SCHIZOPHRENIA Meaning and
Definition
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Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder characterized by abnormal thinking, perception, emotions, and behaviors. It is a chronic condition that often manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood and affects approximately 0.3-0.7% of the global population.
Individuals with schizophrenia may experience a broad range of symptoms that can be categorized into positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Positive symptoms include hallucinations - perceptual experiences not rooted in reality, often auditory - and delusions - fixed false beliefs. Negative symptoms refer to deficits in normal emotional expressions and behaviors, such as social withdrawal, reduced motivation, and limited emotional range. Cognitive symptoms involve difficulties in thinking processes, memory, attention, and decision-making.
The causes of schizophrenia are not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Neurochemical imbalances, specifically involving dopamine, are thought to play a role in the development and progression of the disorder.
Treatment for schizophrenia typically involves a combination of psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and social support. Antipsychotic medication is commonly prescribed to manage symptoms, while therapy aims to help individuals cope with their experiences and improve their social and occupational functioning.
Schizophrenia is a chronic and debilitating illness that can have a significant impact on individuals, their families, and society as a whole. However, with early diagnosis, effective treatment, and ongoing support, many people with schizophrenia can lead fulfilling and productive lives.
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1. A condition marked by splitting of the personality or intrapsychic ataxia. 2. Dementia praecox.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of SCHIZOPHRENIA
The word "schizophrenia" comes from two Greek roots: "schizo", meaning "split", and "phren", meaning "mind". The term was first coined by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1908 to describe a mental disorder characterized by the dissociation or "splitting" of different aspects of a person's mental functioning, such as thoughts, emotions, and behavior. It is important to note that the term "schizophrenia" does not refer to multiple or split personalities, as is commonly misunderstood. Instead, it reflects the fragmentation or disintegration of normal psychological functioning.
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