Characteristics of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide (Saha et al., 2005). It is characterised by a range of symptoms that can be broadly categorised into positive and negative symptoms. This essay will discuss the characteristics of both positive and negative symptoms, providing examples to illustrate each.

Positive Symptoms

Positive symptoms refer to experiences that are added onto a person's normal experiences, often described as a break from reality.

Delusions

Delusions are firmly held beliefs that are not based on reality and are resistant to change even when presented with contradictory evidence. For instance, a person with schizophrenia might have a delusion of grandeur, believing they are a famous historical figure or have special powers. They might also experience delusions of persecution, where they believe they are being followed, spied on, or threatened.

Hallucinations

Hallucinations are sensory experiences that occur in the absence of any external stimuli. They can affect any of the five senses, but auditory hallucinations, such as hearing voices, are the most common in schizophrenia (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These voices might comment on the person's actions, give them instructions, or engage in conversations with them or other voices.

Disorganised Speech

Disorganised speech reflects an underlying thought disorder and can manifest in various ways. Derailment or loose associations involve jumping from one topic to another, with little or no logical connection between thoughts. Tangentiality involves responding to questions with irrelevant or unrelated answers. Word salad is a severe form of disorganised speech where words are strung together randomly and incoherently.

Negative Symptoms

Negative symptoms represent a decrease or absence of normal emotional and behavioural experiences.

Flattened Affect

People with flattened affect display a reduced range and intensity of emotional expression. Their facial expressions may appear blank, their voice monotone, and they might show little interest in social interactions. This lack of emotional responsiveness can make it difficult for others to engage with them.

Avolition

Avolition refers to a lack of motivation and goal-directed behaviour. Individuals with avolition may struggle to initiate and complete everyday tasks like showering, dressing, or attending appointments. This can lead to significant functional impairment in various aspects of their lives.

Poverty of Speech

Also known as alogia, poverty of speech refers to a decrease in the amount and fluency of speech. Individuals may give brief, empty replies, struggle to elaborate on their thoughts, or show a lack of spontaneity in their communication.

Social Withdrawal

Social withdrawal is a common symptom in schizophrenia, often driven by a combination of positive and negative symptoms. Individuals may isolate themselves due to paranoia, lack of motivation for social interaction, or difficulty interpreting social cues. This withdrawal can further exacerbate the negative impact of the illness.

Conclusion

Schizophrenia is a complex disorder characterised by a range of positive and negative symptoms. While positive symptoms involve an excess or distortion of normal functions, negative symptoms represent a decrease or absence of typical experiences. Understanding the characteristics of both types of symptoms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of this debilitating condition.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.

Saha, S., Chant, D., Welham, J., & McGrath, J. (2005). A systematic review of the prevalence of schizophrenia. PLoS Medicine, 2(5), e141.