Understanding Schizophrenia Essay - 2372 Words

Understanding Schizophrenia Schizophrenia, although affecting only one percent of the population, has a direct affect on society today. This disease, if left untreated, poses threat to health care professionals (including psychiatrists), law enforcement personnel, and family members responsible for the care and support of the schizophrenia patient. This paper addresses the causes of schizophrenia and the myths surrounding this complicated ailment, the affect of untreated or misunderstood aspects of schizophrenia has on society and important crisis intervention strategies for those in close contact to victims of schizophrenia. The definition of schizophrenia is a group of psychotic disorders characterized by disturbances in†¦show more content†¦The risk is even greater for those relatives who are genetically similar to the schizophrenic. This theory poses important debates however. If schizophrenia is caused by simple genetics, identical twins should both be affected by schizophrenia if one twin has been diagnosed. It is rare to find a majority of identical twins affected. Studies have found there to be a weak genetic link to schizophrenia. A recent study of high-risk children found there to be little proof of a genetic link. The contrast between offspring of ill parents and offspring of normal parents was significant only for gross motor skills, but the direct affect of an ill parent on development of schizophrenia-related psychoses was not significant, which indicated a weak genetic model. (Erlenmeyer-Kimling, 28) Erlenmeyer-Kimling also noted that environment and early developmental damage could play a role in the onset on schizophrenia. This disease may have a series of triggers that could bring on the onset of the disease. These triggers could include complications during pregnancy and/or labor, prenatal exposure to a virus (especially in the fifth month when brain development occurs), and stress throughout the stages of life. (Dincin 103) Because of the complexity of the disease, many myths surround schizophrenia. One of these myths is poor parenting causes schizophrenia. Sigmund Freud and psychiatrists since him have regarded the family as the key in theShow MoreRelatedThe Psychological Understanding Of Schizophrenia2173 Words   |  9 Pagesday, the psychological understanding of the mind and schizophrenia has improved as well. From the beliefs of demons dwelling in the minds of the ancient people to understanding the true psychological understanding of this disorder and how it affects the mind. The treatment differs throughout the ages as ancient doctors and knew little on the disorder now known as schizophrenia, the treatment has varied from killing people to shock therapy today. 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