Schizophrenia
A mental illness worth knowing!
A mental illness that affects a person’s ability to think straight, control their emotions, their attitude and their ability to make decisions.
A mental illness is an illness that affects the mind and prevents a person from being productive. Different types of mental illnesses can range from mood disorders to a somatoform disorder. An example of a type of mental illness is Schizophrenia.
There are eight different types of Schizophrenia: Paranoid schizophrenia, Hebephrenic schizophrenia, Catatonic schizophrenia, Undifferentiated schizophrenia, Residual schizophrenia, Simple schizophrenia, Cenesthopathic schizophrenia, and Unspecified schizophrenia. Paranoid schizophrenia is a type of Schizophrenia that mainly uses positive symptoms. Such as, delusions and hallucinations. Paranoid schizophrenics don't know the difference between what’s real and what’s a hallucination which can affect their lifestyle. In some cases, it can later develop on different schizophrenic patients. Hebephrenic schizophrenia is a common type of Schizophrenia. Hebephrenic schizophrenics have disorganized behavior and thoughts without purpose. They have short-lasting delusions and hallucinations. Hebephrenic schizophrenia usually starts to develop between the ages of 15 and 25 years old. Catatonic schizophrenia is a rare type of Schizophrenia. Catatonic schizophrenics can be very active and energetic to still and rarely talk. Catatonic schizophrenics at times may copy someone’s movements and dialogue. Undifferentiated schizophrenia is a type of Schizophrenia that has a combination of paranoid, hebephrenic, or catatonic schizophrenia. Undifferentiated schizophrenics don't fit into one of the three schizophrenia diagnoses. Residual schizophrenia is a type of Schizophrenia that might be diagnosed to someone if they had a perrier history of psychosis yet, only have negative symptoms. Such as poor hygiene and a lack of memory. Simple schizophrenia is a type of Schizophrenia that is rarely diagnosed in the UK. Simple schizophrenic's negative symptoms appear to start early and quickly get worse. However, signs of positive symptoms are rare. Cenesthopathic schizophrenia is a rare type of Schizophrenia. Cenesthopathic schizophrenics patients reported having bodily sensations. Unspecified schizophrenia is a term used when people have some of the symptoms of the illnesses listed but don’t quietly meet the criteria.
The causes of Schizophrenia is unknown, yet researchers believe that Schizophrenia is caused by genetics, environmental factors, brain chemistry, and substance abuse. According to Mayo Clinic,”It's not known what causes schizophrenia, but researchers believe that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environment contributes to the development of the disorder.”
Like any type of illness, Schizophrenia has “positive,” “negevative,” and cognitive symptoms. Some examples of “positive” symptoms are hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, and movement disorders. Some examples of “negative” symptoms, according to National Institute of Mental Health,”’Flat affect” (reduced expression of emotions via facial expression or tone of voice tone), reduced feelings of pleasure in everyday life, difficulty beginning and sustaining activities, and reduced speaking.” Some examples of cognitive symptoms, according to National Institute of Mental Health, are,”poor ‘executive functioning’ (the ability to understand information and use it to make decisions), Trouble focusing or paying attention, and Problems with ‘working memory’ (the ability to use information immediately after learning it).”
There is no cure for Schizophrenia, but fortunately there are treatments for Schizophrenia. For example there is Antipsychotics medication, which is a type of pill or liquid form, Psychosocial Treatments, Self-management strategies, and coordinated specialty care (CSC). Coordinated specialty care (CSC) is a treatment that combines medication, psychosocial therapies, case management, family involvement, and supported education and employment services.
The frequency of someone having Schizophrenia is low. According to, National Alliance of Mental Illness,” The exact prevalence of schizophrenia is difficult to measure, but estimates range from 0.25% to 0.64% of U.S. adults.” Yet Schizophrenia can occur at any age. For instance, the average age Schizophrenia can develop in men is by the late teens to the early 20s. The average age Schizophrenia can develop in women is by the late 20s to early 30s. Schizophrenia can be diagnosed at a younger age by the age of 12 or older than the age of 40.
Hello my name is Natalie E. Hernandez. I chose to address the topic about Schizophrenia because in my family we carry the trait for that gene. My whole life I saw my grandmother and aunt suffer from that mental illness. I wanted to be able to understand what they go through. This website, is allowing me to share a part of my life with you the viewers.