Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia

A mental disorder characterized by a split between the emotional and intellectual aspects of experience.

Higher Prevalence Factors

Includes urban areas, stress, social isolation, and drug use, particularly in cannabis-using regions and low/middle-income countries.

Gender Prevalence in Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is more prevalent in males compared to females.

Diagnosis of Schizophrenia

Characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized behavior, and weak emotional expression.

Similar Conditions to Schizophrenia

Include substance abuse, brain damage, undetected hearing deficits, Huntington’s disease, and nutritional abnormalities.

Genetics of Schizophrenia

Heritable condition with rare genes such as Neuregulin and Disrupted in Schizophrenia increasing chances.

Neurodevelopmental Hypothesis

Suggests that prenatal or neonatal nervous system abnormalities can lead to schizophrenia.

Two-Hit Hypothesis

Proposes a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental impacts leading to schizophrenia.

First Hit in Two-Hit Hypothesis

Involves genetic mutations, prenatal infections, and obstetric complications.

Second Hit in Two-Hit Hypothesis

Includes cannabis use during adolescence, chronic stress, and urban living.

Brain Abnormalities in Schizophrenia

Includes larger ventricles, decreased brain matter, and reduced cortical connectivity.

Dopamine Hypothesis

Suggests positive symptoms are caused by overactivity of dopamine synapses in specific brain areas.

First Generation Antipsychotic Drugs

Blocks dopamine across major pathways, leading to movement disorders.

Second Generation Antipsychotic Drugs

Focus on blocking serotonin but may result in weight gain.

Third Generation Antipsychotic Drugs

Blocks dopamine precisely while minimizing side effects.