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Schizophrenia
Liberty University
Psyc-430
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This paper is designed to shed some light on the mental illness of schizophrenia including the
main symptoms, characteristics, and diagnostic criteria of the illness. In addition, it is the goal of
this paper to educate the reader on other aspects of schizophrenia including what past contexts of
schizophrenia have been and what future studies are hoping to accomplish for patients struggling
with schizophrenia. The paper proposes common theories as to the cause of schizophrenia as
well as suggestions as to treatment and even the prevention of schizophrenia. In addition, topics
such as Biblical viewpoints on schizophrenia (including Biblical standpoints on the disorders
cause, treatment, and prevention) and cultural issues that pertain to schizophrenia are addressed.
Current research is incorporated throughout the paper to highlight the significance of scientific
input into the subjects addressed. In addition, Biblical references are used in order to highlight
the significance of Biblical views of schizophrenia and specific topics addressed throughout.
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In the mental health field, there are a number of abnormalities that many occur that cause
mental illness that require treatment and require in-depth knowledge. Among these illnesses is
schizophrenia. Schizophrenia often causes even more confusion and requires an in-depth
knowledge due to its complex nature and its unique characteristics. The destruction that
schizophrenia can have on an individual’s life, due largely to its symptoms, also warrants an
in-depth knowledge in order to better approach schizophrenia victims. In order to gain
knowledge as to the treatment and prevention of schizophrenia and how one can best assist one
suffering from this abnormality, one must first form a foundation by analyzing the symptoms and
the process of diagnosing schizophrenia. In order to be diagnosed with schizophrenia, one must
possess at least two of the following: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly
disorganized or catatonic behavior, or negative symptoms (Comer, 2011). In addition, one must
also have impaired functioning below the level of functioning before onset and continuous signs
of disturbance for at least six months in which symptoms are active and full (Comer, 2011). This
criteria only confirms the serious negative impact that a diagnosis of schizophrenia can have on
an individual. Thus, further examination of its prevention, treatment, and other areas of study are
required.
Historical Implications of Schizophrenia
Historical implications of schizophrenia shed some light onto the complications that can
result when evaluating schizophrenia as a disorder. Despite the difficulty throughout history in
remaining consistent in defining, treating, and preventing schizophrenia, efforts were often made
that led to even more confusion and a need for further study. For example, one study found that
defining schizophrenia, throughout history, has lacked consistency and has often lacked the
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ability and stability to make solid, operational definitions that could benefit the overall realm of
schizophrenia (McNally, 2012). Due to this instability and confusion, many researchers have
examined schizophrenia in various ways to enable further research that helps to eliminate some
of the confusion and complications surrounding the disorder. For example, one study examined
the relationships of schizophrenia and gene-environment implications in order to better
investigate risk factors, the role of genetics, and gain a better perspective on the disorder as a
whole (Clarke, Roddy, & Cannon, 2012).
Beyond the historical prefixes on causes and preliminary findings concerning
schizophrenia, the historical treatments of schizophrenia have been equally as complicated.
Some of these treatments have included lobotomy (a procedure in which two holes were drilled
into the skull in an effort to destroy brain nerve cells), public mental health facilities (where the
main focus was simply getting the patient fed and helping them survive), institutionalization,
hospitalization, milieu therapy (emphasizing social climate), various medications, and a token
economy in which operant conditioning was utilized (Comer, 2011). Despite the cruel treatments,
lack of effectiveness, abuse of patients, deaths, and many other damaging effects to patients who
underwent these treatments, many developments led to the discovery of critical information that
would lead to antipsychotic medications, community-based treatment programs, more humane
treatment for those suffering from schizophrenia, and developments as the cause and potential
prevention of schizophrenia.
