UNU2200545 ESPB3043

ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION SHEET

Course Code : ESPB3043

Course Title : INTRODUCTION TO PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Lecturer : Madam Nurul Husna

Student’s Affirmation :
I, VINYOGA RAJ A/L KUMAR (UNU2200545) acknowledge the submission of this

assignment. I will be responsible if this assignment is found plagiarized and will bear the

consequences.

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INTRODUCTION

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness in which reality is perceived by sufferers strangely.

Schizophrenia may include hallucinations, delusions, and severely irrational thinking and behavior,

which can make it difficult to go about daily activities and be incapacitating. The majority of

schizophrenia symptoms will significantly improve with therapy, and the risk of a relapse can be

reduced.

Schizophrenia has no known cure, but research is advancing new, safer therapies. Additionally, experts

are figuring out the disease's causes by researching behavioural issues, examining genetics, and

employing cutting-edge imaging to examine the structure and operation of the brain. These strategies

provide the possibility of developing fresh, potent treatments.

There are many misconceptions concerning schizophrenia, which may be partially explained by the

intricacy of the condition. Split personality or multiple personalities are not characteristics of

schizophrenia. The majority of those who have schizophrenia are no more dangerous or violent than

the average populace. It is a myth that persons with schizophrenia end up homeless or living in

hospitals, even while a lack of community facilities for mental health may cause recurrent

hospitalisations and homelessness. The majority of those who have schizophrenia live with their

families, in group homes, or alone.

According to research, schizophrenia affects men and women about equally, but it may start in men

earlier. Rates are comparable throughout the world. Due in major part to the high prevalence of co-

occurring diseases like diabetes and heart disease, people with schizophrenia are more likely to die

younger than the general population.

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SYMPTOMS

A variety of issues with behavior, emotions, and thinking (cognition) are present in schizophrenia.

Although there are many different signs and symptoms, they typically entail delusions, hallucinations,

or slurred speech and indicate a reduced capacity for function. Some signs could be:

Delutions are false belive’s that are not supported by reality. For instance, you feel threatened or

tormented; you are the target of specific gestures or remarks; you are famous or gifted; you are in love

with someone else; or a serious disaster is about to happen. The majority of those with schizophrenia

experience delusions.

Hallucinations are typically, they entail hearing or seeing nonexistent objects. However, a typical event

has all of its energy and significance for a person with schizophrenia. Hearing voices is the most

frequent hallucination, though they can occur in any sense.

Unorganized speech implies disorganised thought. Answers to questions may be partially or entirely

unconnected, which might hinder effective communication. Rarely, speaking may involve stringing

together incomprehensible words, a practise known as word salad.

Extreme disarray or unusual motor activity may manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from childish to

irrational agitation. Because behaviour isn't goal-focused, activities are challenging to complete.

Resistance to commands, odd or unsuitable postures, a complete lack of response, or unnecessary

and excessive movement are all examples of behaviour.

Negative signs describes a diminished or absent capacity to carry out routine tasks. For instance, they

might not take care of their personal hygiene or exhibit a lack of emotion by speaking monotonously,

avoiding eye contact, or changing their facial expressions. Additionally, the person can stop enjoying

routine tasks, withdraw socially, or be incapable of enjoying themselves.

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Over time, symptoms might change in nature and degree, with periods when they get worse and times

when they go away. Some symptoms could be present at all times.

Schizophrenia symptoms in men often appear between the ages of 20 and 30. The average onset of

symptoms in women is in their late 20s. Schizophrenia is rarely diagnosed in youngsters and much less

frequently in people over the age of 45.

SYMPTOMS IN TEENAGERS

Although teenage schizophrenia symptoms are comparable to those in adults, it may be more

challenging to diagnose. This may be partially due to the fact that some of the early symptoms of

schizophrenia in teenagers are typical for adolescent development, such as withdrawal from family and

friends, a decrease in academic achievement, difficulty sleeping, irritability or a downbeat attitude and

a lack of drive

Additionally, recreational drug use—including marijuana, methamphetamine, or LSD—can occasionally

result in comparable signs and symptoms.

When compared to adult schizophrenia symptoms, teen symptoms may be less inclined to be delusional

or more prone to experiencing visual hallucinations.

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HELPING SOMEONE WHO MAY HAVE SCHIZOPHRENIA

Schizophrenia sufferers frequently are unaware that their problems are caused by a mental illness that

has to be treated. Therefore, it frequently falls on family or friends to get them assistance.

Speak to the person you know if you suspect they may be experiencing schizophrenia symptoms. Even

while you can't force someone to get assistance, you can encourage them, support them, and assist

them in finding a skilled medical or mental health expert.

