Analyzing Psychological Disorders

Analyzing Psychological Disorders

Analyzing Psychological Disorders

PSY/240
June 18, 2013
Sherée Boyer

Analyzing Psychological Disorders
In this paper we will psychoanalyze the disorder known as schizophrenia. We will discuss the areas of the brain that are affected, contributing factors, symptoms, the neural origin, and suitable drug therapies. We will also be discussing the disorder known as Anxiety, with its relation to the nature-nurture issue and the possible drug therapies.
Schizophrenia is a disorder which name literally means “the splitting of psychic functions” (Pinel, 2011, p. 467). The symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions, incoherent speech, catatonic behavior patterns, negative symptoms, and being grossly disorganized (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Another common symptom of schizophrenia is both social and occupational dysfunction. In order to diagnose schizophrenia, these symptoms must be present in the patient for at least six months (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).
There are several theories when it comes to schizophrenia. One theory is that some people have a genetic predisposition to the development of schizophrenia (Pinel, 2011). If a person has this genetic predisposition and is then exposed to some sort trauma or severe stress, then the combination of both could trigger the development of schizophrenia. People with the genetic predisposition for schizophrenia have also, on a frequent basis, suffered from some sort of early infection that was associated with autoimmune hindrances. Autoimmune hindrances such as autoimmune reactions and toxin exposure tend to amplify the likelihood of a person developing schizophrenia (Pinel, 2011).
Another theory suggests that schizophrenia could potentially be linked to augmented dopamine levels, with specific attention being aimed at the d2 receptors. Researchers have been able to prove that schizophrenia is heavily related to the hyperactivity of the d2 receptors. However, although...

Similar Essays