Abstract
Mental illnesses are becoming very common these days, and there is reason to worry about his trend. Schizophrenia is one of the illnesses that affect mainly the elderly even though the younger generation is also getting affected. Schizophrenia is a serious problem that has its causes and effects that need to be addressed
Introduction
Schizophrenia spectrum and other mental disorders are characterized by disturbances in the thoughts, imagination, behavior and even perception of the sufferers. These conditions are umbrella diagnoses that cover a variety of mental conditions. There are several people who live with schizophrenia and other conditions, and this affects their way of lives.
Literature review
Schizophrenia is a condition that is both genetically causes and can also be caused by the environment one lives. Genetic variations cause it, and psychiatrists need to unravel this mystery in order to come up with ways of treating it.
History of the mental illness
Schizophrenia has always existed throughout history but was discovered in the early 20th century. There are theories that have been put forth indicate that its symptoms are either hallucination, lack of emotion and work related issues mainly caused by the environment where people live (Gejam, Sanders & Kendler 2011). It is more prevalent among the elderly and older adults, but there is no clear cut line as to who stands a greater chance of suffering from it.
Theories of the illness
Schizophrenia spectrum and other disorders are best looked at conditions that are interrelated and not just one condition. Sometimes these disorders are seen as positive, negative or cognitive impairments (Kessler et al. 2005). There are theories that seek to explain its symptoms and one of them is the two hit theory. It states that schizophrenia is caused as a result of abnormalities in the early stages of development in a person. Physical anomalies that start to show include high arched palate and hair whorls.
The families of patients and stigmatization
Families of people suffering from schizophrenia stand to suffer a lot because they will live in distress, and their normal lives get disrupted. These families end up confused and stressed when the condition worsens with time. The people suffering from schizophrenia are normally stigmatized because they are seen as mentally ill and unfit in society. This fact worsens their situation because some of them see themselves as a bother.Conclusion
Schizophrenia is on the rise today, and it spares no one regardless of their ages. It has been in existence for several years, but it is sad that there has been no cure for it. Patients are forced to live with the condition as long as they live just like their families are forced to live with them. Theories have been put forth to explain its cause and effects but then, so much needs to be done to get viable treatment (Gejam, Sanders & Kendler 2011).
References
Gejam, P. V., Sanders, A. & Kendler, K. S. (2011). Genetics of Schizophrenia: New Findings and Challenges. Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics. Vol. 12: 121-144
Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of twelve-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R). Archives of General Psychiatry, 62, 617-627.
