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Schizophrenia is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental illness characterized by impairments in the perception or expression of reality, most commonly manifesting as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions or disorganized speech and thinking in the context of significant social or occupational dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on the patients self-reported experiences and observed behaviour. A person with mental illness who does not want treatment may hide strange behaviour or ideas from a professional. No laboratory test for schizophrenia exists. Studies suggest that genetics, early environment, neurobiology and psychological and social processes are important contributory factors. Current psychiatric research is focused on the role of neurobiology, but a clear organic cause has not been found. Due to the many possible combinations of symptoms, there is debate about whether the diagnosis represents a single disorder or a number of discrete syndromes. The mainstay of treatment is pharmacotherapy with antipsychotic medications; these primarily work by suppressing dopamine activity. Psychotherapy, vocational and social rehabilitation are also important. In more serious cases - where there is risk to self and others - involuntary hospitalization may be necessary, though hospital stays are less frequent and for shorter periods than they were in previous years. The disorder is primarily thought to affect cognition, but it also usually contributes to chronic problems with behaviour and emotion. People diagnosed with schizophrenia are likely to be diagnosed with comorbid conditions, including clinical depression and anxiety disorders. Social problems, such as long-term unemployment, poverty and homelessness, are common and life expectancy is decreased; the average life expectancy of people with the disorder is 10 to 12 years less than those without, owing to increased physical health problems and a high suicide rate. A person experiencing schizophrenia may demonstrate symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, and delusions. In severe cases, the person may be largely mute, remain motionless in bizarre postures, or exhibitpurposeless agitation; these are signs of catatonia. The current classification of psychoses holds that symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning. No one sign is diagnostic of schizophrenia, and all can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions. Social isolation commonly occurs and may be due to a number of factors. Late adolescence and early adulthood are peak years for the onset of schizophrenia. These are critical periods in a young adults social and vocational development, and they can be severely disrupted by disease onset. To minimize the effect of schizophrenia, much work has recently been done to identify and treat the prodromal phase of the illness. Those who go on to develop schizophrenia may experience the non-specific symptoms of social withdrawal, irritability and dysphoria in the prodromal period, and transient or self-limiting psychotic symptoms in the prodromal phase before psychosis becomes apparent.Available treatments can relieve many of the disorders symptoms, but most people who have schizophrenia must cope with some residual symptoms as long as they live. Nevertheless, this is a time of hope for people with schizophrenia and their families. Many people with the disorder now lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia and to find ways to prevent and treat it. Recent research speculates that the use of oxytocin might act on the brains of schizophrenics and anxiety and may increase the level of trust or emotional contact between patient and significant others. Oxytocin is released during hugging and pleasant physical touch.Q. Schizophrenic symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning because:a)Symptoms are difficult to track as they are apparent only once in six months.b)Symptoms can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions.c)Social isolation commonly occurs later in life as the mental abilities start deteriorating.d)The debate on diagnosis is still on going as reliable data is rarely available.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for CAT 2024 is part of CAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the CAT exam syllabus. Information about Schizophrenia is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental illness characterized by impairments in the perception or expression of reality, most commonly manifesting as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions or disorganized speech and thinking in the context of significant social or occupational dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on the patients self-reported experiences and observed behaviour. A person with mental illness who does not want treatment may hide strange behaviour or ideas from a professional. No laboratory test for schizophrenia exists. Studies suggest that genetics, early environment, neurobiology and psychological and social processes are important contributory factors. Current psychiatric research is focused on the role of neurobiology, but a clear organic cause has not been found. Due to the many possible combinations of symptoms, there is debate about whether the diagnosis represents a single disorder or a number of discrete syndromes. The mainstay of treatment is pharmacotherapy with antipsychotic medications; these primarily work by suppressing dopamine activity. Psychotherapy, vocational and social rehabilitation are also important. In more serious cases - where there is risk to self and others - involuntary hospitalization may be necessary, though hospital stays are less frequent and for shorter periods than they were in previous years. The disorder is primarily thought to affect cognition, but it also usually contributes to chronic problems with behaviour and emotion. People diagnosed with schizophrenia are likely to be diagnosed with comorbid conditions, including clinical depression and anxiety disorders. Social problems, such as long-term unemployment, poverty and homelessness, are common and life expectancy is decreased; the average life expectancy of people with the disorder is 10 to 12 years less than those without, owing to increased physical health problems and a high suicide rate. A person experiencing schizophrenia may demonstrate symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, and