Psychology Essay: Schizophrenia & Bipolar Disorder.

What did you learn from the material on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder that will help you deal with individuals that are afflicted with such?

SCHIZOPHRENIA:

I've learned that Schizophrenia, contrary to popular belief, is not a split personality disorder - it is a type of psychosis in which the sufferer cannot tell what is real from what is imagined; this person suffers from delusions, hallucinations, hears voices, and/or has disorganized thoughts and speech. As a result, the sufferer often loses touch with reality. This is usually coupled with episodes of hyperactivity or lethargy.

It's symptoms usually develop in adolescence or early adulthood, but it can appear earlier or later in life. It affects 0.6% of people worldwide, and there is a genetically inherited predisposition to the disease; for instance, if both parents have schizophrenia, their offspring have almost a 50% chance of developing it.

More awareness should definitely be raised about this illness. Schizophrenia is a very frightening disease for the sufferer, leaving him or her extremely paranoid and withdrawn; more likely than not, that person is unable to function in normal society as a result of the illness. Understanding how to help a friend or family member with it is very important; it cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with the proper treatment.


BIPOLAR DISORDER:

The term Bipolar Disorder, also known as Manic Depression, refers to the two extremes of behavior identified with this neurological syndrome: one is a manic high, characterized by an excessive energy and strength, sleeplessness, and reckless behavior; the other is depression, involving listlessness, lack of emotion and interest, and drowsiness. It is a serious illness, in which many episodes may occur with no apparent trigger. It typically begins in adolescence or young adulthood, but some studies indicate that it can start in childhood. 5.7 million Americans, or 2.7% of the population, suffer from bipolar depression in any given year, and there is a genetic component; for instance, if a parent has the disorder, his or her child has a 25% chance of also having it.

This disorder should be treated as early as possible, and the consequences of neglecting to treat it at all, could be very great. Family and friends need to be aware that suicide is a very real risk with both mania and depression; a bipolar individual having suicidal thoughts, ideas and gestures requires immediate emergency attention.