Treating Schizophrenia

Essay by krysteneHigh School, 11th gradeA+, June 2004

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I. Introduction

II. Schizophrenia

a. What it is

b. Causes

III. Diagnosis

IV. Symptoms

a. Distorted view of reality

b. Hallucinations and illusions

c. Disordered thinking

d. Emotional expression

V. Treatment

a. Medication

1. Antipsychotic drugs

2. Clozapine

3. Risperidone

4. Olanzapine

5. Quietiapine

b. Education and psychiatric therapy

c. Rehabilitation

d. Medication Compliance

VI. Conclusion

Treating Schizophrenia

A combination of proper medication, psychiatric therapy, and rehabilitation has proven to be the most effective means of treating the disease schizophrenia. Looking at the disease itself, how it is diagnosed, the common symptoms, treatment options, and the prognosis help researchers decipher which treatment options produce the best results. Doctors and researchers are working daily to uncover more information and answers in order to find a cure for this crippling disease.

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder (Psychology Today). The disease causes its victims to lose touch with reality (HealthSquare).

Schizophrenia typically appears in late adolescence or early adulthood, generally in the early twenties to the early thirties (The World...). Approximately two million Americans that are aged eighteen plus have the disorder, and approximately twenty-four million people worldwide have it. Less than one percent of the population is afflicted with it (HealthSquare). Schizophrenia occurs in men and women, however women generally have better responses to treatment than men do. Currently the cause of schizophrenia is unknown. There is much debate among researchers as to what the cause of the disorder is. However, some researchers believe that genetic factors play a role. Also, a chemical imbalance in the brain, the reason being unclear, may also play a role on the development of the disease (HealthSquare). Another theory is that schizophrenia may be inherited, because research has shown that schizophrenia runs in families (Psychology Today).

Because of the nature...