delusions. In severe cases, the person may be largely mute, remain motionless in bizarre postures, or exhibitpurposeless agitation; these are signs of catatonia. The current classification of psychoses holds that symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning. No one sign is diagnostic of schizophrenia, and all can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions. Social isolation commonly occurs and may be due to a number of factors. Late adolescence and early adulthood are peak years for the onset of schizophrenia. These are critical periods in a young adults social and vocational development, and they can be severely disrupted by disease onset. To minimize the effect of schizophrenia, much work has recently been done to identify and treat the prodromal phase of the illness. Those who go on to develop schizophrenia may experience the non-specific symptoms of social withdrawal, irritability and dysphoria in the prodromal period, and transient or self-limiting psychotic symptoms in the prodromal phase before psychosis becomes apparent.Available treatments can relieve many of the disorders symptoms, but most people who have schizophrenia must cope with some residual symptoms as long as they live. Nevertheless, this is a time of hope for people with schizophrenia and their families. Many people with the disorder now lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia and to find ways to prevent and treat it. Recent research speculates that the use of oxytocin might act on the brains of schizophrenics and anxiety and may increase the level of trust or emotional contact between patient and significant others. Oxytocin is released during hugging and pleasant physical touch.Q. Schizophrenic symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning because:a)Symptoms are difficult to track as they are apparent only once in six months.b)Symptoms can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions.c)Social isolation commonly occurs later in life as the mental abilities start deteriorating.d)The debate on diagnosis is still on going as reliable data is rarely available.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for CAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Schizophrenia is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental illness characterized by impairments in the perception or expression of reality, most commonly manifesting as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions or disorganized speech and thinking in the context of significant social or occupational dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on the patients self-reported experiences and observed behaviour. A person with mental illness who does not want treatment may hide strange behaviour or ideas from a professional. No laboratory test for schizophrenia exists. Studies suggest that genetics, early environment, neurobiology and psychological and social processes are important contributory factors. Current psychiatric research is focused on the role of neurobiology, but a clear organic cause has not been found. Due to the many possible combinations of symptoms, there is debate about whether the diagnosis represents a single disorder or a number of discrete syndromes. The mainstay of treatment is pharmacotherapy with antipsychotic medications; these primarily work by suppressing dopamine activity. Psychotherapy, vocational and social rehabilitation are also important. In more serious cases - where there is risk to self and others - involuntary hospitalization may be necessary, though hospital stays are less frequent and for shorter periods than they were in previous years. The disorder is primarily thought to affect cognition, but it also usually contributes to chronic problems with behaviour and emotion. People diagnosed with schizophrenia are likely to be diagnosed with comorbid conditions, including clinical depression and anxiety disorders. Social problems, such as long-term unemployment, poverty and homelessness, are common and life expectancy is decreased; the average life expectancy of people with the disorder is 10 to 12 years less than those without, owing to increased physical health problems and a high suicide rate. A person experiencing schizophrenia may demonstrate symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, and delusions. In severe cases, the person may be largely mute, remain motionless in bizarre postures, or exhibitpurposeless agitation; these are signs of catatonia. The current classification of psychoses holds that symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning. No one sign is diagnostic of schizophrenia, and all can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions. Social isolation commonly occurs and may be due to a number of factors. Late adolescence and early adulthood are peak years for the onset of schizophrenia. These are critical periods in a young adults social and vocational development, and they can be severely disrupted by disease onset. To minimize the effect of schizophrenia, much work has recently been done to identify and treat the prodromal phase of the illness. Those who go on to develop schizophrenia may experience the non-specific symptoms of social withdrawal, irritability and dysphoria in the prodromal period, and transient or self-limiting psychotic symptoms in the prodromal phase before psychosis becomes apparent.Available treatments can relieve many of the disorders symptoms, but most people who have schizophrenia must cope with some residual symptoms as long as they live. Nevertheless, this is a time of hope for people with schizophrenia and their families. Many people with the disorder now lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia and to find ways to prevent and treat it. Recent research speculates that the use of oxytocin might act on the brains of schizophrenics and anxiety and may increase the level of trust or emotional contact between patient and significant others. Oxytocin is released during hugging and pleasant physical touch.Q. Schizophrenic symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning because:a)Symptoms are difficult to track as they are apparent only once in six months.b)Symptoms can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions.c)Social isolation commonly occurs later in life as the mental abilities start deteriorating.d)The debate on diagnosis is still on going as reliable data is rarely available.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.

