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or explain schizophrenia Describe or disorder?

or explain schizophrenia Describe or disorder?

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Chapter1: The Science Of Psychology
Section: Chapter Questions
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### Schizophrenia: Understanding the Disorder **Question: Describe or explain schizophrenia?** --- Schizophrenia is a complex, chronic mental health disorder characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions. It is a severe brain disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for them and for their family and friends. #### Key Features of Schizophrenia 1. **Positive Symptoms:** These are psychotic behaviors not seen in healthy people. They include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, and movement disorders (agitated body movements). 2. **Negative Symptoms:** These are associated with disruptions to normal emotions and behaviors. They include "flat affect" (reduced expression of emotions via facial expression or voice tone), reduced feelings of pleasure in everyday life, difficulty beginning and sustaining activities, and reduced speaking. 3. **Cognitive Symptoms:** For some patients, the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia are subtle, but for others, they are more severe and patients may notice changes in their memory or other aspects of thinking. These symptoms include poor executive functioning (the ability to understand information and use it to make decisions), trouble focusing or paying attention, and problems with working memory (the ability to use information immediately after learning it). #### Causes and Risk Factors - **Genetics:** While schizophrenia tends to run in families, about 60% of people with schizophrenia have no first- or second-degree relatives with the disorder. Multiple genes are implicated rather than just a single gene. - **Environment:** Exposure to viruses or malnutrition before birth, particularly in the first and second trimesters, has been linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia. - **Brain Chemistry and Structure:** Problems with certain brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia. Differences in the brain's structure—such as reduced volume of gray matter, and enlarged ventricles—are also found in people with the disorder. #### Treatment Options 1. **Medications:** Antipsychotic medications are the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment. They can reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms. 2. **Psychotherapy:** Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral skills training, and supportive therapy can help patients manage symptoms and improve functioning. 3. **Support Services:** Community support, such as drop-in centers, visits by members of a treatment team, supported
Transcribed Image Text:### Schizophrenia: Understanding the Disorder **Question: Describe or explain schizophrenia?** --- Schizophrenia is a complex, chronic mental health disorder characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions. It is a severe brain disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for them and for their family and friends. #### Key Features of Schizophrenia 1. **Positive Symptoms:** These are psychotic behaviors not seen in healthy people. They include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, and movement disorders (agitated body movements). 2. **Negative Symptoms:** These are associated with disruptions to normal emotions and behaviors. They include "flat affect" (reduced expression of emotions via facial expression or voice tone), reduced feelings of pleasure in everyday life, difficulty beginning and sustaining activities, and reduced speaking. 3. **Cognitive Symptoms:** For some patients, the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia are subtle, but for others, they are more severe and patients may notice changes in their memory or other aspects of thinking. These symptoms include poor executive functioning (the ability to understand information and use it to make decisions), trouble focusing or paying attention, and problems with working memory (the ability to use information immediately after learning it). #### Causes and Risk Factors - **Genetics:** While schizophrenia tends to run in families, about 60% of people with schizophrenia have no first- or second-degree relatives with the disorder. Multiple genes are implicated rather than just a single gene. - **Environment:** Exposure to viruses or malnutrition before birth, particularly in the first and second trimesters, has been linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia. - **Brain Chemistry and Structure:** Problems with certain brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia. Differences in the brain's structure—such as reduced volume of gray matter, and enlarged ventricles—are also found in people with the disorder. #### Treatment Options 1. **Medications:** Antipsychotic medications are the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment. They can reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms. 2. **Psychotherapy:** Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral skills training, and supportive therapy can help patients manage symptoms and improve functioning. 3. **Support Services:** Community support, such as drop-in centers, visits by members of a treatment team, supported
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