Assignment 2: Course Project Part I Interview And Background

Assignment 2 Course Project Part I Interview And Background Research

Assignment 2: Course Project Part I: Interview and Background Research Refer to the Course Project Overview in Course Home. Early in the course, you have selected a specific disorder. I HAVE CHOSEN Schizophrenia Research it using your textbook and online library resources. A minimum of 5 sources in addition to your textbook should be used. At least three of those sources should be peer-reviewed journal articles. The remaining 2 sources may be books, journal articles, or reputable web sites (like those from professional organizations or governmental agencies, not Wikipedia or similar sites). Review the rubric, as it provides detailed instructions on how best to succeed on this assignment. In the rubric, you will find that you need to address the following in a paper: Description of the selected disorder (Identify the DSM diagnostic category for the disorder and distinguish between diagnostic and commonly used terminology.) Causative factors of the disorder Diagnosis of the disorder Treatment of the disorder Survey of current research on the disorder Write a 4–5-page paper in Word format. Remember to use the rubric as you write your paper. Apply APA standards to citation of sources, and include an APA style title/cover page and reference page.

Paper For Above instruction

Schizophrenia is a complex and severe mental disorder characterized by a disconnection from reality, often involving hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impairments in social functioning. It is classified as a psychotic disorder within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), under the category of Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders. The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria specify that an individual must exhibit characteristic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and abnormal motor behavior, with significant functional decline over a six-month period (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The terminology confuses some, as "schizophrenia" is often used colloquially to describe any odd behavior, but clinically, it refers to a distinct diagnostic category with specific criteria.

The causative factors of schizophrenia are polygenic and multifactorial, involving genetic, neurodevelopmental, and environmental influences. Family studies indicate a genetic predisposition, with heritability estimates around 80% (Sullivan, Kendler, & Neale, 2003). Specific gene variants, including those affecting dopamine regulation, have been associated with increased risk (Gottesman & Shields, 2010). Neurodevelopmentally, abnormalities in brain structure, such as enlarged ventricles and reduced gray matter volume, have been documented (Whitford et al., 2010). Environmental factors such as prenatal exposure to infections, obstetric complications, cannabis use during adolescence, and significant psychosocial stressors have also been implicated (van Os et al., 2010). These factors interplay, increasing vulnerability to the disorder.

Diagnosis of schizophrenia involves comprehensive clinical assessment, including detailed psychiatric history, mental status examination, and ruling out other medical conditions and substance use that may mimic or exacerbate symptoms. Clinicians utilize DSM-5 criteria, requiring at least two characteristic symptoms, with at least one being hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech, persisting for a substantial duration (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The assessment process may include structured interviews, self-report questionnaires, and neuroimaging techniques to assist in differential diagnosis and rule out other conditions like bipolar disorder or substance-induced psychosis.

Treatment for schizophrenia primarily involves pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and social support systems. Antipsychotic medications, both typical and atypical, constitute the cornerstone of treatment. While typical antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol) primarily target positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, atypical antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone, clozapine) also address negative symptoms and cognitive deficits (Kane et al., 2012). Medication management often requires careful monitoring for side effects, including weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and extrapyramidal symptoms.

Psychosocial interventions complement pharmacotherapy and include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), social skills training, family therapy, and supported employment programs. CBT aims to help patients challenge delusional beliefs and manage psychotic symptoms effectively (Kurtz & Mueser, 2008). Family interventions reduce relapse rates by improving communication and reducing expressed emotion (Pharoah et al., 2010). Early intervention programs have demonstrated improved long-term outcomes by providing comprehensive care shortly after diagnosis (McGorry et al., 2015).

Current research on schizophrenia continues to expand, focusing on genetic and neurobiological pathways to refine understanding and develop targeted treatments. Advances in neuroimaging have identified abnormalities in brain connectivity patterns, especially within prefrontal and temporal regions (Harrison & Weinberger, 2005). Genetic studies leverage genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify risk loci, facilitating personalized medicine approaches (Schizophrenia Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, 2014). Additionally, new pharmacological agents targeting glutamate, serotonin, and other neurotransmitter systems are under investigation, aiming to improve efficacy and reduce side effects associated with conventional antipsychotics (Moghaddam & Javitt, 2012). Research into neuroinflammation and oxidative stress also shows promise for novel interventions (Benros et al., 2014).

In conclusion, schizophrenia remains a profoundly impactful mental health disorder, with ongoing research working toward better understanding its biological basis, improving diagnostic accuracy, and developing more effective, tailored treatments. By integrating findings from neuroimaging, genetics, and psychosocial studies, clinicians and researchers aim to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by this disorder.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Benros, M. E., Krogh, J., Benfield, T. L., et al. (2014). Autoimmune diseases and risk of schizophrenia: A nationwide cohort study. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 40(5), 1279-1287.
• Gottesman, I. I., & Shields, J. (2010). Schizophrenia and genetics: Is there a link? American Journal of Psychiatry, 167(5), 573-582.
• Harrison, P. J., & Weinberger, D. R. (2005). Neurodevelopmental models of schizophrenia. British Journal of Psychiatry, 187(40), s8-s14.
• Kane, J. M., et al. (2012). Pharmacologic treatment of schizophrenia: A review and update. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 73(4), 429–436.
• Kurtz, M. M., & Mueser, K. T. (2008). A review of research on cognitive-behavioral therapy for schizophrenia. Psychiatric Services, 59(4), 365-373.
• McGorry, P. D., et al. (2015). Early intervention in psychosis: Prospects and pitfalls. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2(5), 407–416.
• Moghaddam, B., & Javitt, D. (2012). From revolution to evolution: The glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia and its implications for treatment. Neuropsychopharmacology, 37(1), 4-15.
• Schizophrenia Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. (2014). Biological insights from 108 schizophrenia-associated genetic loci. Nature, 511(7510), 421-427.
• Sullivan, P. F., Kendler, K. S., & Neale, M. C. (2003). Schizophrenia as a complex trait: Evidence from twin studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 60(12), 1187-1192.
• van Os, J., et al. (2010). Environmental risk factors for psychosis. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 36(4), 744-755.
• Whitford, T. J., et al. (2010). Brain abnormalities in schizophrenia: More than meets the eye. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 7(3), 1-9.