Solutions for Schizophrenia is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental illness characterized by impairments in the perception or expression of reality, most commonly manifesting as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions or disorganized speech and thinking in the context of significant social or occupational dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on the patients self-reported experiences and observed behaviour. A person with mental illness who does not want treatment may hide strange behaviour or ideas from a professional. No laboratory test for schizophrenia exists. Studies suggest that genetics, early environment, neurobiology and psychological and social processes are important contributory factors. Current psychiatric research is focused on the role of neurobiology, but a clear organic cause has not been found. Due to the many possible combinations of symptoms, there is debate about whether the diagnosis represents a single disorder or a number of discrete syndromes. The mainstay of treatment is pharmacotherapy with antipsychotic medications; these primarily work by suppressing dopamine activity. Psychotherapy, vocational and social rehabilitation are also important. In more serious cases - where there is risk to self and others - involuntary hospitalization may be necessary, though hospital stays are less frequent and for shorter periods than they were in previous years. The disorder is primarily thought to affect cognition, but it also usually contributes to chronic problems with behaviour and emotion. People diagnosed with schizophrenia are likely to be diagnosed with comorbid conditions, including clinical depression and anxiety disorders. Social problems, such as long-term unemployment, poverty and homelessness, are common and life expectancy is decreased; the average life expectancy of people with the disorder is 10 to 12 years less than those without, owing to increased physical health problems and a high suicide rate. A person experiencing schizophrenia may demonstrate symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, and delusions. In severe cases, the person may be largely mute, remain motionless in bizarre postures, or exhibitpurposeless agitation; these are signs of catatonia. The current classification of psychoses holds that symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning. No one sign is diagnostic of schizophrenia, and all can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions. Social isolation commonly occurs and may be due to a number of factors. Late adolescence and early adulthood are peak years for the onset of schizophrenia. These are critical periods in a young adults social and vocational development, and they can be severely disrupted by disease onset. To minimize the effect of schizophrenia, much work has recently been done to identify and treat the prodromal phase of the illness. Those who go on to develop schizophrenia may experience the non-specific symptoms of social withdrawal, irritability and dysphoria in the prodromal period, and transient or self-limiting psychotic symptoms in the prodromal phase before psychosis becomes apparent.Available treatments can relieve many of the disorders symptoms, but most people who have schizophrenia must cope with some residual symptoms as long as they live. Nevertheless, this is a time of hope for people with schizophrenia and their families. Many people with the disorder now lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia and to find ways to prevent and treat it. Recent research speculates that the use of oxytocin might act on the brains of schizophrenics and anxiety and may increase the level of trust or emotional contact between patient and significant others. Oxytocin is released during hugging and pleasant physical touch.Q. Schizophrenic symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning because:a)Symptoms are difficult to track as they are apparent only once in six months.b)Symptoms can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions.c)Social isolation commonly occurs later in life as the mental abilities start deteriorating.d)The debate on diagnosis is still on going as reliable data is rarely available.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for CAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for CAT Exam by signing up for free.

