality traits (i.e. naturally not optimistic)

Dopamine Imbalances

žDopamine imbalances possible cause of schizophrenia

žDifferent theories towards influence of dopamine

Is schizophrenia genetic?

ž

Runs in family

žGenes, prenatal difficulties, stressors

žHuman genome

žGenetics not sole cause

Definition of Schizophrenia

According to the Meriam-Webster Online dictionary:

1

: a psychotic disorder characterized by loss of contact with the environment, by noticeable deterioration in the level of functioning in everyday life, and by disintegration of personality expressed as disorder of feeling, thought (as delusions), perception (as hallucinations), and behavior —called also dementia praecox — compare paranoid schizophrenia

2

: contradictory or antagonistic qualities or attitudes <both parties … have exhibited schizophrenia over the desired outcome — Elizabeth Drew>