Schizophrenia is a group of psychotic disorders in which the patient has severely disordered patterns of thinking, emotions, and behaviors (Gulli, 2001). They may see, hear, or feel things which are not there (Dewan, 2001). It is estimated that approximately one percent of the population worldwide suffers from schizophrenia, and it occurs across all races, cultures, social classes, and educational classes. The male female ration is 1.2:1, and it occurs earlier in males than in females. Schizophrenic patients may have enhanced perceptions of sounds, colors, and other features from their environment, and if these patients are left untreated, they gradually withdraw into themselves, stop communicating with others, and lose the ability to take care of their personal needs.
In adults, schizophrenia is usually divided into three stages: in the first (acute) stage, the patient suffers a psychotic episode in which they lose all contact with reality, and they require treatment (Gulli, 2001). In the second phase, when the psychotic symptoms have been brought under control, the patient must remain in treatment otherwise they may suffer a relapse. The third stage occurs when the patient is on a maintenance program and the symptoms are stabilized by antipsychotic medications. However, this stability may not last, and relapse can occur.
Sometimes psychotherapists divide schizophrenia into two main types, depending on the rate of onset (Gulli, 2001). People classified with Type I schizophrenia have a rapid onset of symptoms, and what are considered positive symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations. These patients respond well to medication. Those with Type II schizophrenia have a slower onset, and have more negative symptoms, such as withdrawal and the slowing of both physical and mental reactions.
Schizophrenia is also divided into five subtypes (Gulli, 2001). Patients with paranoid schizophrenia suffer from delusio...