Schizophrenia Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Schizophrenia - Research Paper Example Schizophrenia in general as a disorder has a peculiar symptom, namely that the affected person may hear sounds that surrounding people don’t hear. They have a curious feeling that other people are trying to read their minds or in other words are gaining control of their thoughts. They are superstitious enough to harm themselves as well. This can frighten people with the illness and exclude them from the society because of extreme agitation. This brain disorder is considered to be costly and time consuming due to the behavior of the patient. Superstitions are common feelings of the patient which are caused by low intake of the medicine. First generation and second generation medicines are introduced for the patients who deal with certain types of the syndrome. Trust should be developed while treating a patient with schizophrenia. Introduction: Schizophrenia is basically a brain disorder which is found to be persistent, severe, and even disabling the brain and it has affected pe ople throughout history. About 1 percent of Americans have this illness. People with schizophrenia may give a feeling as if they are lost in thoughts. Such person can sit for hours without moving or talking. One cannot judge a person until he/she speaks about what they are really thinking. Depending upon the conditions and causes families and society are affected by schizophrenia too. It has been found that people suffering from schizophrenia have difficulty within their social circle, maintaining a job or even taking care of themselves, so they rely on others for help. With developing research and more effective medications, researchers are finding solutions to this brain disorder. Use of medicine and treatment helps relieve many symptoms of schizophrenia, but often people fight with symptoms throughout their lives. However, many people with schizophrenia can lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. (Regier DA, 1993) Prevalence of the Disease Several factors affect the prevalence of schizophrenia, such as the recognition and reaction to treatment. The prevalence of schizophrenia can be calculated either from cases registered or field surveys. Researchers report that figures have been hypothesized that prevalence estimates would differ between lifetime, period, and point prevalence. Estimates were calculated as a proportion by dividing the total number of individuals who had the disorder by the total population at risk including those with the disorder. It is predicted that males from urban areas and migrants would have a larger proportion as compared to females. (Bhugra, 2005) Schizophrenia rarely occurs in children but affects men and women equally. It occurs regardless of religion and ethnic groups around the world. Mainly symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions usually commence between ages 16 to 30. Men are exposed more to symptoms a little earlier than women. Most of the time, people do not get schizophrenia after age 45. (SR, 2004 ) Schizophrenia in teens can be difficult to diagnose, because some of the first signs can include a change in emotional behavior, change of friends, low performance in education, sleep problems, and bad temper that are common among teens. However, a series of factors can forecast the disorder for up to 80 percent of youth who are at high risk of