Schizophrenia overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Pratik Bahekar, MBBS [2]
Overview
Schizophrenia, from the Greek roots schizein (σχίζειν, "to split") and phrēn, phren- (φρήν, φρεν-, "mind"). It is characterised by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and behaviour, which progressively leads to social and occupational dysfunction. Psychosis is a general term used to describe loss of contact with reality. Schizophrenia a kind of psychosis. But, psychosis is also exhibited in severe depression, bipolar disorder, bereavement, intoxication by illicit drugs such as cocaine, brain tumour and infections, stroke etc. Typically symptoms of schizophrenia are classified as positive and negative. Onset of symptoms typically occurs in young adulthood, [1] with approximately 0.4–0.6%[2][3] of the population affected. Many studies have identified progressive structural as well as functional brain changes. However, schizophrenia is diagnosed on the patient's self-reported experiences and observed behavior. There is no objective laboratory test for schizophrenia.
References
- ↑ Castle E, Wessely S, Der G, Murray RM (1991). "The incidence of operationally defined schizophrenia in Camberwell 1965–84," British Journal of Psychiatry 159: 790–794. PMID 1790446
- ↑ Bhugra, D. (2005). The global prevalence of schizophrenia. PLoS Medicine, 2 (5), 372–373. PMID 15916460
- ↑ Goldner EM, Hsu L, Waraich P, Somers JM (2002). Prevalence and incidence studies of schizophrenic disorders: a systematic review of the literature. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 47(9), 833–43. PMID 12500753