Government of Kurdistan - Iraq

High education ministry

Haibat sultan technical instate
English department
First stage

Schizophrenia

Prepared by:
Bokan hussen

Supervised by:

T.alan salah

( 2019 – 2020 )
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract ................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Causes ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Risk factors ............................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Prevention ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4
CONCLUSIONS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5

1
Abstract

Schizophrenia is still one of the most mysterious mental disorders that are
characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and impaired social behavior. Symptoms
of schizophrenia emerge in adolescence and early adulthood while their description is
controlled by conventional criteria. The incidence of the mental disorder varies across
cultures and migrant groups. Genetic vulnerability overlaps with environmental
factors causing individual symptoms and course. This review article focuses on
definitions, symptoms, causes, etiology, epidemiology prognosis, history,
mechanisms, diagnostics, pathophysiology, possible treatment, and prevention of
schizophrenia .

INTRODUCTION

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder, a heterogeneous behavioral and

cognitive syndrome that is related to the disruption of brain development caused by
genetic or environmental factors.[1] According to American Psychiatric Association
schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative
symptoms including diminished emotional expression or avolition.[2] The symptoms
must be present during a 1-month period.

Sweden psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler introduced the term schizophrenia in 1908. It was
composed of Greek words meaning, “splitting of the mind.” The earliest medical
description of schizophrenia symptoms belongs to Haslam and Pinel published in
1809. However, schizophrenia-like syndrome is considered to be rare prior 1800[3]
though the description of uncontrolled behavior and psychosis was common in
ancient Greek and Roman. Avicenna described some symptoms of schizophrenia.

2
This condition was called “Junun Mufrit,” or severe madness. However, other similar
cases of this state are not described during the medieval ages. One of the first

historical cases of schizophrenia-like syndrome belongs to Italian priest, writer and

cartographer Opicinus de Canistris in the 14th century. His autobiographical work
describes his mental disease characterized by mania, self-deprecation.

Causes
It's not known what causes schizophrenia, but researchers believe that a combination
of genetics, brain chemistry and environment contributes to development of the
disorder.

Problems with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including

neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia.
Neuroimaging studies show differences in the brain structure and central nervous
system of people with schizophrenia. While researchers aren't certain about the
significance of these changes, they indicate that schizophrenia is a brain disease.

Risk factors
Although the precise cause of schizophrenia isn't known, certain factors seem to
increase the risk of developing or triggering schizophrenia, including:

Having a family history of schizophrenia

Some pregnancy and birth complications, such as malnutrition or exposure to toxins
or viruses that may impact brain development
Taking mind-altering (psychoactive or psychotropic) drugs during teen years and
young adulthood
Complications

3
Left untreated, schizophrenia can result in severe problems that affect every area of
life. Complications that schizophrenia may cause or be associated with include:

Suicide, suicide attempts and thoughts of suicide

Anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Depression
Abuse of alcohol or other drugs, including nicotine
Inability to work or attend school
Financial problems and homelessness
Social isolation
Health and medical problems
Being victimized
Aggressive behavior, although it's uncommon

Prevention
There's no sure way to prevent schizophrenia, but sticking with the treatment plan can
help prevent relapses or worsening of symptoms. In addition, researchers hope that
learning more about risk factors for schizophrenia may lead to earlier diagnosis and
treatment.

4
CONCLUSIONS

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder that is related to the disruption of brain

development caused by genetic or environmental factors. Schizophrenia appears
during adolescence or middle 30s and can be supported with periods of remission
throughout the lifespan. The prevalence of schizophrenia is approximately 1% of
human population. Without an appropriate treatment patients with schizophrenia are
unable to have normal social contacts and possibilities. Management of the disorder
includes medications, social training, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other
approaches. There are approximately 60 different antipsychotic medications that
inhibit positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms though most of them are
characterized by additional negative effects and complications. Modern methods of
investigation including neurochemical imaging provide the data about structural and
functional changes of schizophrenia brain. It is widely accepted that impairment of
dopaminergic neurotransmission is the major mechanism of neurological changes
through other neurotransmitters systems (glutamate, GABA, and serotonim) are
considered to have a great effect. Although in the 100 years scientists have described
possible causes, mechanisms and treatment strategies of schizophrenia, most of the
patients remain chronic ill requiring additional social help, physical support, and
understanding.

5
REFERENCES

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culturally responsive teaching approach for fifth-grade student’s reading comprehension.
2. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, 57(2), 59-69.
3. Catts, H.W., & Kamhi, A.G. (2017). Prologue: reading comprehension is not a single ability.
4. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 48(2), 73-76.
5. Cayaningtyas, A., Mustadi, A. (2018). The effect of REAP strategy on reading
comprehension.