Here you can find the meaning of Schizophrenia is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental illness characterized by impairments in the perception or expression of reality, most commonly manifesting as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions or disorganized speech and thinking in the context of significant social or occupational dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on the patients self-reported experiences and observed behaviour. A person with mental illness who does not want treatment may hide strange behaviour or ideas from a professional. No laboratory test for schizophrenia exists. Studies suggest that genetics, early environment, neurobiology and psychological and social processes are important contributory factors. Current psychiatric research is focused on the role of neurobiology, but a clear organic cause has not been found. Due to the many possible combinations of symptoms, there is debate about whether the diagnosis represents a single disorder or a number of discrete syndromes. The mainstay of treatment is pharmacotherapy with antipsychotic medications; these primarily work by suppressing dopamine activity. Psychotherapy, vocational and social rehabilitation are also important. In more serious cases - where there is risk to self and others - involuntary hospitalization may be necessary, though hospital stays are less frequent and for shorter periods than they were in previous years. The disorder is primarily thought to affect cognition, but it also usually contributes to chronic problems with behaviour and emotion. People diagnosed with schizophrenia are likely to be diagnosed with comorbid conditions, including clinical depression and anxiety disorders. Social problems, such as long-term unemployment, poverty and homelessness, are common and life expectancy is decreased; the average life expectancy of people with the disorder is 10 to 12 years less than those without, owing to increased physical health problems and a high suicide rate. A person experiencing schizophrenia may demonstrate symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, and delusions. In severe cases, the person may be largely mute, remain motionless in bizarre postures, or exhibitpurposeless agitation; these are signs of catatonia. The current classification of psychoses holds that symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning. No one sign is diagnostic of schizophrenia, and all can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions. Social isolation commonly occurs and may be due to a number of factors. Late adolescence and early adulthood are peak years for the onset of schizophrenia. These are critical periods in a young adults social and vocational development, and they can be severely disrupted by disease onset. To minimize the effect of schizophrenia, much work has recently been done to identify and treat the prodromal phase of the illness. Those who go on to develop schizophrenia may experience the non-specific symptoms of social withdrawal, irritability and dysphoria in the prodromal period, and transient or self-limiting psychotic symptoms in the prodromal phase before psychosis becomes apparent.Available treatments can relieve many of the disorders symptoms, but most people who have schizophrenia must cope with some residual symptoms as long as they live. Nevertheless, this is a time of hope for people with schizophrenia and their families. Many people with the disorder now lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia and to find ways to prevent and treat it. Recent research speculates that the use of oxytocin might act on the brains of schizophrenics and anxiety and may increase the level of trust or emotional contact between patient and significant others. Oxytocin is released during hugging and pleasant physical touch.Q. Schizophrenic symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning because:a)Symptoms are difficult to track as they are apparent only once in six months.b)Symptoms can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions.c)Social isolation commonly occurs later in life as the mental abilities start deteriorating.d)The debate on diagnosis is still on going as reliable data is rarely available.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Schizophrenia is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental illness characterized by impairments in the perception or expression of reality, most commonly manifesting as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions or disorganized speech and thinking in the context of significant social or occupational dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on the patients self-reported experiences and observed behaviour. A person with mental illness who does not want treatment may hide strange behaviour or ideas from a professional. No laboratory test for schizophrenia exists. Studies suggest that genetics, early environment, neurobiology and psychological and social processes are important contributory factors. Current psychiatric research is focused on the role of neurobiology, but a clear organic cause has not been found. Due to the many possible combinations of symptoms, there is debate about whether the diagnosis represents a single disorder or a number of discrete syndromes. The mainstay of treatment is pharmacotherapy with antipsychotic medications; these primarily work by suppressing dopamine activity. Psychotherapy, vocational and social rehabilitation are also important. In more serious cases - where there is risk to self and others - involuntary hospitalization may be necessary, though hospital stays are less frequent and for shorter periods than they were in previous years. The disorder is primarily thought to affect cognition, but it also usually contributes to chronic problems with behaviour and emotion. People diagnosed with schizophrenia are likely to be diagnosed with comorbid conditions, including clinical depression and anxiety disorders. Social problems, such as long-term unemployment, poverty and homelessness, are common and life expectancy is decreased; the average life expectancy of people with the disorder is 10 to 12 years less than those without, owing to increased physical health problems and a high suicide rate. A person experiencing schizophrenia may demonstrate symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, and delusions. In severe cases, the person may be largely