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Schizophrenia - Coggle Diagram
Schizophrenia
Causes & Risk Factors
Exact cause is unknown but scientist believe the following factors play a major role in its development:
Brain Structure/Function
Differences in brain structure and chemistry play an influencing role in schizophrenia. Altered interactions between neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate are also linked to this disease (Mayo Clinic, 2020; NIMH, 2020).
Genes
Twin and adoption studies show data supporting increased risk with family history of disease (Jorde, 2019). Risk increases by 8-10% if one parent is affected (Jorde, 2019)
According to Kavanagh, Tansey, O'Donovan and Owen (2015), schizophrenia is polygenic. Genetic research has found many different genes are associated with increased risk (Mayo, 2020).
Over 100 loci (many that encode dopaminergic and glutamatergic neuronal signaling pathways) are related to disease (Jorde, 2019)
According to GHR (2020), a small percentage of cases have been tied to a microdeletion in a region of chromosome 22 called 22q11.
Kavanagh, Tansey, O'Donovan and Owen (2015) state there is a shared genetic risk between this disease and
mental conditions such as bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorders
Environment
Prenatal complications, like malnutrition or exposure to toxins/infection, can possibly alter brain development (Mayo Clinic, 2020)
Living in poverty or stressful environment (NIMH, 2020)
Diagnosis
Diagnosing is an involved process that requires multiple factors
(Mayo Clinic, 2020)
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Tests and Screenings
Needed to rule out similar conditions. Also necessary to ensure symptoms are not substance abuse related.
Psychiatric Evaluation
Determination of whether patient meets the criteria for Schizophrenia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
What is it?
A severe emotional and mental disorder that alters one's ability to interpret reality (Jorde, 2019; Mayo Clinic, 2020). An individual's behavior and ability to properly think/feel are affected.
Signs & Symptoms
Psychotic
Auditory and visual hallucinations (NIMH, 2020)
Delusions manifesting in unsupported beliefs such as paranoia (NIMH, 2020)
Altered sense of reality and distorted thinking (NIMH, 2020)
Odd, unpredictable behavior (NIMH, 2020)
Negative
Lack of motivation and disinterest in life (NIMH, 2020)
Reduced expression of emotions. Flat affect (NIMH, 2020)
Social withdrawal (NIMH, 2020)
Cognitive
Ability to process information for decision making is altered (NIMH, 2020)
Problems learning and remembering information (NIMH, 2020)
Altered ability to focus and concentrate (NIMH, 2020)
Treatment
Medications
Most commonly prescribed medication are antipsychotics which help to control symptoms by altering dopamine levels (Mayo Clinic, 2020)
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2nd Generation Antipsychotics
(Less severe side effects)
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Brexpiprazole (Rexulti)
Lurasidone (Latuda)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
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Complications
If left untreated, individuals with schizophrenia may cause:
depression
suicidal thoughts
substance abuse
financial issues/homelessness
social isolation
inability to work or care for self
(Mayo Clinic, 2020)