Abnormal Psychology: Schizophrenia, Essay Example

Introduction

As a mental disorder, schizophrenia is but one of a large group of psychotic disorders characterized by a gross distortion of reality, language and communication disturbances, withdrawal from social interaction, and the “disorganization and fragmentation of thought, perception, and emotional reactions” (Glanze, 2005, p. 1056). Some additional traits often found in persons suffering from schizophrenia include apathy and confusion; delusions and hallucinations; rambling or stylized patterns of speaking; withdrawn, regressive, and bizarre behaviors; and the inability to express normal emotions. As to the causes of schizophrenia, research has shown that this debilitating disorder may have genetic roots as an inherited disorder that affects the biochemistry of the brain, thus causing psychological problems and other manifestations related to brain chemistry (Glanze, 2005, p. 1056).

Symptoms

The symptoms associated with schizophrenia are widespread and are divided into three separate categories:

• Positive–these symptoms are related to a distortion in normal psychologic functioning and include delusions or “beliefs not based in reality;” hallucinations, especially hearing voices in one’s head; thought disorder via difficulty in speaking and organizing thought patterns; and disorganized behavior, ranging from “childlike silliness to unpredictable agitation” (Schizophrenia, 2012, Mayo Clinic).
• Negative–these symptoms refer to a “diminishment or absence of characteristics” of normal behavioral functioning and may include a loss of interest in daily living activities and necessities, such as taking a bath or eating; a lack of emotional response to specific situations; neglect of personal hygiene; complete withdrawal from society, friends, and family members; and a loss of motivation (Schizophrenia, 2012, Mayo Clinic).
• Cognitive–these symptoms involve problems linked to thought processes and may include the inability to make sense of incoming information, such as understanding the words of someone speaking; difficulty paying attention; and problems associated with memory (Schizophrenia, 2012), Mayo Clinic).

Types of Schizophrenia

As of 2012, nine different types of schizophrenia have been identified and are currently listed and described in the 2000 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR):

1) Acute schizophrenia, characterized by the sudden appearance of personality disorganization, highlighted by confusion, emotional turmoil, fear, depression, and bizarre behavior (Schizophrenia, 2012, May Clinic).

2) Catatonic schizophrenia, characterized by alternating periods of extreme withdrawal and excitement as contrasted with “purposeless and impulsive behavior” that often lead to violence (Glanze, 2005, p. 213).

3) Childhood schizophrenia that occurs generally during the teenage and young adult years with symptoms similar to adult schizophrenia. Some of the characteristics include hallucinations, delusions, irrational behavior, and problems associated with daily routines, such as bathing and eating (Schizophrenia, 2012, Mayo Clinic).

4) Disorganized schizophrenia, characterized by the early onset of symptoms during puberty and may include a disintegration of one’s personality, accompanied by “inappropriate laughter and silliness, peculiar mannerisms, and bizarre and often obscene behavior (Glanze, 2005, p. 378).

5) Latent schizophrenia, characterized by the appearance of mild symptoms in persons with no previous history of psychotic schizophrenic episodes; often referred to as borderline schizophrenia (Glanze, 2005, p. 678).

6) Paranoid schizophrenia, characterized by the inability to distinguish fantasy from reality and often accompanied by diffused voices in the head and hearing things that do not exist in reality. This is perhaps one of the most common types of the disorder (Schizophrenia, 2012, NIMH).

7) Process schizophrenia that is caused by changes in the human brain, rather than by environmental influences. Onset is usually slow but progresses rapidly to irreversible psychosis (Glanze, 2005, p. 967).

8) Reactive schizophrenia which is more closely associated with environmental factors instead of changes in brain chemistry; onset is rapid but symptoms are generally only temporary (Glanze, 2005, p. 1008).

9) Schizoid personality disorder, characterized by the complete avoidance of social activities and interactions with friends and family members. One of the most common symptoms is a feeling extreme loneliness and a great sensitivity to one’s immediate environment (Schizophrenia, 2012, Mayo Clinic).

Case Examples

An excellent example of the schizoid personality disorder can be found in the case of 23 year-old Mary who at first could not sleep and soon found herself experiencing “extreme depersonalization and visual hallucinations” as if she was under the influence of some kind of psychedelic drug. Mary also complained of being very depressed and finding it difficult to focus at work, along with high levels of anxiety. After seeking out a psychiatrist, Mary was diagnosed as suffering from panic attacks, along with discovering that she had experienced schizophrenic episodes in her past (Sample Case Studies and Diagnoses, 2012).

An example of acute schizophrenia is found in the case of 55 year-old Gary whose personal life was in turmoil because of a recent divorce and feelings of abandonment by his ex-wife and three children. As a result, Gary becomes extremely anxious when threatened by any type of change and views suicide as his only way out of his predicament. His also lives like a hermit and has not cleaned his house for many years; he also refuses help from everyone, especially family members. Of course, Gary’s thought patterns are very erratic; his self-esteem is non-existent and feels that he is a burden to society. In addition, Gary exhibits contradictory behavior, being kind and passive at times, then assertive and aggressive. Thus, Gary meets most of the qualifications for acute schizophrenia, such as a disorganized personality, mental confusion, emotional turmoil, fear, depression, and strange behavior (Sample Case Studies and Diagnoses, 2012).

References

Glanze, W.D., ed. (2005). Mosby’s Clinical Dictionary on Mental Disorders. St. Louis, MO: C.V. Mosby Company.

Sample case studies and diagnoses. (2012). Psy Web.com Retrieved from http://www.psyweb.com/Casestudies/CaseStudies.jsp

Schizophrenia. (2012). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/schizophrenia/DS00196

Schizophrenia. (2012). National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml