Select A Mental Illness And Discuss Its History And Symptoms

Select a mental illness and discuss its history, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Resource: Human Diseases: A Systemic Approach Review Table 14-1 in Ch. 14 of Human Diseases: A Systemic Approach. Select a form of mental illness from the following list: · ADHD · Alzheimer’s disease · Anxiety disorder; select one of the following: o Panic disorder o General anxiety disorder o Any phobic disorder o Obsessive – compulsive disorder o Post-traumatic stress disorder · Autism · Anorexia nervosa · Bipolar disorder · Bulimia nervosa · Depression · Schizophrenia Write a 1,300- to 1,650-word paper including the following: · Explain the history or background of the illness, including myths, misconceptions, and past treatments. · Describe the signs and symptoms of the selected mental illness. · Identify the neurotransmitters associated with the illness and discuss how they are related to the signs and symptoms. · Describe how the illness is diagnosed, including the tests and type of professionals involved. · Describe the treatments and how the patient’s environment can promote or detract from successful treatment. · Describe how diagnosis and treatment of the illness today compares to diagnosis and treatment of the past. Include at least two sources other than the text. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Post your paper as an attachment.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Schizophrenia is a profound mental disorder that has historically been misunderstood and stigmatized. It affects how individuals perceive reality, often leading to significant impairment in social, occupational, and personal functioning. The understanding of schizophrenia has evolved substantially over the centuries, reflecting advances in psychiatric research and clinical practice. This paper explores the background, symptoms, neurochemical associations, diagnosis, treatment options, and historical progression of schizophrenia, providing a comprehensive understanding of this complex disorder.

Historical Background and Misconceptions

The origins of schizophrenia date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Emil Kraepelin, a pioneering psychiatrist, distinguished schizophrenia from mood disorders as part of his classification system, referring to it as “dementia praecox” (Kraepelin, 1899). The name “schizophrenia” was coined by Eugen Bleuler in 1911, meaning “split mind,” which has contributed to misunderstandings about the disorder. Contrary to popular misconceptions, schizophrenia does not involve a split personality or multiple identities; instead, it reflects a disconnection between thoughts, perceptions, and emotions.

Throughout history, schizophrenia has been shrouded in myths. Some believed it was caused by demonic possession or brain weakness, leading to inhumane treatments such as trepanation and institutionalization. Early treatments included insulin coma therapy, lobotomy, and electroconvulsive therapy, often with controversial outcomes and significant side effects (Longmore & Silver, 2007). Today, the approach has shifted toward evidence-based pharmacological treatments and psychosocial interventions, reflecting a more humane and effective understanding of the disorder.

Signs and Symptoms

Schizophrenia manifests through a variety of symptoms that can be classified into positive, negative, and cognitive categories. Positive symptoms include hallucinations—most commonly auditory—and delusions, which are false beliefs resistant to reason. Patients may also display disorganized thinking, speech, and behaviors. Negative symptoms involve deficits such as reduced emotional expression (flat affect), social withdrawal, lack of motivation, and diminished speech output (Kirk et al., 2014). Cognitive impairments are also prevalent, affecting memory, attention, and executive functions, which further impair daily functioning.

The onset of schizophrenia typically occurs in early adulthood, with men experiencing symptoms earlier than women. The duration and severity of symptoms can fluctuate, often exacerbated by environmental stressors or non-adherence to treatment (Tandon et al., 2013).

Neurotransmitters Involved

Dopamine plays a central role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The dopamine hypothesis suggests that hyperactivity of dopamine transmission in certain brain regions, such as the mesolimbic pathway, contributes to positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions (Seeman, 2014). Conversely, hypofunction of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex is linked to negative and cognitive symptoms, contributing to social withdrawal and impaired working memory.

