The Psychological Disorder Of Schizophrenia - 1941 Words

The Psychological Disorder of Schizophrenia Caleb Weidman University of Valley Forge Abstract Infamous for its terrifying symptoms and unknown cause, schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that occurs when the brain’s normal equilibrium of glutamate and dopamine are altered. This can happen because of genetic disorders, an unhealthy living environment or pre-existing faulty brain structure or chemical makeup. The symptoms of the disorder include visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions or grandeur, persecution and paranoia, thought disorders and movement disorders. Fortunately, the symptoms of the disease are very treatable through various forms of antipsychotic medication, treatment and rehabilitation.†¦show more content†¦Causes Although the exact causes of schizophrenia is still unknown, scientists and psychologists have determined that a patient’s genetic history, living environment and pre-existing brain structure and chemistry are the major culprits for the development of the disorder. Unfortunately, narrowing down the specific genes that cause the disorder is difficult because the disease is often coupled with rare genetic mutations. These mutations can involve hundreds of different genes, resulting in an almost impossible-to-solve genetic code. Genetic History The greatest deciding factor on the development of schizophrenia is the genetic history of the patient. Although only 1% of the general population suffers from the disorder, those with a first-degree relative with Schizophrenia have a 10% chance to develop it, ten times the probability of someone without a relative with Schizophrenia. Those with an identical twin with the disorder have an even greater chance to develop Schizophrenia: 40-65%. Many companies offer DNA tests that advertise their ability to determine your probability of their customers developing Schizophrenia, but because of these frequent genetic mutations, the accuracy of these tests