Psychological Disorder - Schizophrenia

Psychological Disorder: Schizophrenia

Krista DiGiacomo

PSY/450

June 1, 2015

Robert Irizarry

According to Corrigan and Penn (1999), “[T]he stigma of severe mental illness leads to prejudice and discrimination.  Stigmas are negative and erroneous attitudes about these persons. Unfortunately, stigma's impact on a person's life may be as harmful as the direct effects of the disease” (p.775-775).  Individuals who are diagnosed with Schizophrenia are stigmatized in this way.  It is assumed that he or she has no ability to lead a productive or full life.  There are many treatment options for schizophrenia and the prognosis is good for improvement in the condition.  

Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA)

        The organization encourages improvement in the lives of those affected by “schizophrenia-related brain illnesses or mental illnesses involving psychosis” (Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America, 2014; Torrey, 2011).  SARDAA encourages optimism and recovery with “support programs, education, collaboration and advocacy” (Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America, 2014; Torrey, 2011).  The SARDAA is an international organization that offers schizophrenia anonymous (SA) meetings to multi-national individuals across many nations.  

Schizophrenia

        A persistent and prolonged disorder with a worldwide occurrence of less than 1% (Holder & Wayhs, 2014).  Schizophrenia affects both men and women, with a minor prevalence toward men.  This disorder impacts all ethnicities and is the most common psychotic disorder.  There is a genetic and environmental factor that contribute to a diagnosis of schizophrenia.  The genetic variant has not yet been identified but relatives of individuals with schizophrenia are at a higher risk of developing other disorders, such as schizoaffective, bipolar, depression, and autism spectrum (Holder & Wayhs, 2014).  Environmental factors that could play a role in a schizophrenia diagnosis include living in an urban area, marijuana use, prenatal complication, “central nervous system infection in early childhood, and advanced paternal age” (Holder & Wayhs, 2014, p. 1).

Culture Affects and Symptoms.  It has been suggested that because schizophrenia “occurs at about the same rate across so many different cultures has led some theorists to propose that it stems from the human tendency to use symbolic communication” (PBS, n.d).  The multicultural likenesses are greater than the differences.  There is a significant amount of data that suggest ethnic influences can impact the “course and pattern of symptoms in schizophrenia” (PBS, n.d.).   According to the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms of schizophrenia can vary across borders and cultures.  However, technologically advanced nations were affected more severely than unindustrialized nations.  The reason that the less advanced nations were not as impacted could be the family dynamics offer a more understanding atmosphere for recovery and the lack of “specialized jobs and competitive expectations” (PBS, n.d.) provide and easier reintegration back into society after a psychotic incident.  

        Western society differs in the types of support that an individual with schizophrenia receives, the recovery can also be hindered by the technological advances that are available as well.  Recovery often requires minimal disruptions and modern technology like cellphones, computers, and IPad can make it difficult.  One symptom that seems to be universal is delusions.  In western society delusions can be brought about by the technology that is meant to make out life easier.  Individuals might believe they are being watched.  In highly religious cultures it could be in the form of seeing their self as a saint or god.  In eastern society a delusion may include humiliation in public.  There are behaviors that could be considered symptoms of schizophrenia in Western culture, but are considered cultural norms in others.  For example, we would think that a person who thinks they are a god is delusional and narcissistic, but in India they would be considered a spiritual medium (PBS, n.d.).