Schizophenria

History of Schizophrenia

• In the past schizophrenia had been defined by ancient Romans and ancient Greeks in various manuscripts
• They believed schizophrenia was a curse from the Gods or a demon possession
• References to what we now know as schizophrenia have been made as early as the Old Testament​
• Seemingly first discovered by Hippocrates, "father of medicine" he believed it could be cured by special diets, letting blood, and laxatives
• German psychiatrist Emil Kreapelin was the first person to describe schizophrenia as a gradual, irreversible condition his studies also were far more scientific and naturalistic than those before him​

Schizophrenia effects men slightly more than women and occurs in young adults most frequently, ages 18-35.
Eli's Place, 2020.

How common is schizophrenia?
In 2017, 1 in 100 were diagnosed with schizophrenia, and mortality rate was up 2.8x in people with schizophrenia. Government of Canada, 2020.

Causes of Schizophrenia

• Abnormanlities in brain structure and imbalance of chemicals
• Lower levels of proteins in the planning sections of the brain
• If a family member has schizophrenia the likeliness of getting it is higher
• Genetics play a strong role in developing schizophrenia

Diagnosis Options

• Physical exam
• Screening for drugs/alcohol, imaging studies MRI/CT scan
• Mental health evaluation, including family and personal history

Treatment Options

• Medicines
• Pyschosocial treatment
• Experienced psychiatrist will lead the treatment
• A treatment team may also be involved including a psychologist, social worker, psychriatric nurse, and a case worker

Long-term Prognosis

• There is no known cure for schizophrenia
• Some people can "fully" recover from schizophrenia 50% of people can recover/improve to the point that they can be independent, 25% are better but need support, and 15% do not get better usually they are in the hospital

Schizophrenia in Youth