tes is reported as ranging from 1 to 1.5 percent. Around two thirds of those treated require hospitalization and approximately half of all patients obtain treatment. Age of onset is usually during adolescence or early adulthood, but it may begin in middle or late adulthood; ninety percent of those treated are ages 15 to 55. The disorder is equally prevalent in men and women. Men have earlier onset. Prognosis is generally better for women, with better social functioning (Kaplan, Sadock, & Grebb, 1994).
Causes of schizophrenia are not known. Pathophysiological roles for areas of the brain, the limbic system, frontal cortex, and basal ganglia, are implicated. The thalamus as an integrating mechanism and the brainstem and midbrain as primary locations for the ascending aminergic neurons, are also implicated. The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia states that the disorder results from too much dopaminergic activity; other neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine) are also considered. Genetic studies suggest a component to the inheritance of schizophrenia; a person is likely to have the disorder if other family members have it. Associations between chromosomal sites and schizophrenia are reported in the literature. Psychosocial factors and individual psychological makeup are also investigated (Kaplan, Sadock, & Grebb, 1994).
Treatment includes hospitalization for diagnostic, stabilization, safety, and care of basic needs, with an establishment of an effective link between patient and support systems. Antipsychotic drugs (neuroleptics) to treat symptoms include dopamine receptor antagonists. Remoxipride, risperidone, clozapine are used. Other drugs used include lithium, anticonvulsants, and benzodiazepines. Electroconvulsive therapy is found to be less effective than drugs. Psychosocial treatments include behavior, family, group, and individual therapy (Kaplan, Sadock, & Grebb, 1994).
Schizoaffective disorder ...