Schizophrenia Disorder: Definition, Treatment, and Medication

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Table of Contents

Definition
Deficit Areas
Possible Cure/Recovery/Management of Schizophrenia
Medications Used for Schizophrenia and Their Effects
How Schizophrenia Might Affect a Person’s Ability to Recreate
Possible Adaptations/Solutions to Leisure/Recreation Involvement
Works Cited

Definition

Schizophrenia is characterized by a variety of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional abnormalities, and as physicians are well aware, it can be difficult to detect. There is no straightforward physical or laboratory test for schizophrenia, and diagnosis entails recognizing a cluster of symptoms that interfere with social or occupational functioning. As per the DSM-5, the cumulative incidence of the disease is between 0.3 and 0.7 percent (qt. in Hurley). The disorder’s psychotic symptoms generally develop between 18 and mid-30s, with the peak age of emergence of the initial psychotic episode in the 20–25s for males and late 27–29s for females.

Deficit Areas

Schizophrenia is characterized by mental and cognitive impairment, which is associated with conformational and anatomical abnormalities in several major brain systems. The key brain areas include the pre-coronal and intermediate temporal lobe sections, which are involved in anamnesis and the ability to recall correspondingly (Coltheart). Attention, working memory, verbal learning and memory, and executive skills all have moderate to severe deficits. In most individuals, these deficiencies predate the development of frank psychosis and remain stable throughout the duration of the illness.

Possible Cure/Recovery/Management of Schizophrenia

At the moment, there is no cure for schizophrenia, although the disorder can be effectively treated and controlled. Because schizophrenia is frequently episodic, times of remission from the most severe symptoms are typically a good time to begin implementing self-help measures that may assist in decreasing the length and incidence of future episodes. Regular exercise can help control schizophrenia symptoms in addition to giving mental and physical advantages (Star). Unless the patients are experiencing a psychotic episode, being physically active increases attention, relieves stress, delivers more energy, and improves sleep patterns.

In schizophrenia, interacting face-to-face with others is the most efficient strategy to relax the nervous system and reduce tension. Because stress can cause psychosis and exacerbate schizophrenia symptoms, it is critical to regulating these behavioral patterns. For instance, relaxation methods can be used to alleviate stress. Moreover, mindfulness reflection, deep breathing, and advanced muscle relaxation are all techniques that can help in relaxing and restoring balance to both mental and physical health.

Medications Used for Schizophrenia and Their Effects

Antipsychotic medicines are the most widely recommended pharmaceutical drugs in schizophrenia therapy. The medications are used to treat schizophrenia symptoms by altering the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. However, second-generation antipsychotics are often chosen over first-generation antipsychotics because they have a decreased risk of major adverse effects (Solmi et al. 762). They include such drugs as Bripiprazole (Abilify), Asenapine (Saphris), and Brexpiprazole (Rexulti). The negative effects of using these medications include difficulty expressing emotions, trouble relating with others, general sensations of worry, guilt, tension, and impaired concentration or judgment.

Even though older and newer antipsychotics have certain adverse effects in common, the first-generation antipsychotics have many and possibly serious neurological adverse effects. For instance, first-generation antipsychotics often include the likelihood of developing a movement problem (tardive dyskinesia), which may or may not be curable (Stuart). Chlorpromazine, Fluphenazine, Haloperidol, and Perphenazine are examples of such medications. On the other hand, there are long-acting injectable antipsychotics, which can be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously, and depending on the prescription, they are normally taken every two to four weeks. Such medications, which are available as injectables, include Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena, Aristada), Fluphenazine decanoate, and Haloperidol decanoate.

How Schizophrenia Might Affect a Person’s Ability to Recreate

Schizophrenia is linked to anatomical and functional alterations in the pallium, the layer of the unmyelinated neurons, as well as variations in the networks in the middle of cortical areas. Recent advancements in brain imaging tools have provided an unprecedented view into the pathology, causes, and progression of these alterations. Structural deficiencies such as the smaller size of the gray substance and impaired white matter tract integrity have been recognized and these alterations may be progressive throughout both the pre-onset and early post-onset stages of the illness (Haigh et al. 710). Similarly, functional imaging techniques reveal aberrant brain activity when patients experience different cognitive activities, including short-term memory, long-term memory, decision-making, and emotional functioning. Therefore, with the cognitive alterations found across the phases of the condition, patients experience a decline in their capacity to recreate.

Possible Adaptations/Solutions to Leisure/Recreation Involvement

Recreational activities can alleviate the symptoms of schizophrenia and have a positive impact on people who suffer from these conditions. Leisure education programs, according to Wilkinson et al. (320), may give an opportunity for people with schizophrenia to gain or re-acquire leisure-related information, attitudes, and abilities. Recreational therapy can aid in the rebuilding of abilities, the improvement of mood, the enhancement of quality of life, and the strengthening of social relationships. These are only a few of the health and well-being advantages of focused recreational treatment.

Music, art, theater therapy, and physical exercise can all help with depressive symptoms. Endorphins, according to researchers, may be responsible for the improvement of depressive symptoms (Cafasso). These feel-good chemicals are released in the brain through physical exercise, creative expression, and social interactions. Physical activity, social contact, and brain-stimulating activities all boost the proper functioning of the mind (Htut et al. 2). According to Wang et al. (9), 33 preschool children with autism spectrum disorder enrolled in a 2-month rehabilitative basketball program. At the end of the session, the pupils had increased their speed, agility, and muscular strength, as well as their overall fitness. Therefore, through exercise, symptoms of schizophrenia can be made adaptable.

Works Cited

Cafasso, Jacquelyn. Why Do We Need Endorphins? Healthline, 2017, Web.

Coltheart, Max. All our Different Types of Memories. Australian Academy of Science, 2018, Web.

Haigh, Sarah M., et al. “Reduced White Matter Integrity and Deficits in Neuropsychological Functioning In Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Autism Research, vol. 13, no.5, 2020, pp. 702-714.

Htut, Thwe Zar Chi, et al. “Effects of Physical, Virtual Reality-Based, And Brain Exercise on Physical, Cognition, and Preference in Older Persons: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, vol. 15, no.1, 2018, pp. 1-12.

Hurley, Katie. Schizophrenia: DSM-5 Definition. Psycom, 2021,Web.

Solmi, Marco, et al. “Safety, Tolerability, and Risks Associated With First-And Second-Generation Antipsychotics: A State-Of-The-Art Clinical Review.” Therapeutics and clinical risk management, vol. 13, no. 1, 2017, pp.757-777.

Star, Katharina. The Mental Health Benefits of Physical Exercise. Verywellmind, 2021, Web.

Stuart, Ann. Schizophrenia Meds: What to Expect. WebMD, 2021, Web.

Wang, Jin-Gui, et al. “Effects of Mini-Basketball Training Program On Executive Functions and Core Symptoms among Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Brain Sciences, vol. 10, no.5, 2020, pp. 1-14.

Wilkinson, Shawn, et al. “Leisure Education and Active Participation for Persons with Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder.” Leisure/Loisir, vol. 43, no.3, 2019, pp. 315-337.

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