Psychology Literature Review: Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is seen to develop as a result of several aspects such as genetic and environmental factors. This review will examine the effects of schizophrenia on several patients in case studies.

I. PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is seen to develop as a result of several aspects such as genetic and environmental factors. This review will examine the effects of schizophrenia on several patients in case studies.

II. REVIEW

In the first case report, Omoaregba et al.,(2009) studies the cases of four women, focusing on two women in a Nigerian family tribe. They were given pharmacological interventions, but still required additional therapy to repair their psychosocial problems. Three of the women were diagnosed with ICD-10 schizophrenia and the other, persistent delusional disorder. The review underlines the influence that the culture has on the illness.

According to Omoaregba et al.,(2009), the first subject, a 49 year old women dubbed Miss P is single and unemployed. She first became aware of her condition when she was 23 years of age. She halted medication, six months after being diagnosed, due to the fact she thought they were poisonous. She began to talk excessively and become very disruptive. The next three months were followed with a decrease in sleep and erratic random laughing. She would answer irrelevantly to questions from her relatives. Miss P was more prone to stay indoors and would demonstrate agitated behaviour when her privacy was infringed upon. She then began to believe she had to keep herself in isolation due to the fact that she believed she was the "wife of Jesus the Christ." She would no longer eat meals from her mother, deeming them to be poisoned. When she was sent to be medically examined, she was unkempt, she spoke in a pitchy voice with incomprehensible speech and her thoughts were mainly of religion, supernatural powers and being harassed by witches. She began treatment (Clopazine: 450mg/day), which was followed by a visible improvement in her mental state, social interaction and her cleanliness. Although her delusions were still present, they were less intense. The next subject, studied in the family showed many of the same symptoms.

Omoaregba et al.,(2009)'s second subject, Miss X, a single 42 year old woman complained of several symptoms. She was presented with excessive talking, poor sleeping habits and a tendency to walk away from home. She quickly became aggressive when she was prohibited from leaving her house and began destroying her property. Miss X would think that by staying home it would lead her to an early death and she would cry without end. In other cases she would turn down meals, lock herself in her room and not talk to anybody. Much like Miss P, Miss X had not kept up with her hygiene, which caused many problems for her caregiver. When she took her mental examination, she was depressed and had a tentative speech. She confessed to hearing several voices which told her to ignore her family members. The voices argued about her actions and decisions, and began mocking her. Her treatment revealed the diagnosis of schizophrenia with hypertension. She was given several medications (Haloperidol: 15mg/day and Amitrytiline: 100mg/day), which proved effective. However, she was also given electroconvulsive therapy.

In Mouzas et al.,(2007)'s study his 23 year old Greek subject shows shockingly similar symptoms to those in Omoaregba et al.,(2009)'s case presentation of two Nigerian family members. His symptoms lasted for 5 months, losing interest in work. Much like the study of Omoaregba et al.,(2009), this 23 year old subject abandoned all social interaction as did Miss P and reported moderate depression comparable to Miss X. Following these five months, Mouzas et al.,(2007)'s subject was overwhelmed with auditory hallucinations, much like the voices of Miss X which began mocking her. The patient was also faced with incoherent speech and thought, exited motor skills and aggression towards his family members. His results were all normal upon CT and MRI examinations. He was then given treatment (Risperidone: 8 mg/day and Biperiden: 4 mg/day), which improved his aggressive behaviour. Yet, his auditory hallucinations and his illogical thoughts continued.

Although the next case presentation from Vahia et al., (2007) shows some differences with the other case studies, it also draws on some comparisons. The last study is of a 30-year-old patient from India, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia for five years. He complained of irregular spasms in his neck and body, along with the upward strain of his eyeballs. He also began to have auditory hallucinations with voices that began to harass his actions. These episodes were frequent and occurred six to eight times per week. With his medication (Oral Promethazine: 50mg/day) all of his symptoms were improved and his episodes were reduced to once or twice a week.

III. SUMMARY

In conclusion, I believe it is clear that there are many comparisons to be made among all of these case studies. All subjects presented with closely similar symptoms, Miss P and Miss X in Omoaregba et al.,(2009)'s studies showed similarities with their loss of hygiene. Miss X in Omoaregba et al.,(2009)'s study, along with the subjects in Mouzas et al.,(2007) and Vahia et al.,(2007)'s studies all showed symptoms of hallucinatory voices. The subjects in Omoaregba et al.,(2007) and Mouzas et al.,(2007)'s studies also showed comparisons with agitated behaviour. As well, these same subjects showed symptoms of social isolation. It is also important to point out that in Omoaregba et al.,(2009)'s study, it is shown that schizophrenia is more common among those with an affected sibling. Views on this disease could influence the appearance, the care and the treatment of schizophrenics. All patients seemed to be given different and specific treatment for their schizophrenia. It was found that lay workers from developing cultures do not accept western taught models of schizophrenia. There is a need for developing relevant psychotherapy interventions which apply to different cultures.

IV. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Mouzas, Odysseas; Siomos, Konstantinos; Angelopoulos, Nikiforos. A familial concurrence of schizophrenia. Annals of General Psychiatry, 2007.

Omoaregba, Joyce; James, Bawo; Eze, George. Schizophrenia spectrum disorders in a Nigerian family: 4 case reports. Cases Journal, 2009.

Vahia, V.; Naik, P; Deotale, P. Unusual Case Reports. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 2007.