Schizophrenia

In 1887, Dr. Emil Kraepelin identified a disorder called dementia praecox

(Schizophrenia.com, 1996-2010). Years later, in 1911, psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler renamed this
disorder schizophrenia, with schizo meaning split and phrenia meaning mind. The general
term schizophrenia has been around for a relatively short amount of time, but it is believed that
the disorder can be traced back to Pharaonic Egypt (Schizophrenia.com, 1996-2010). Though the
original belief is that those with schizophrenia have split mind this is not the case. Schizophrenia
is a disruption of the usual balance of emotions and thinking (Mayo Clinic Staff, 1998-2015).
Schizophrenia, a chronic brain disorder, affects about 1% of the population (Schizophrenia.com,
1996-2010). According to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, an individual must show two symptoms
of schizophrenia for six months in order to be diagnosed (American Psychiatric Publishing,
2013). Symptoms of the disorder typically begin to appear between the ages of 16 and 30 years
old, and the disorder affects both men and women equally (NIMH, 2009).
There is no exact known cause of schizophrenia; however, scientists believe genetics and
the environment contribute to the disorder because links have been found between environmental
conditions and schizophrenia and schizophrenia sometimes appears in families (Mayo Clinic
Staff, 1998-2015). Studies with imaging have shown that those with schizophrenia have
differences in their brain structure and central nervous system (Mayo Clinic Staff, 1998-2015).
Additionally, factors believed to play a role in the development of schizophrenia include
heredity, exposure to viruses, toxins or malnutrition while in the womb, and taking mind-altering
drugs earlier in life (Mayo Clinic Staff, 1998-2015).
There are five types of schizophrenia, three of which were classified by Bleuler and two
that were classified since (Schizophrenia.com, 1996-2010). Those suffering from the disorder
are classified into a type by the symptoms that they exhibit. Disorganized schizophrenia is
characterized by incoherent speech and thought (Schizophrenia.com, 1996-2010). Patients often

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say words that lack meaning and have inappropriate reactions to different situations. Catatonic
schizophrenia is associated with withdrawn behavior or muteness (Schizophrenia.com, 19962010). Patients hold their bodies in weird positions for lengthy time periods. Others who suffer
from schizophrenia experience delusions and/or hallucinations (Schizophrenia.com, 1996-2010).
They may feel that people are out to get them or that they are a god or hold a high position of
power. This type of schizophrenia is called paranoid schizophrenia (Schizophrenia.com, 19962010). Patients who suffer from residual schizophrenia have exhibited episodes of schizophrenia
but are not currently showing any positive symptoms. They may lack motivation and interest in
life. Finally, those who are said to have undifferentiated schizophrenia do not fit into a subtype.
They may exhibit symptoms from multiple types of schizophrenia but not enough of one type to
fit into a category (Schizophrenia.com, 1996-2010).
Symptoms of schizophrenia are said to be either negative or positive. Some symptoms
include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and speech, and strange motor behavior
(Mayo Clinic Staff, 1998-2015). Delusions, false beliefs that are not based in real life, occur in
as many as four out of five schizophrenia patients (Mayo Clinic Staff, 1998-2015). These would
all be examples of positive symptoms. Negative symptoms limit ones ability to function in
everyday life. Negative symptoms include speaking in a monotone voice, speaking little, and
lacking pleasure in life. These symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of depression and
are harder to recognize (Mayo Clinic Staff, 1998- 2015).
Though schizophrenia is incurable, symptoms can be reduced and better controlled by a
variety of methods. Many patients with schizophrenia take antipsychotics; however, even with
continued treatment some patients relapse. Patients can reduce their chance of relapsing by
following a strict medications schedule. Antipsychotics can be very effective, yet these
medications often have numerous negative side effects. (Goldberg, 2014). Some patients go to

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therapy in addition to or instead of taking medication. Certain patients opt for individual
psychotherapy. This helps patients learn about their disorder and how to cope with it. These
sessions can help patients develop problem-solving skills and distinguish between what is real
and what is not (Goldberg, 2014). Other patients may go to rehabilitation facilities that provide
job and vocational counseling as well as social skills training (Goldberg, 2014). There are also
numerous family education and self-help groups for families dealing with loved ones who have
schizophrenia. Research has shown that schizophrenia patients lead higher quality lives when
they have a strong family support system. (Goldberg, 2014).
The quality of life for patients suffering from schizophrenia has increased drastically
compared to the quality of life for patients even in recent history. In the past, those who had
schizophrenia were thought to be possessed or controlled by evil spirits (Schizophrenia.com,
1996-2010). These individuals were forced to go through exorcisms and even experienced
dangerous medical procedures or death (Schizophrenia.com, 1996-2010). Since then, the quality
of life for those suffering has changed in many aspects. There are many prominent individuals
who have schizophrenia. They continue to lead meaningful lives full of accomplishments and
success. John Nash is perhaps the most famous individual who suffers from schizophrenia
(Schizophrenia.com, 1996-2010). Nash, a brilliant mathematical genius, attended and taught at
Princeton. Nash won a Nobel Prize in economics in 1994 (Nash, 1994). The 2001 film, A
Beautiful Mind, follows his life and legacy (Nash, 1994). The movie has increased awareness
surrounding schizophrenia, and it shows that those who suffer from schizophrenia can
accomplish great things despite their disorder.
Schizophrenia is a disorder that remains largely unknown, yet scientists are making
progress with ideas and treatment relating to the disorder. Those who suffer from schizophrenia
have many treatment options that reduce their symptoms even though there is no cure. Quality

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of life for schizophrenia patients has improved throughout the years, and those who suffer from
the disorder are often well-functioning members of society. Much progress has been made since
schizophrenia was first coined dementia praecox over one hundred years ago.

References
American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
(5th ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.
Goldberg, J. (2014). Schizophrenia medications. Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/guide/schizophrenia-medications
Goldberg, J. (2014). Therapy for schizophrenia. Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/guide/schizohrenia-therapy
Mayoclinic.org. (2014). Diseases and conditions- schizophrenia symptoms. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/basics/symptoms/con2001077
Mayoclinic.org. (2015). Diseases and conditions- schizophrenia causes. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/basics/causes/con20021077
Nash, J. (1994). The official website of the nobel prize. John F. Nash Jr. - Biographical.
Retrieved from http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/economicsciences/laureates/1994/nash-bio.html
NIMH (2009). What is schizophrenia? Retrieved from
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml
Schizophrenia.com. (2010). Famous people and schizophrenia. Retrieved from
http://www.schizophrenia.com/famous.htm
Schizophrenia.com. (2010). History of schizophrenia. Retrieved from
http://www.schizophrenia.com/history.htm