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Couples Can Overdo Being Supportive
February 1, 2010, Science Daily

 
     
 

Prayer Increases Forgiveness, Study Shows
February 1, 2010, Science Daily

 
 

 

 
 

Nine psychological tasks for a good marriage
American Psychological Association

 
     
 

His or Hers Jealousy? New Explanation for Sex Differences in Jealousy
January 31, 2010, Science Daily

 
     
 

Couples with Shared Identity Better at Conflict Resolution
January 29, 2010, PsychCentral

 
     
 

Same-sex couples can be effective parents, researchers find
January 21, 2010, USA Today

 
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   
     
   

 

schizophrenia
 

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that causes distortions in a person’s thoughts, speech and behavior. People suffering from schizophrenia often have difficulty expressing emotions, relating to others and perceiving reality. Approximately 24 million people worldwide have schizophrenia, including about one percent of Americans.

Cases of schizophrenia range from mild to severe; some people are able to function normally in everyday life, while others may need constant special care.  Schizophrenia has three types of symptoms: positive symptoms (e.g. unrealistic perceptions and thoughts), negative symptoms (e.g. lack of emotions and activities), and cognitive symptoms (e.g. difficulties in attention and memory). Determining your symptoms will result in better diagnosis and treatment.

Within the general diagnosis of schizophrenia there are five subgroups which signify the most predominant characteristics of an individual’s illness. It is possible for one individual to be diagnosed with more than one type of schizophrenia over the course of his or her illness.

  • Paranoid schizophrenia: is marked by auditory hallucinations and delusions of persecution and conspiracy. Individuals may have relatively normal intellectual and social functioning, but are often angry and argumentative.
  • Disorganized schizophrenia: is marked by disorganized or childlike behavior and speech, as well as, inappropriate emotions. Individuals may have difficulty with everyday activities and may be reclusive due to their inability to communicate effectively.
  • Catatonic schizophrenia: is marked by disturbances in movement, immobility and mimicking another’s speech or movements. Individuals often show a resistance to taking care of their personal needs.
  • Residual schizophrenia: is marked by less severe schizophrenic symptoms. Individuals may still have delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech or behavior, but do not display them.
  • Undifferentiated schizophrenia: is marked by any combination of schizophrenic symptoms, though the symptoms are not specific enough to be defined by one type of schizophrenia.

While the exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, numerous developments about the disorder are constantly being made through research.  Treatment for schizophrenia is available through therapy and antipsychotic medication.


helpful links

Types of Schizophrenia
Psych Central

Schizophrenia: Symptoms
Mayo Clinic

Schizophrenia: Help for Partners and Families
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

How Is Schizophrenia Treated?
National Institute of Mental Health

Schizophrenia
World Health Organization

 
 
The National Register is not responsible for the content or maintenance of these websites.

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Updated: February 1, 2010
 


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