1
SCHIZOPHRENIA
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder which is classified
as a psychosis. It is characterised by disruptions in
thought processes, social interactions, emotional
responsiveness and perceptions.
- Symptoms - Page 2
- Diagnosis - Page 3
- Explanations - Page 4-5
- Treatment - Page 6-7
Schizophrenic episodes can vary between individuals in
both frequency and symptoms. 25% of people experiencing
an episode of schizophrenia fully recover and never
experience another episode again.
25% of people have unremitting schizophrenia. This means
those individuals have episode after episode with little
break or recovery period.
The remaining 50% have recurrent episodes of
schizophrenia. After each episode they will have long
episodes of considerable recovery. In these individuals,
negative schizophrenic symptoms are more present.
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Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia symptoms are classified into either positive
symptoms and negative symptoms. Positive symptoms are
symptoms unique to schizophrenia alone whereas negative
symptoms may be shared traits with other neurosis or
psychosis.
POSITIVE SYMPTOMS
- Delusions. These are bizarre beliefs that seem real or true
to the schizophrenic.
- Hallucinations. These are unreal perceptions of the
environment that are most commonly auditory (‘hearing
voices’) but can also be in the form of tactile, visual or
olfactory sensations.
- Disorganised Speech. This is when speech is
incomprehensible or derailment in which an individual slips
between topics.
- Disorganised Behaviour. Inability to complete tasks or lack
of motivation to complete tasks.
NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS
- Speech Poverty. The lessening of speech fluidity and
productivity.
- Avolition. Reduction of interests and desires and inability
to persist in goal directed behaviour.
- Affective Flattening. Reduction in the range and intensity
of emotional expression.
- Anhedonia. Inability to experience pleasure.
SCHIZOPHRENIA
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder which is classified
as a psychosis. It is characterised by disruptions in
thought processes, social interactions, emotional
responsiveness and perceptions.
- Symptoms - Page 2
- Diagnosis - Page 3
- Explanations - Page 4-5
- Treatment - Page 6-7
Schizophrenic episodes can vary between individuals in
both frequency and symptoms. 25% of people experiencing
an episode of schizophrenia fully recover and never
experience another episode again.
25% of people have unremitting schizophrenia. This means
those individuals have episode after episode with little
break or recovery period.
The remaining 50% have recurrent episodes of
schizophrenia. After each episode they will have long
episodes of considerable recovery. In these individuals,
negative schizophrenic symptoms are more present.
, 2
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia symptoms are classified into either positive
symptoms and negative symptoms. Positive symptoms are
symptoms unique to schizophrenia alone whereas negative
symptoms may be shared traits with other neurosis or
psychosis.
POSITIVE SYMPTOMS
- Delusions. These are bizarre beliefs that seem real or true
to the schizophrenic.
- Hallucinations. These are unreal perceptions of the
environment that are most commonly auditory (‘hearing
voices’) but can also be in the form of tactile, visual or
olfactory sensations.
- Disorganised Speech. This is when speech is
incomprehensible or derailment in which an individual slips
between topics.
- Disorganised Behaviour. Inability to complete tasks or lack
of motivation to complete tasks.
NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS
- Speech Poverty. The lessening of speech fluidity and
productivity.
- Avolition. Reduction of interests and desires and inability
to persist in goal directed behaviour.
- Affective Flattening. Reduction in the range and intensity
of emotional expression.
- Anhedonia. Inability to experience pleasure.
