Schizophrenia 1: Definition, Signs, and Symptoms

Schizophrenia is a group of mental disorders characterized by abnormalities in perception, content of thought, and thought processes (hallucinations and delusions) and by extensive withdrawal of interest from other people and the outside world, with excessive focusing on one's own mental life.

Schizophrenia is the most prevalent psychosis, affecting some 2 million Americans. The annual cost of the disease to the U.S. economy is estimated at $65 billion, of which $46 billion reflects lost productivity of patients and their caregivers

The term of schizophrenia was coined by Bleuler, synonymous with and replacing dementia praecox. This disorder disturbances in affect, mood, behavior, and though process.

Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia:

POSITIVE SYMPTOMS

• Excess or distortion of normal functions
• Delusions (persecutory or grandiose)
• Conceptual disorganization
• Hallucinations (visual, auditory, or other sensory mode)
• Excitement or agitation
• Hostility or aggressive behavior
• Suspiciousness, ideas of reference
• Pressurized speech
• Bizarre dress or behavior
• Possible suicidal tendencies

NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS

• Diminution or loss of normal functions
• Anergia (lack of energy)
• Anhedonia (loss of pleasure or interest)
• Emotional withdrawal
• Poor eye contact (avoidant)
• Blunted affect or affective flattening
• Avolition (passive, apathetic, social withdrawal)
• Difficulty in abstract thinking
• Alogia (lack of spontaneity and flow of conversation)
• Dysfunctional relationship with others

DISORGANIZED SYMPTOMS

• Cognitive defects/confusion
• Incoherent speech
• Disorganized speech
• Repetitive rhythmic gestures (such as walking in circles or pacing)
• Attention deficits

Diagnostic Characteristics:

• Evidence of two or more of delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms
• Above symptoms present for a major portion of the time during a 1-month period
• Significant impairment in work or interpersonal relations, or self-care below the level of previous function
• Demonstration of problems continuously for at least a 6-month interval
• Symptoms unrelated to schizoaffective disorder and mood disorder with psychotic symptoms and not the result of a substance-related disorder or medical condition

Continued to Schizophrenia 2