Problems of the Mind and Body Matrix

Schizophrenia

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Agitation
• Deteriorating speech characterized by inconsistency and incoherency
• Extreme disorganized stupor behaviors
• Alogia (poor speech patterns), avolition (lack of persistent in work or school), and flattened emotions (reduced range of emotional expression)
• Symptoms must be noted for at least a month
• There are mild symptoms
• Active symptoms may be noted in the ’20s but significantly earlier for men
• Significant distress and poor functions in various aspects of life
• May co-occur with a mood disorder

• Schizophrenia could be hereditary. Individuals whose family members have the conditions are most likely to develop it.
• A chemical imbalance in brain cells could also trigger the condition. Specifically, neurotransmitters have been identified as a possible cause of schizophrenia. A complex process that causes chemical imbalance may be a cause for the condition.
• Scientists also have reasons to believe that physical abnormalities existing in the brain could be responsible for schizophrenia. Deformities in structures of the brain, especially fluid-occupied cavities could be responsible for the disorder.

• Psychotherapy is not an appropriate treatment option for schizophrenia. It is recommended that psychotherapy should be used alongside medication for effective outcomes. It can lead to effective use of medications, adherence, development of social skills, and achievement of goal-oriented treatment goals
• Medications are also used to treat schizophrenia. Given the complex nature of the disorder and other co-occurring disorders, various medications are required.

Side effects of these medications must be evaluated.

• While not so popular, self-help strategies also work for patients. Family and community support systems can help patients to manage difficult times.

Anorexia

• Failure to maintain a bodyweight that is consistent with height, age, and structure. Severity in losing bodyweight can be determined through body mass index (BMI).
• There is overwhelming anxiety associated with gaining weight or gaining excess body fat. Fear occurs irrespective of the actual bodyweight of the patient. It is most likely to persist even if an individual is in a near-death condition because of starvation. Individuals feel good about their bodies when they starve and remain lean.
• Women may develop a condition known as amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual circles)
• The condition is associated with constant denial

• Biological factors have been attributed to heredity and gene relations even among twins. Prenatal and perinatal factors such as diabetes and maternal anemia and others have been linked with the condition. Failures in hormonal regulations could also trigger anorexia. Mycoplasma infections could also be responsible for anorexia.
• Psychological factors related to anorexia are childhood abuse, broken families, and conflicts, among others.
• Sociological factors relate to certain body ideals and internalized beliefs. Models, for instance, may develop anorexia because of their jobs and social pressure to maintain low body weight. Sports that emphasize low body weights are also significant contributing factors.
• One can also note the media effects by repeated presentation of thin bodies as ideal ones, which contribute to risk factors.

• Diets are the most effective therapies. They must be prepared to meet the specific needs of the patient.
• Family-based treatment (FBT) and Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also assist in restoring healthy body conditions by addressing psychological factors responsible for anorexia.
• Medications may also be recommended for such individuals but their side effects must be determined to avoid detrimental outcomes.

Treatment modalities for anorexia strive to address three critical factors.

• Attain the healthy, recommended body weight
• Address psychological factors that contribute to the problem
• Inhibit thought patterns that led to the development of anorexia

Cases of relapse have been noted in some patients.

Somatoform

• Physical pain is normally identified as a possible cause of the disorder. No medical reasons are linked to pain. A thorough medical evaluation is recommended to rule out other factors and establish that the pain is related to a mental problem.
• Frustration is noted in individuals with the disorder. They tend to think that others ignore them and cannot make an accurate diagnosis. No relief may be available for such patients, and they could even doubt physicians’ competency.
• Preoccupation with health among patients is common. They can be distrustful and agitated due to failed treatments.
• This condition is prone to misdiagnosis, and it could lead to unknown burdens on patients.

• The mind’s attempt to avoid psychological distress could lead to the condition (Hotopf, Wadsworth, & Wessely, 2001). Instead of anxiety or stigma, some people may have physical disorders.
• Increased sensitivity to physical pain may cause somatoform. Individuals with this condition tend to be highly sensitive to minor pains that normal people may dismiss.
• Negative thoughts about pain contribute to the somatoform disorder. Such beliefs may trigger anxiety, which makes them concentrate more on their possible pain.

Note that no proper explanation can be provided for this disorder and most of these thoughts are theories that provide possible explanations.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most recommended remedy. CBT helps patients to focus on negative thought patterns that cause the condition. Consequently, they change such thought patterns and errors. CBT is believed to be extremely effective for such patients.
• Medication (antidepressant) is used to control certain symptoms related to depression and anxiety. However, medication is not an effective form of treating somatoform.