You might need to call emergency responders for assistance so that your loved one can be assessed

by a mental health expert if he or she is a risk to themselves or others or is unable to provide for basic

needs like food, clothing, or shelter.

Emergency hospitalisation may be required in various circumstances. States have different laws

regarding involuntary commitment for mental health treatment. You can get in touch with local police

departments or community mental health in your area.

SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR BEHAVIOUR

Schizophrenia patients frequently experience suicidal ideas and actions. Make sure someone stays

with a loved one who is contemplating suicide or has already tried to commit suicide. Dial your local

emergency number. Alternately, if you believe it to be safe to do so, take the patient to the emergency

room of the closest hospital.

CAUSES

Although the exact aetiology of schizophrenia is unknown, experts think that a combination of genetics,

brain chemistry, and environment may play a role in the disorder's emergence.

Schizophrenia may be exacerbated by issues with specific naturally occurring brain chemicals, such as

the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate. Studies on neuroimaging reveal that individuals with

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schizophrenia have different brain and central nervous system structures. Although scientists are

unsure of the importance of these alterations, they do suggest that schizophrenia is a brain disorder.

RISK FACTORS

Although the exact aetiology of schizophrenia is unknown, a number of factors appear to raise the

chance of schizophrenia development or occurrence, including:

-schizophrenia existing in one's family

-problems during pregnancy and childbirth, such as malnutrition or exposure to chemicals or viruses

that could affect brain development

-using medicines that affect consciousness when a teen or young adult (psychoactive or psychotropic

substances).

COMPLICATIONS

Schizophrenia can cause serious issues that impact every aspect of life if it is not treated. Schizophrenia

may lead to or be linked to a number of complications, including:

-Suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal thoughts

-Obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders (OCD)

-Depression

-abuse of nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs

-being unable to work or go to school

-Homelessness and money issues

-Social isolation Medical and health issues

-becoming a victim

-Despite being rare, aggressive behaviour

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TREATMENT

Although there is no guaranteed method of preventing schizophrenia, adhering to the prescribed course

of therapy can help stop relapses and the worsening of symptoms. Researchers also expect that gaining

a better understanding of schizophrenia risk factors would enable earlier detection and treatment.

Numerous antipsychotic drugs assist lessen the intensity and likelihood of recurrent acute episodes

while also diminishing the psychotic symptoms that are present during the acute phase of the illness.

Other psychological treatments try to lower stress, support employment, or improve social skills.

Psychological treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy or supportive psychotherapy may reduce

symptoms and improve function.

Substance abuse might impede diagnosis and therapy. The risk of substance abuse is higher in people

with schizophrenia than in the general population. If a person exhibits indicators of addiction, treatment

for schizophrenia should also address the addiction.

REHABILITATION AND LIVING WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Many people with schizophrenia can lead extremely fruitful and fulfilling lives with the right treatment.

Like with other chronic conditions, some patients perform very well while others continue to experience

symptoms and require care and support.

Numerous forms of therapy can help patients manage the illness and enhance their lives after the

symptoms of schizophrenia are under control. People can gain social skills, manage stress, see early

warning signs of relapse, and extend periods of remission with the aid of therapy and psychosocial

supports. Because it usually manifests in early adulthood, schizophrenia patients frequently benefit

from rehabilitation to help them gain life-management skills, finish educational or vocational training,

and maintain employment. For instance, it has been discovered that supported work programmes can

assist those with schizophrenia in becoming self-sufficient. These initiatives help those with serious

mental illness find lucrative occupations in the neighbourhood.

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Patients, families, and mental health professionals must keep in mind that optimism is crucial and that

many patients have a favourable course of illness, that difficulties are frequently solvable, and that

patients have a variety of personal qualities that must be acknowledged and supported.

CONCLUSION

Here are some figures demonstrating the prevalence of schizophrenia globally:

-There are around 2.77 million new diagnoses of schizophrenia each year in the world.

-There are around 22.1 million cases worldwide on average at any given moment. (221 out of every

100,000 people).

-Probabilities of contracting it during your lifetime: At some time in their lives, 850 people out of every

100,000 people worldwide—or 0.85%—will develop schizophrenia.

In conclusion, millions of people in the world suffer with schizophrenia, a devastating mental illness.

Without the right care, this might ruin many relationships and give people headaches. People with

schizophrenia frequently display symptoms. Social disengagement, loss of appetite, poor hygiene,

hallucinations, slurred speech, and a sense of being under the power of outside forces are some of

these symptoms. People go through a lot if they are in partnerships. Because of this, relationships

frequently break down and cause issues. This is not something to be taken lightly, and if things worsen,

the person needs to obtain help right away from a doctor to get through this.