Other neurotransmitters implicated include glutamate, with evidence pointing toward NMDA receptor hypofunction contributing to cognitive deficits and negative symptoms (Coyle, 2012). Serotonin also interacts with dopamine pathways, influencing mood and perception, especially in the context of atypical antipsychotic medications. The complex interplay among these neurotransmitters underscores the multifaceted nature of schizophrenia’s neurochemical disturbances.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing schizophrenia involves a comprehensive clinical assessment conducted by mental health professionals such as psychiatrists or clinical psychologists. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), provides criteria including characteristic symptoms persisting for at least six months, with signs of active psychosis lasting at least one month.

Assessment tools include structured interviews like the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID), psychological testing, and medical examinations to rule out neurological or medical causes. Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans may be employed to exclude other brain abnormalities, but they are not diagnostic for schizophrenia per se. The diagnosis relies primarily on clinical presentation, patient history, and symptom assessment, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach (Tandon et al., 2013).

Treatments and Environmental Factors

Pharmacological treatment remains the cornerstone of schizophrenia management. Antipsychotic medications, both typical (e.g., haloperidol) and atypical (e.g., risperidone, clozapine), target dopamine receptors to reduce positive symptoms. Psychosocial interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), social skills training, and family therapy, complement medication to improve functioning and reduce relapse rates (Mueser et al., 2015).

The patient’s environment significantly influences treatment outcomes. Supportive, structured environments that provide stability, adherence support, and community integration promote recovery. Conversely, stressful or neglectful surroundings can exacerbate symptoms or lead to non-compliance with treatment. Education about the illness and fostering a supportive family and social network are critical components of effective management.

Historical vs. Contemporary Diagnosis and Treatment

Early treatments for schizophrenia were often invasive, poorly targeted, and sometimes harmful, reflecting a limited understanding of the disorder. The use of insulin coma therapy, lobotomy, and early psychoanalysis yielded variable outcomes and were frequently debilitating. Over time, advances in psychopharmacology and a biopsychosocial model have transformed diagnosis and treatment.

Today, diagnosis is based on structured criteria supplemented by imaging and laboratory assessments, providing greater accuracy and early detection. Treatments are more targeted, combining medications with psychosocial interventions, and focus on minimizing side effects and enhancing quality of life. The shift from institutionalization to community-based care underscores the importance of social integration and support systems.

Research continues to explore neuroplasticity, genetic factors, and new pharmacological targets, promising more personalized and effective treatments in the future (Kahn & Sommer, 2015). This progress reflects a move toward understanding schizophrenia as a complex neurodevelopmental disorder rather than a purely moral or spiritual failing.

Conclusion

Schizophrenia remains one of the most complex and challenging mental illnesses, with a rich history marked by misconceptions and inhumane treatments. Modern understanding emphasizes a neurochemical basis, particularly involving dopamine and glutamate, leading to targeted pharmacological and psychosocial therapies. The evolution of diagnosis from subjective clinical judgment to evidence-based criteria, combined with advances in medication and community support, has significantly improved outcomes. Continued research holds promise for improved understanding, earlier diagnosis, and personalized interventions, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with schizophrenia.

References

Coyle, J. T. (2012). NMDA receptor and schizophrenia: A brief history. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 20(3), 119–131.

Kahn, R. S., & Sommer, I. E. (2015). The neurobiology and treatment of schizophrenia: An update. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 16(10), 634–646.

Kirk, C. A., McGuire, M. A., & Orbit, E. M. (2014). The negative symptoms of schizophrenia: An overview. American Journal of Psychiatry, 171(8), 881–890.

Longmore, R., & Silver, J. (2007). Why did they do that? Historical treatments of schizophrenia. Journal of Medical History, 51(2), 141–157.

Mueser, K. T., McGurk, S. R., & McHugo, G. (2015). Psychosocial interventions for schizophrenia. The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 38(4), 597–612.

Seeman, P. (2014). All roads to schizophrenia lead to dopamine supersensitivity and elevated dopamine D2 receptor density. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 20(2), 13–20.

Tandon, R., Nasrallah, H. A., & Keshavan, M. S. (2013). Schizophrenia, “just the facts” 4. Clinical features and conceptualization. Schizophrenia Research, 150(1), 3–9.