Schizophrenia: A Complex Diagnosis
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that alters an individual’s perception of reality. Researchers have conducted studies for several decades to examine numerous aspects of this complex disorder. These studies identified several etiological and prognostic factors that contribute to schizophrenia. Additionally, several treatment modalities are used to alleviate the symptoms associated with this illness. This research paper will examine the diagnostic criteria, prevalence rates, etiology, prognosis, treatments, and clinical implications for schizophrenia.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria Current diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia is listed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental …show more content…
The development of this theory stemmed from the idea that certain anti-psychotics, which inhibited the production of dopamine, decreased positive symptoms for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (Madras, 2013). Moreover, dopamine agonists, such as cocaine and amphetamines, typically increase positive symptoms (Madras, 2013). Researchers have implicated several other neurotransmitters in the etiology of schizophrenia, including serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, glutamate, acetylcholine and nicotine (Sadock, Sadock, & Ruiz, …show more content…
Several risk factors contribute to the prognosis of this disorder, including young or sudden onset, family history of schizophrenia, withdrawn or autistic behavior, trauma, etc. (Sadock, Sadock, & Ruiz, 2015). According to Sadock, Sadock, & Ruiz (2015), approximately 50% of individuals with schizophrenia have a poor prognosis characterized by suicide attempts and reoccurring hospitalizations. However, there are some protective factors that may improve an individual’s prognosis, such as late or acute onset, good premorbid occupational and interpersonal histories, good support symptoms, and several others. According to Sadock, Sadock, & Ruiz (2015), approximately 20 to 30 percent of individuals with schizophrenia will lead a somewhat normal life. Concurrently, 40 to 60 percent of these individuals will be significantly debilitated by the disorder for the rest of their lives (Sadock, Sadock, & Ruiz, 2015). Researchers have conducted studies on several treatment modalities to help improve these prognostic
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that alters an individual’s perception of reality. Researchers have conducted studies for several decades to examine numerous aspects of this complex disorder. These studies identified several etiological and prognostic factors that contribute to schizophrenia. Additionally, several treatment modalities are used to alleviate the symptoms associated with this illness. This research paper will examine the diagnostic criteria, prevalence rates, etiology, prognosis, treatments, and clinical implications for schizophrenia.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria Current diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia is listed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental …show more content…
The development of this theory stemmed from the idea that certain anti-psychotics, which inhibited the production of dopamine, decreased positive symptoms for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (Madras, 2013). Moreover, dopamine agonists, such as cocaine and amphetamines, typically increase positive symptoms (Madras, 2013). Researchers have implicated several other neurotransmitters in the etiology of schizophrenia, including serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, glutamate, acetylcholine and nicotine (Sadock, Sadock, & Ruiz, …show more content…
Several risk factors contribute to the prognosis of this disorder, including young or sudden onset, family history of schizophrenia, withdrawn or autistic behavior, trauma, etc. (Sadock, Sadock, & Ruiz, 2015). According to Sadock, Sadock, & Ruiz (2015), approximately 50% of individuals with schizophrenia have a poor prognosis characterized by suicide attempts and reoccurring hospitalizations. However, there are some protective factors that may improve an individual’s prognosis, such as late or acute onset, good premorbid occupational and interpersonal histories, good support symptoms, and several others. According to Sadock, Sadock, & Ruiz (2015), approximately 20 to 30 percent of individuals with schizophrenia will lead a somewhat normal life. Concurrently, 40 to 60 percent of these individuals will be significantly debilitated by the disorder for the rest of their lives (Sadock, Sadock, & Ruiz, 2015). Researchers have conducted studies on several treatment modalities to help improve these prognostic