Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is characterized by a disintegration of thinking processes and emotional responsiveness. It is most commonly manifested through bizarre delusions, auditory hallucinations, disorganized thinking and speech and paranoid delusions. It may eventually lead to social or occupational dysfunction. Symptoms generally occur in young adulthood and may be diagnosed based on a person's self-reported experiences and observed behaviors. The reliability of a schizophrenia diagnoses is generally correct; however, some symptoms overlap from major depression and bipolar. There are many causes of schizophrenia including genetics and environmental factors. Schizophrenia is significantly affected by heredity and its onset is significantly influenced by environmental stressors.

• Psychotherapy for Schizophrenia
• Types of Schizophrenia in the DSM

Psychotherapy for Schizophrenia

Psychotherapy is widely recommended and used in treating schizophrenia. Psychotherapy helps those affected with schizophrenia to increase social skills, develop higher self-esteem and gain insight to the mental health issues.In severe episodes of schizophrenia, hospitalization may occur. This may be voluntary or involuntary based on the situation. Schizophrenia may lead to other medical issues that need to be treated.

Types of Schizophrenia in the DSM

The DSM defines schizophrenia as a mental disorder characterized by disintegrating emotional responsiveness and thought processes. It has five different types:

• Catatonic – involves motorological and psychological disturbances; also known as catatonia

• Disorganized – involves reality distortion (delusions and hallucinations) and psychomotor poverty (poverty of speech); also known as foldermenia

• Paranoid – thought disorder and disorganized behavior are absent but hallucinations and delusions are present

• Residual – involves low intensity positive symptoms

• Undifferentiated – psychotic symptoms are present but criteria for the above types have not been met

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