Unraveling the Complexity of Schizophrenia: Understanding Etiology, Symptoms, and Treatment Approaches
Erfan Jam
7/20/2023
The medical condition being covered in this report is schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and difficulty in social interactions. The reason for covering schizophrenia is its significant impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole. Understanding this complex disorder is crucial for providing appropriate care and support to those affected.
The discovery and labeling of schizophrenia can be attributed to Emil Kraepelin,
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The disease pathology involves abnormalities in specific brain areas, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and disrupted neural circuits. Cognitive deficits, mood deficits, and, in rare cases, motor or sensory deficits are observed. Understanding schizophrenia from a patient's perspective helps foster empathy and compassion toward those living with the disorder. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of schizophrenia's pathology and its impact on the brain, body, and mind, we can strive towards improved interventions and support systems for individuals with this challenging …show more content…
In the CNS, the brain, as the central hub of neural activity and cognition, is the primary site of dysfunction in schizophrenia. Abnormalities in brain structure, neuronal connectivity, and neurotransmitter systems contribute to the symptoms and cognitive deficits associated with the disorder. Schizophrenia can also influence the functioning of the endocrine system, which regulates hormone production and release. Hormonal abnormalities, including increased cortisol levels, have been observed in individuals with schizophrenia. Lastly, there is evidence to suggest that immune system dysregulation and inflammation may play a role in the development and progression of schizophrenia. Abnormal immune responses and activation of immune cells in the brain can contribute to neuroinflammation and affect neural circuitry.
In the brains of individuals with schizophrenia, several abnormalities have been identified. These include structural abnormalities, connectivity disruptions, and neurodevelopmental factors.
People with schizophrenia often exhibit differences in brain structure compared to individuals without the disorder. These structural changes can contribute to cognitive deficits and emotional imbalance.
Schizophrenia disrupts the connectivity between different brain regions and neural circuits. Connectivity deficits between the prefrontal cortex and other brain regions contribute