Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders Introduction Nature of the disease Schizophrenia derived from the Greek “skhizo” (split) and “phren” (mind) Two general factors: o 1st : schizophrenia is probably not a homogenous disease entity Schizophrenia as aa neurodevelopmental disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders may have several etiological influences including genetic predisposition, Biochemical dysfunction, Physiological factors, and psychosocial stress o 2nd : there may never be a single treatment that cures the disorder Effective treatment requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary effort, including pharmacotherapy and various forms of psychosocial care, such as living and Social Skills Training, rehabilitation and recovery, and family therapy Risk for suicide is a significant concern About 20-40 % of people with schizophrenia attempt suicide, and current evidence suggest that about 5% die by suicide Psychosis: a severe mental condition in which there is disorganization of the personality, deterioration in social functioning, and loss of contact with/ distortion of reality; there may be evidence of hallucinations (false sensory perceptions not associated with real external stimuli) and delusions (fixed, false belief); psychosis can occur with/without the presence of organic impairment Characteristically, disturbances in thought processes, perception, and affect invariably result in a severe deterioration of social and occupational functioning The lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia is about 1% in the general population Symptoms generally appear in the late adolescence/ early adulthood, although they may occur in middle/ late adult life Early-onset schizophrenia refers to symptoms that begin in childhood and adolescence before age 18 years This condition, although rare, is recognized as a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder with a chronic and severely symptomatic course Some studies have indicated that symptoms occur earlier in men than in women Phases of schizophrenia
