Schizophrenia is a neurological disorder that affects the cognitive functions of an individual. The cause of this illness is unknown, but there are several theories of how an individual may acquire schizophrenia. Because there are many symptoms of the disease and because the symptoms can vary quite dramatically among several individuals and even within the same individual over time, the diagnosis of schizophrenia can be quite difficult.
In the United States and Europe, schizophrenia occurs in about 3 to 6 of every 10,000 individuals. Schizophrenia occurs equally in males and females; however, the age of onset of the disease is different between the sexes. The primary age of onset in males occurs roughly between the ages of 15 and 25,
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Since the social causation hypothesis is more narrow and only accounts for the assumption that schizophrenia results from stress (one hypothesis for the development of schizophrenia), the downward drift hypothesis seems to better explain the disproportionate numbers of schizophrenics in the lower socioeconomic classes. Moreover, a number of estimations have claimed that between one-third and two-thirds of homeless individuals have schizophrenia (1).
However, the theory that social factors may produce the stressors that lead to schizophrenia does correlate with several key points. Epidemiological studies have shown that a higher proportion of schizophrenics are found in large cities, particularly in those cities with populations of over one million people, whereas smaller cities have virtually no incidence of schizophrenia. Also, the development of schizophrenia in children of a schizophrenic parent or parents appears to be twice as likely in those residing in large cities as compared to those in smaller communities. Moreover, schizophrenia occurs in a higher percentage of immigrants that move from a less industrialized area or nation to a more industrialized area or nation (1). However, other factors may be present that contribute to the disproportionate localization of schizophrenia in relation to geography which will be discussed later.
The symptoms of schizophrenia are quite variable in type and
Given these facts, this research paper will address this question. I will examine the effects of schizophrenia upon adults in the US. I have presented an overview of schizophrenia, the discovery of the illness. I will explain how genetics intertwined with schizophrenia. To fully explore the topic this paper will discuss the following questions.
The prevalence of schizophrenia is thought to be about 1% of the population around the world. The disorder is considered to be one of the top ten causes of long-term disability worldwide. Late adolescence and early adulthood are periods for the onset of schizophrenia. In 40% of men and 23% of women diagnosed with schizophrenia, the condition manifested before the age of 19 (Addington, Cadenhead, Cannon, 2007).These are critical years in a young adult’s social and vocational development.
Throughout the many years, there have been many negative public perceptions of Schizophrenia, which is known by majority of the public as an indication of mental illness. This disorder is most of the time perceived by the public as caused by psychological factors. People with this mental illness are considered to be unpredictable and threatening (Angermeyer & Matschinger, 2003, p. 526). Most patients have a behavioural dysfunction. Victims, families and society carry a substantial burden due to this illness (Wood & Freedman, 2003).
Majority of cases begin in adolescence and adulthood. The peak age range would be eighteen to thirty year olds. As far as we know it is very rare for a child to have schizophrenia. The age for schizophrenia to appear differs by gender. Women tend to be diagnosed in between twenty and twenty-four. There is a second rise in numbers for women. The second rise begins after the age of forty. Men tend to get it in their twenties. After the age of thirty-five the number of men who develop schizophrenia tends to drop, thus males more likely to have early onset compared to women. “Gender differences may be related to women having more mood disorder and anxiety diagnosis leading to milder forms of schizophrenia going undiagnosed,” (Butcher, 2014). Gender can play a big role when diagnosing schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia, although affecting only one percent of the population, has a direct affect on society today. This disease, if left untreated, poses threat to health care professionals (including psychiatrists), law enforcement personnel, and family members responsible for the care and support of the schizophrenia patient. This paper addresses the causes of schizophrenia and the myths surrounding this complicated ailment, the affect of untreated or misunderstood aspects of schizophrenia has on society and important crisis intervention strategies for those in close contact to victims of schizophrenia.
Incidence rates and causes of Schizophrenia are suggested that about 1.2 % of American population is diagnosed with the schizophrenic disorder. Leaving
Along with incorrect assumptions of schizophrenia’s complications and a schizophrenic’s behavior, those who are at risk are frequently underestimated. Though an illness not typically associated with a variety of people, schizophrenia occurs in all ethnicities, age groups and genders (www.nimh.nih.gov). Instead of solely victimizing men well into their adulthood, symptoms of schizophrenia can be found in children as young as five, though rarely. Adolescents are able to develop symptoms as well, often very subtly and undetectably, manifesting in inconspicuous issues like a drop in grades or irritability (Hollis, apt.rcpsych.org). Frequently budding
Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects more than one percent of the population. When schizophrenia is active, symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations, trouble with thinking and concentration, and lack of motivation. However, when these symptoms are treated properly, a large portion of those diagnosed will greatly improve over time.
Newer antipsychotic also affect levels of other neurotransmitters. This theory can also not explain why some schizophrenics have long periods of remission. (a) Outline and evaluate two non-biological explanations of schizophrenia People diagnosed with schizophrenia come from all types of social backgrounds, but most are clustered
are not sure exactly what causes it. Some doctors think that the brain may not
(Szasz,1982, p.4, p.29) In 1900, the term schizophrenia, now used worldwide, was used to describe the condition that one out of every hundred people had. This statistic remains the same today. Through research and years of study, the world has a better understanding of schizophrenia, its forms, characteristics, symptoms, types, possible causes, and treatments, if any. ( Pierce, 1990. p.263 )
Schizophrenia is not yet fully understood, but it is known that it is characterized by extreme disturbances in many vital areas, including behavior, emotions, speech, perception and thinking. The term schizophrenia means
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder of the brain, which is incurable but treatable to live a close to a normal life. There are different types of schizophrenia and they each have different symptoms and affect a person's life in different ways.
Approximately 1 percent of the world’s population is affected by schizophrenia. This illness does not discriminate. The symptoms usually start between ages 16 and 30. Once an individual reaches the age of 45, it is rare that schizophrenia manifests. Schizophrenia seldom occurs in children; however, awareness of childhood-onset schizophrenia is increasing (The National Institute of Mental Health, 2009). The symptoms tend to effect men more severely than women and those who suffer from schizophrenia are known to have a higher risk of substance abuse and suicide rates. Approximately 10 percent of the schizophrenia communities commit suicide. The most common addiction shared by these individual is (The National Institute of Mental Health, 2009).
It occurs at the same rate in males as it does in females, though average males seem to be more severely disabled than females (Chapman 1). All social classes are affected by schizophrenia though in large cities about three or four times more frequent in lower classes than in middle or upper classes. This disease usually develops in late adolescence or early adulthood but may develop later. Childhood schizophrenia is relatively rare, but does exist.