Adolescent schizophrenia is a largely misunderstood, under-studied area of schizophrenia. Adolescence is a period of development marked at the beginning by the onset of puberty and at the end by the attainment of physiological or psychological maturity (Dictionary of Psychology). Schizophrenia may be defined as a general label for a number of psychotic disorders with various cognitive, emotional and behavioural manifestations and is a term that originated with Eugen Bleuler in 1911 as a replacement for the term Dementia Praecox.
The above definition may seem a little too academic, but the term literally refers to a ‘splitting in the mind’; a dissociation between emotions and cognition. Schizophrenia is a severe brain disease that results in a person losing touch with reality. The disease is accompanied by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech and behaviour, among others. These are just a few of the accompanying symptoms but together they affect social interactions and thought processes and have serious impact on the functioning of the sufferer.
We do not know exactly what causes schizophrenia, but it affects 1 in 100 people and is one of the most serious mental disorders (Furnham, 2008). The lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia in the United States of America is about 1 percent. The age of onset for schizophrenia occurs earlier in males than females, with the age group 16-25 years of age having the highest prevalence rates (Castle & Murray, 1993). Although the disease usually appears in late adolescence or early adulthood, seemingly without warning, it is a gradual disease that develops over many years (Gur & Johnson, 2006). Schizophrenia is very rare before age 11 but symptoms can appear as early as the mid- to late teens and are usually seen before age twenty; with most cases developing between age fifteen and twenty-five (Haycock, 2009). As such, a diagnosis is seldom made before age 18 (early-onset schizophrenia) and after age 50.
While the symptoms of schizophrenia may cause psychotic behaviour, most are not particularly violent and will not strike out at other. As little as 4% of violent acts are committed by people with schizophrenia and homicides by those who suffer with the disease is approximately 1 in 3000 cases. We admittedly still know very little about schizophrenia and are ...
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Schizophrenia – the background
- Introduction and Definitions
- History of Schizophrenia
- Early Treatment
- Causes of Schizophrenia
- Brain Abnormalities
- Genetics
- Environment
- Schizophrenia Types
- Paranoid Schizophrenia
- Disorganized Schizophrenia
- Catatonic Schizophrenia
- Undifferentiated Schizophrenia
- Residual Schizophrenia
- Symptoms
- Positive Symptoms
- Negative Symptoms
- Gender
- Suicide
- Warning Signs
- In Early Childhood
- In Adolescence
- Prevention
- Diagnosing Schizophrenia
- Other Conditions (Schizophrenia-like)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Psychosis
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Medication and Schizophrenia
- Therapy and Schizophrenia
- Hospitalization as an Option
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the topic of adolescent schizophrenia, providing an overview of the disorder and its various aspects. The paper delves into the historical context of schizophrenia, explores its causes, examines different types of schizophrenia, and analyzes the symptoms, warning signs, and diagnosis of the disorder. It further discusses treatment options, including medication, therapy, and hospitalization, as well as other conditions that may be mistaken for schizophrenia.
- The historical development of schizophrenia as a recognized disorder
- The various causes and risk factors associated with schizophrenia
- The different types of schizophrenia and their characteristic symptoms
- The challenges of diagnosing and treating adolescent schizophrenia
- The importance of early intervention and treatment for improving the quality of life of individuals with schizophrenia
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter provides a comprehensive introduction to adolescent schizophrenia, defining the disorder and tracing its historical background. It explores various early treatment methods, including insulin coma therapy and lobotomy, highlighting their limitations and eventual abandonment. The chapter also explores the prevalence of schizophrenia and its impact on the lives of individuals affected by the disorder.
The second chapter delves into the causes of schizophrenia, exploring the role of brain abnormalities, genetics, and environmental factors in its development. It discusses the complex interplay of these factors and emphasizes the need for further research in understanding the precise mechanisms involved in the emergence of schizophrenia.
The third chapter focuses on different types of schizophrenia, including paranoid schizophrenia, disorganized schizophrenia, catatonic schizophrenia, undifferentiated schizophrenia, and residual schizophrenia. It examines the unique characteristics and symptoms associated with each type and highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis for effective treatment.
The fourth chapter analyzes various symptoms of schizophrenia, categorizing them into positive symptoms and negative symptoms. It discusses the impact of these symptoms on individuals' social interactions and thought processes, emphasizing the challenges faced by those living with the disorder.
The fifth chapter explores warning signs of schizophrenia, focusing on potential indicators observable in early childhood and adolescence. It emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention in mitigating the severity of the disorder and improving treatment outcomes.
The sixth chapter discusses the process of diagnosing schizophrenia, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in identifying the disorder accurately.
The seventh chapter examines other conditions that can be mistaken for schizophrenia, including bipolar disorder, psychosis, and Alzheimer's disease. It emphasizes the importance of differential diagnosis and the need for thorough evaluation to ensure appropriate treatment.
The eighth chapter focuses on medication and its role in managing schizophrenia. It explores different types of antipsychotic medications and their effectiveness in treating various symptoms of the disorder.
The ninth chapter explores the role of therapy in treating schizophrenia. It discusses various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy, and their effectiveness in improving coping skills and reducing the impact of the disorder on individuals' lives.
The tenth chapter discusses the role of hospitalization in treating schizophrenia, exploring its appropriateness in specific cases and its impact on patients' recovery.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Adolescent schizophrenia, psychosis, brain abnormalities, genetics, environment, symptoms, warning signs, diagnosis, medication, therapy, hospitalization, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, mental health.
- Citation du texte
- Gary Elliott (Auteur), 2010, Adolescent Schizophrenia. The background, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/275087