Cause of Schizophrenia
Much like it's confusing and inconsistent historical and diagnostic backgrounds, the cause
of schizophrenia is also widely debated and many viewpoints exist. Biological viewpoints
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suggest that genetic factors such as stress from family situations and certain genes play a role as
well as biochemical abnormalities linked to dopamine (Comer, 2011). Other biological
suggestions include abnormal brain structure and viral complications (Comer, 2011). Many of
these biological theories are being substantiated by further research. For example, one study
examined brain changes throughout various stages of schizophrenia and determined that
consistent patterns were to be noted (DeLisi, 2008). From a psychological perspective theorists
propose that schizophrenic victims are experiencing regression to a pre-ego state of being and are
attempting to reestablish their prior state (Comer, 2011). The confirm this explanation on the role
of the ego, one study began treatment of schizophrenic patients consisting of the goal of
eliminating psychosis by attempting to deal with the ego and triggering ego states in patients
proving that the ego can be a factor in schizophrenia (Jardim, Costa Pereira, & De Souza Palma,
2011). Other explanations also vary and include the following explanations as to the cause of
schizophrenia: cognitive explanations of sensations during hallucinations, the influence of social
and cultural influences such as social labeling and family dysfunctions (Comer, 2011). In
addition to the more traditional explanations of the cause of schizophrenia, other studies are
pointing towards new approaches for studying these causes including a combination of clinical
assessment, laboratory measures, and behavioral observation in determining schizophrenic
symptoms and observations in order to target causes of schizophrenia and better produce
therapeutic interventions (Conklin & Iacono, 2003).
Treatments of Schizophrenia
Despite the varying opinions of defining schizophrenia and its criteria for diagnosis and
the causes of schizophrenia, many treatment options exist for schizophrenic patients. Among the
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most well-known and the most accepted is the use of antipsychotic drugs which are reported to
produce a reduction of symptoms in over 65 percent of patients (Comer, 2011). These drugs
produce a lessening of symptoms, but can also relapse if not taken long enough and are often
rejected due to the lack of acceptance to taking medications and the unwanted effects of the
drugs (Comer, 2011). Psychotherapy is also a popular treatment of schizophrenia. Cognitive
Behavioral therapies, including learning to view and deal with hallucinations and delusions in a
more healthy way, as well as family or social therapy are often used with schizophrenic patients
(Comer, 2011). Psychotherapy, regardless of its effectiveness, also has shortcomings. One study
questions the lack of clarity between the therapeutic relationship, uncertainty about effects of
conversation and action for the person’s well-being, and a lack of recovery-oriented interventions
and suggests that psychotherapy requires more research to resolve complications in order to be
effective (Lysaker, Roe, & Kukla, 2012). Psychoanalytic family therapy is also being proven
through research. One study confirmed that family therapy can be instrumental in helping
patients suffering from schizophrenia, but effectiveness was often based on a positive therapeutic
alliance among relatives involved in treatment (Smerud & Rosenfarb, 2011). Smerud &
Rosenfarb (2011) found that if this therapeutic relationship was not present relapses and
hospitalization was common.
Other treatments are also being introduced and have rising support enabling new research
to plant roots in the world of schizophrenia treatment. A community approach is proving to be
highly successful through the use of coordinated services, short-term or partial hospitalization,
supervised residences, and occupational training (Comer, 2011). Unfortunately, despite the
effectiveness of community-based approaches a shortage of services and poor coordination have
left many patients unable to utilize this form of treatment. Other studies have indicated the use of
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acupuncture and moxibustion to be useful in the treatment of schizophrenia (Ding, Yan, & Ma,
2008). Despite the variety of treatments, relapses of symptoms of schizophrenia are often found
and can produce costly effects for patients (Ascher-Svanum et al., 2010).
Prevention of Schizophrenia
Due to the cost of relapses and the diverse treatment options, many are left wondering if
preventing schizophrenia is an option and, if so, how this can be done. Debates range from
focusing on high risk individuals to general interventions that could lower risks for entire
populations (Mojtabai, Malaspina, & Susser, 2003). Most agree, however, that a combination of
these efforts are needed in order for prevention to be effective (Mojtabai, Malaspina, & Suser,
2003). Some theories, while preliminary and often unproven, do exist that suggest ways in which
to prevent schizophrenia. For example, one study suggested that a very specific prenatal diet
could help prevent schizophrenia in the womb (Rapoport, J. L., 2013). Other studies also suggest
that certain dietary supplements could help eliminate the onset of schizophrenic symptoms
(Gama et al., 2012) and proper nutritional portions can help to prevent schizophrenia (McGrath,
Brown, & St Clair, 2011). Yet another study suggests that the key to preventing schizophrenia is
being able to determine if schizophrenic symptoms were present earlier in life (Amminger et al.,
2011). Other studies suggest that maternal infection as a risk factor for schizophrenia calls for
specific treatments of maternal infections in order to prevent schizophrenia in fetuses (Brown &
Patterson, 2011). Overall, despite the prior pessimistic outlook of preventing schizophrenia, new
developments are suggesting that developments of early primary and secondary symptoms and
implications of schizophrenia are enabling a greater ability to draw conclusions as to what may
or may not prevent schizophrenia (McGorry & Goldstone, 2011).
