SCHIZOPHRENIA

Luzelia Saldanha
030.10.163
 DEFENITION

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which are found

the splitting of mind, emotion and behavior.

The name of Schizophrenia was applied by Eugen

Bleuler (Swiss 1857-1939)
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Prevalence of Schizophrenia in specific populations

Population Prevalence (%)

General population 1.0

Non twin sibling of a Schizophrenia 8.0

patient
Child with one parent with 12.0
Schizophrenia
Dizygotic twin of a Schizophrenia 12.0
patient
Child of two parents with 40.0
Schizophrenia
Monozygotic twin of a Schizophrenia 47.0
patient
The etiology of schizophrenia is not known and still
discussed.

Stress-Diathesis model
According to the stress diathesis model for the
integration of biological, psychosocial and
environmental factors, a person may have a specific
vulnerability (diathesis) that when acted on by
stressful influence, allows the symptoms of
schizophrenia to develop.
Dopamine hypothesis

The dopamine hypothesis states that there is a

hyperactivity of dopaminergic system in
schizophrenia. The theory evolved from two
observation. First, all effective antipsychotic drugs
bind to dopamine receptors. Second, drugs that
increase dopaminergic activity can induce the
appearance of similar symptoms those found in
patient with schizophrenia.
Genetic Factors

The hypothesis is a genetic basis for schizophrenia,

that the genes of affected persons confer a
vulnerability for schizophrenia. The possibility exists,
however, that environmental forces (both
psychological and biological) could affect the
expression of these genes, as well as provide a stress
that could precipitate the syndrome of schizophrenia.
 Neuropathology
 THE SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

Positive symptoms:
1. Delusions
2. Hallucinations
3. Disorganized speech (frequent derailment or
incoherence)
4. Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
Negative symptoms:
1. Loss of interest in everyday activities
2. Appearing to lack emotion
3. Reduced ability to plan or carry out activities
4. Neglect of personal hygiene
5. Social withdrawal
6. Loss of motivation

Cognitive symptoms:
Problems with making sense of information

Difficulty paying attention

Memory problems
The diagnosis can made if
and only if the symptoms
persist for at least six months
and a diagnosis of
schizoaffective disorder or
mood disorder must be
absent.
Atypical antipsychotics
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Paliperidone (Invega)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Ziprasidone (Geodon)
Psychosocial treatments

Although medications are the cornerstone of

schizophrenia treatment, once psychosis
recedes, psychosocial treatments also are
important. These may include:

Social skills training

Family therapy
Vocational rehabilitation and supported
employment
Individual therapy