Catatonic Schizophrenia Causes Symptoms Information With Treatment

By Juliet Cohen

Schizophrenia results from problems with early brain development. The way brain cells communicate with each other through nerve pathways. Complete lack of expressed emotion is sometimes seen, as is an apparent indifference, anhedonia (the lack of pleasure ), and avolition (a lack of motivation). Too many or too few connections in the important pathways of emotional regulation may lead to psychotic symptoms. More specifically, certain areas of the brain that are rich in the chemical dopamine seem to be affected most often in schizophrenia.

The contributing factors associated with the development of these brain-pathway problems are controversial and are being carefully investigated. Some of the areas of current research include risk-associated genes, exposure to certain viruses or malnutrition in the womb, and stressful childhood environments in genetically susceptible children. People with catatonic schizophrenia may also need services, supervision or specialized care particularly when response to treatment isn’t optimal. The goal of treatment is to reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia and to decrease the chances of a relapse, or return of symptoms.

Treatment including is medications used to treat schizophrenia are called antipsychotics. These medicines do not cure schizophrenia but help relieve the most troubling symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations and thinking problems. Older medications used include is thorazine, prolixin, haldol, navane, stelazine, trilafon and mellaril. Electroconvlusive therapy (ECT ) is a procedure in which electrodes are attached to the person’s head and a series of electric shocks are delivered to the brain.

Causes of Catatonic Schizophrenia

Common Causes and Risk factors of Catatonic Schizophrenia

Psychological problems.

Biological ( Early brain development)

Brain abnormality.

Environmental factors.

Signs and Symptoms of Catatonic Schizophrenia

Common Sign and Symptoms of Catatonic Schizophrenia

Social withdrawal.

Unusual behaviors.

Anxiety.

Decline in daily functional abilities.

Loss of interest or volition.

Persecutory thoughts.

Poor hygiene.

Treatment for Catatonic Schizophrenia

Common Treatment for Catatonic Schizophrenia

Treatment is most effective when it is implemented early on in the development of the disorder. Medications used to treat schizophrenia are called antipsychotics. These medicines do not cure schizophrenia but help relieve the most troubling symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations and thinking problems. Older medications used include: Thorazine, Prolixin, Haldol, Navane, Stelazine, Trilafon and Mellaril.

Rehabilitation, which focuses on social skills and job training to help people with schizophrenia function in the community and live as independently as possible.

Individual psychotherapy, which can help the person better understand his or her illness, and learn coping and problem-solving skills.

Family therapy, , which can help families deal more effectively with a loved one who has schizophrenia, enabling them to better help their loved one.

Group therapy/support groups, which can provide continuing mutual support.

Electroconvlusive therapy (ECT) is a procedure in which electrodes are attached to the person’s head and a series of electric shocks are delivered to the brain. The shocks induce seizures, causing the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. This form of treatment is rarely used today in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Psychosurgery: Lobotomy, an operation used to sever certain nerve pathways in the brain, was formerly used in some patients with severe, chronic schizophrenia.

Juliet Cohen writes health articles for health diseases and disorders. She also writes articles on women beauty tips.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Juliet_Cohen

               

Types of Schizophrenia

by: David Chandler

Catatonic type schizophrenia

Patients with this subtype of Schizophrenia may exhibit extremes of behavior including catatonia. Some may allow their posture to be rearranged, holding the new position (catalepsy or waxy flexibility). Others may imitate sounds (echolalia) or movements (echopraxia) of others. At times, some patients may explode into an excited, activated state marked by purposeless ad repetitive movements. The catatonic type is rare today, and probably reflected an advanced stage of schizophrenia before the advent of modern treatment methods.

Disorganized type schizophrenia

A form of schizophrenia that is characterized by a disorganized behavior and disorganized speech. Their affect may be flat or inappropriate. This type involves a disturbance in behavior, communication, and thought. Usually these patients show a variety of eccentric characteristics such as unusual clothing or peculiar gestures.

Paranoid type schizophrenia

Delusions and auditory hallucinations predominate in patients with this subtype of schizophrenia while their affective and cognitive functioning remains relatively intact. This type of patient often has highly elaborate delusions of persecution or personal grandeur. However, the patient may appear rather normal until he or she becomes entangled in typical argumentativeness and suspiciousness.

Residual type schizophrenia

A form of schizophrenia that is characterized by a previous diagnosis of schizophrenia, but no longer having any of the prominent psychotic symptoms. There are some remaining symptoms of the disorder however, such as eccentric behavior, emotional blunting, illogical thinking, or social withdrawal.

In the residual type of schizophrenia, the patient has had at least one episode of schizophrenia. If delusions or hallucinations are present, they are not prominent, and are not accompanied by strong affect.

Undifferentiated type schizophrenia

This subtype of schizophrenia applies to patients who fail to meet the criteria for the other subtypes but clearly suffer from this mental disorder. The patient suffers from pronounced psychotic symptoms, which may not fit in any other specific category or more than one.

About The Author

David Chandler - For more information about schizophrenia, visit www.schizophreniainfocenter.com For your FREE Stock Market Trading Mini Course: “What The Wall Street Hot Shots Won’t Tell You!” go to: www.stockmarketgenie.com