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Cross-Cultural Issues of Schizophrenia
Despite the diversity of diagnosing, treating, and attempts to prevent schizophrenia, even
more diversity lies in the realm of schizophrenia as one approaches how various cultures view
aspects of diagnosing, treating, or attempts to prevent schizophrenia. For example, researching
and attempting to define schizophrenia is often different among varying cultures and nations. For
example, the way in which Latinos view schizophrenia as a disorder is often very different from
other cultures due to their specific acculturation (Massari, 2012). In addition, Testing to
determine neuropsychological bases of schizophrenia in patients is often complicated as this
baseline varies among different ethinic backgrounds and different cultures (Fujii, 2012). When
seeking a diagnosis, studies indicate that this can be difficult as different cultures attempt to
diagnose mental disorders in various ways. In China, for example, facial emotion recognitions
are critical to their determination of early and chronic stages of schizophrenia (Leung, Lee, &
Lee, 2011). In addition, various cultural themes can cause variances in diagnostic interferences
(Whaley & Hall, 2009).
Once diagnosing schizophrenia in patients, cultural diversities also impact the overall
view of the disorder. For example, studies indicated that cultural sensitivity could contribute to
suicide risks in schizophrenic patients (Lewine & Shriner, 2009). In addition, other studies
indicate that culturally diverse beliefs about mental disorders, including schizophrenia, could
actually make symptoms much more severe and limit the overall ability to experience any relief
of symptoms (Chang, 2008). Finally, other studies conclude that even when treatment options
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can be decided upon, their effects on schizophrenic patients can be drastically different
(HubnerLiebermann, Spiel, Iwai, & Cording, 2005).
Biblical View of Schizophrenia
Despite the many varying approaches to schizophrenia, most agree that a religious basis
for viewing and treating schizophrenia is beneficial. One study proves this standpoint by proving
that prior histories of nonreligious coping may actually be a factor in predictors of schizophrenia
(Wasserman, Weisman, & Suro, 2013). Another study accurately linked the effects of religion on
schizophrenia and mental disorders by analyzing the religious conflicts in patients and
determining that spiritual coping strategies were not only effective, but important to overall
health and well-being (Hustoft, Hestad, Lien, Moller, & Danbolt, 2013). More specifically, one
study concluded that patients also found religiousness and spirituality to be vital in their ability
to cope with schizophrenia (Danbolt, Moller, Lien, & Hestad, 2011). The Bible does, in fact,
offer a multitude of significant sources to positively handle the effects of schizophrenia. For
example, the Bible promises that Jesus provides peace to those hurting or struggling (John 16:33,
New International Version), relieves anxiety (Phillippians 4:6-7), gives us self-control and loves
us no matter what we are diagnosed with (2 Timothy 1:7), and gives us the power to overcome
our situations and circumstances (2 Corinthians 12:9). This peace enables victims struggling with
schizophrenia to overcome their adversity, accept God’s grace and his love, and deal with their
disorder in a Biblical manner. Doing so enables victims to see their disorder as a tool that God is
using to grow them in a spiritual manner instead of a useless, negative obstacle that has no hope
and no future. This optimistic standpoint may, in fact, not only be beneficial to victims of
schizophrenia, but it can provide very effective and lasting treatment options to those suffering
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with schizophrenia. In addition, not only will schizophrenic symptoms be viewed in a new light,
but the individual’s life can be drastically and eternally changed aiding in self-growth,
self-confidence, optimism, and other characteristics in the individual's life that will aid in
multiple areas of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite the severity of symptoms and the confusion surrounding much of
the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of schizophrenia. Much headway is being accomplished
in providing a more optimistic outlook to the disorder of schizophrenia. New research is
indicating that there are possibilities to determine what can prevent schizophrenia and other
studies are showing that the ability to effectively treat schizophrenia and avoid relapses of
symptoms are available and developing rapidly. One of these developments is recent research
that indicates that a more futuristic, goal-oriented approach to treatment of schizophrenia can
produce lasting and more positive effects on schizophrenic patients (Heerey, Matveeva, & Gold,
2011). This, along with other studies, indicates that research abilities are increasing and greater
abilities to treat and prevent schizophrenia lie ahead.
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