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Schizophrenia
Category
Psychotic
Disorders
Etiology
Many
theories have been introduced in an attempt to explain this disorder.
Currently, most professionals believe it is a result of a physiological
condition brought out by a life stressor.
Symptoms
Symptoms
of Schizophrenia typically begin between adolescence and early adulthood
for males and a few years later for females, and usually as a result of a
stressful period (such as beginning college or starting a first full time
job). Initial symptoms may include delusions and hallucinations,
disorganized behavior and/or speech. As the disorder progresses symptoms
such as flattening or inappropriate affect may develop. See Schizophreniform
for more information on diagnoses.
Treatment
Medication
is the most important part of treatment as it can reduce and sometimes
eliminate the psychotic symptoms. Case management is often needed to
assist with daily living skills, financial matters, and housing, and
therapy can help the individual learn better coping skills and improve
social and occupational skills.
Prognosis
There
is no cure for this disorder so prognosis is poor. However, medication has
been shown to be quite effective against the psychotic symptoms and
therapy can help the individual cope with the illness better and improve
social functioning. Absence of what is termed the negative symptoms
(flattened affect, avolition, and poor social interaction) improves the
prognosis significantly.
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