Psychotic illness-schizophrenia - Essay Example

Psychotic illness-Schizophrenia Psychotic illness which poses a major challenge to contemporary psychiatry is characterized by delusions, hallucinations and thought disorders. They are considered to be, in broad terms, due to brain dysfunction that results in improper cognitive and emotional development (McGorry 311). Schizophrenia is one such mental illness that manifests as changes in behaviour, thinking, feeling and perception (Department of Health and Ageing; Mental Health Association NSW Inc). The concept of schizophrenia (formerly dementia praecox) was introduced by the noted German Psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin who was responsible for classifying psychotic disorders (McGorry 311). It has been estimated that about 1 to 1.5% of the population in most countries suffer from schizophrenia. According to reports schizophrenia affects nearly 51 million people worldwide (Schizophrenia facts and statistics). This paper explains the major causative factors, symptoms, treatments offered and how to generally cope with the condition. Occurrence and major causative factors of Schizophrenia The age of the first onset for schizophrenia has been estimated to be 15 to 25 with men slightly at a higher risk than women (McGorry 319; Department of Health and Ageing; Mental Health Association NSW Inc). However reports also claim that schizophrenia affects both men and women equally. It can occur as few brief episodes or as a recurrent health condition. The onset may be rapid with the symptoms appearing progressively (Department of Health and Ageing). Both genetic and environmental factors such as stress and substance abuse have been recognised as causative risk factors. Research indicates an alteration in the brain that includes structurally enlarged lateral and third ventricles, decreased cortical volume and decreased volume of the temporal lobes and thalamus are some of the changes which lead to altered cognitive development and behaviour much earlier than the onset of the symptoms. Genetically multiple genes has been considered to increase susceptibility to the disorder. If one parent has the condition the children have a 10-15 percent chance of inheriting the disorder. In case of siblings the chance is 8-10 % and in case of identical twins it is about 50% (McGorry 318-319; Department of Health and Ageing; Mental Health Association NSW Inc). The risk of developing schizophrenia genetically is graphically represented below Source: Schizophrenia Facts and Statistics. 5 Nov. 2008. http://www.schizophrenia.com/szfacts.htm Hypoxia, ischaemia and prenatal infections during pregnancy and birth or in seasons such as spring and winter increase the risk of schizophrenia. Stimulants such as cannabis, nicotine, amphetamines and cocaine increase the risk and so does stress during adolescence and early adulthood (McGorry 315). An imbalance in neurotransmitters like dopamine is likely to predispose a person to the illness and so does the use of alcohol (Department of Health and Ageing; Mental Health Association NSW Inc). A combination of two or more of the above factors increases the risk of developing the disorder. Schizophrenia statistics in the United States Statistics indicates that at a given time approximately 51 million people worldwide suffer from schizophrenia. In the U.S alone it is estimated to be over 2.2 million people. The estimate when expressed as the number of individuals affected per 1000 of the total population, it is about 7.2 per 1000 in the U.S (Schizophrenia facts and statistics). Major symptoms The onset of symptoms occurs much earlier some of which may include depression, withdrawal and reduced speech, and the mode of onset differs from one person to another. However, treatment is started only when the acute symptoms sets in (McGorry 319). The symptoms have been discussed in detail by McGorry 316-318. Schizophrenic symptoms can be divided into two type’s namely positive and negative symptoms. Positive symptoms which are an excessive expression of normal thinking processes include delusions or false beliefs, hallucinations or perceiving something that does not exist, and disorganised thinking (McGorry 316-318; Department of Health and Ageing; Mental Health Association NSW Inc). Negative symptoms on the other hand are deviant form the normal thinking processes and includes exhibiting inappropriate emotions with difficulty in normal interactions, neurocognitve impairment, lack of drive and motivation and withdrawn attitude (McGorry 316-318 ; Department of Health and Ageing; Mental Health Association NSW Inc). These symptoms tend to increase the tendency to isolate and remain solitary. The major neurocognitive changes observed widely among schizophrenic patients includes inability to react correctly at the right time, reduced memory and difficulty in executing tasks. Negative symptoms are generally associated with schizophrenia which was previously attributed to excessive use of antipsychotics. However, modern medicines are prescribed at much lower doses (McGorry 316-318). Treatment Most of the drugs available to treat psychotic illnesses are syndrome specific, hence early diagnoses of the symptoms and prompt treatment can ensure a speedy recovery from the illness. A proper diagnosis in this case is very crucial for administering the right treatment and quick recovery. If substance abuse is noted, the person is asked to withdraw from using them and further treatment is carried out. Certain other conditions that mimic schizophrenia like epilepsy are also ascertained through appropriate scans (McGorry 319-320). Medication is generally the treatment of choice for the illness which involves administering antipsychotic drugs (Mental Health Association NSW Inc). Some commonly used drugs are Chlorpromazine, Haloperidol, Perphenazine, Fluphenazine (What is Schizophrenia?). These medicines help to correct any biochemical imbalance that had triggered the illness (Department of Health and Ageing). Another class of medications that are in use since the 1990’s is the atypical antipsychotics such as Clozapine which is known to be an effective medication for treating the major symptoms associated with the condition as well as hallucinations (What is Schizophrenia?). In some people these medications can give rise to side effects like drowsiness, blurred visions, rapid heartbeat, skin sensitivity, menstrual problems for women, trembling and involuntary muscle movements, however, newer medicines have lesser side effects and help in a more speedy recovery process (Department of Health and Ageing; Mental Health Association NSW Inc). In addition to medications, the patient can also undergo psychological therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling which help them overcome depressions and delusions that are associated with the illness. CBT has become a successful therapy which aims to inculcate a positive attitude to people with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders (Mental Health Association NSW Inc). Hospitalization may be required if a new drug is trialled or when patient safety is concerned. Support groups and psycho-education also help in the recovery process. Through support groups patients get to meet people suffering from the same illness and share their experiences which help them overcome their loneliness and through adequate education they are better informed about the latest treatment choices and learn to cope better with the illness (Mental Health Association NSW Inc; What is Schizophrenia?). These support groups also help to vanquish suicidal thoughts and aggression which are normally exhibited by schizophrenics. Conclusion In conclusion, people with psychotic problems like schizophrenia need to be respected and treated normally by the society which could itself be a good boost to help them cope with life. This in addition to correct diagnosis and medication, counselling and constant support would give them the confidence to live a fruitful and happy life. Works Cited: 1. McGorry, and McGrath. Eds S. Bloch & B. S. Singh. Schizophrenic and related disorders. Foundations of clinical psychiatry. 2nd ed. Carlton Sth, Vic.: Melbourne Uni Press, 2001. Print. 2. Mental Health Association NSW Inc. Schizophrenia kit. 2006. Web. 3 Dec. 2013 3. Schizophrenia facts and statistics. n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2013 http://www.schizophrenia.com/szfacts.htm 4. What is Schizophrenia? Department of Health and Ageing. n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2013 Read More