mute, remain motionless in bizarre postures, or exhibitpurposeless agitation; these are signs of catatonia. The current classification of psychoses holds that symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning. No one sign is diagnostic of schizophrenia, and all can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions. Social isolation commonly occurs and may be due to a number of factors. Late adolescence and early adulthood are peak years for the onset of schizophrenia. These are critical periods in a young adults social and vocational development, and they can be severely disrupted by disease onset. To minimize the effect of schizophrenia, much work has recently been done to identify and treat the prodromal phase of the illness. Those who go on to develop schizophrenia may experience the non-specific symptoms of social withdrawal, irritability and dysphoria in the prodromal period, and transient or self-limiting psychotic symptoms in the prodromal phase before psychosis becomes apparent.Available treatments can relieve many of the disorders symptoms, but most people who have schizophrenia must cope with some residual symptoms as long as they live. Nevertheless, this is a time of hope for people with schizophrenia and their families. Many people with the disorder now lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia and to find ways to prevent and treat it. Recent research speculates that the use of oxytocin might act on the brains of schizophrenics and anxiety and may increase the level of trust or emotional contact between patient and significant others. Oxytocin is released during hugging and pleasant physical touch.Q. Schizophrenic symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning because:a)Symptoms are difficult to track as they are apparent only once in six months.b)Symptoms can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions.c)Social isolation commonly occurs later in life as the mental abilities start deteriorating.d)The debate on diagnosis is still on going as reliable data is rarely available.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Schizophrenia is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental illness characterized by impairments in the perception or expression of reality, most commonly manifesting as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions or disorganized speech and thinking in the context of significant social or occupational dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on the patients self-reported experiences and observed behaviour. A person with mental illness who does not want treatment may hide strange behaviour or ideas from a professional. No laboratory test for schizophrenia exists. Studies suggest that genetics, early environment, neurobiology and psychological and social processes are important contributory factors. Current psychiatric research is focused on the role of neurobiology, but a clear organic cause has not been found. Due to the many possible combinations of symptoms, there is debate about whether the diagnosis represents a single disorder or a number of discrete syndromes. The mainstay of treatment is pharmacotherapy with antipsychotic medications; these primarily work by suppressing dopamine activity. Psychotherapy, vocational and social rehabilitation are also important. In more serious cases - where there is risk to self and others - involuntary hospitalization may be necessary, though hospital stays are less frequent and for shorter periods than they were in previous years. The disorder is primarily thought to affect cognition, but it also usually contributes to chronic problems with behaviour and emotion. People diagnosed with schizophrenia are likely to be diagnosed with comorbid conditions, including clinical depression and anxiety disorders. Social problems, such as long-term unemployment, poverty and homelessness, are common and life expectancy is decreased; the average life expectancy of people with the disorder is 10 to 12 years less than those without, owing to increased physical health problems and a high suicide rate. A person experiencing schizophrenia may demonstrate symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, and delusions. In severe cases, the person may be largely mute, remain motionless in bizarre postures, or exhibitpurposeless agitation; these are signs of catatonia. The current classification of psychoses holds that symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning. No one sign is diagnostic of schizophrenia, and all can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions. Social isolation commonly occurs and may be due to a number of factors. Late adolescence and early adulthood are peak years for the onset of schizophrenia. These are critical periods in a young adults social and vocational development, and they can be severely disrupted by disease onset. To minimize the effect of schizophrenia, much work has recently been done to identify and treat the prodromal phase of the illness. Those who go on to develop schizophrenia may experience the non-specific symptoms of social withdrawal, irritability and dysphoria in the prodromal period, and transient or self-limiting psychotic symptoms in the prodromal phase before psychosis becomes apparent.Available treatments can relieve many of the disorders symptoms, but most people who have schizophrenia must cope with some residual symptoms as long as they live. Nevertheless, this is a time of hope for people with schizophrenia and their families. Many people with the disorder now lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia and to find ways to prevent and treat it. Recent research speculates that the use of oxytocin might act on the brains of schizophrenics and anxiety and may increase the level of trust or emotional contact between patient and significant others. Oxytocin is released during hugging and pleasant physical touch.Q. Schizophrenic symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning because:a)Symptoms are difficult to track as they are apparent only once in six months.b)Symptoms can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions.c)Social isolation commonly occurs later in life as the mental abilities start deteriorating.d)The debate on diagnosis is still on going as reliable data is rarely available.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Schizophrenia is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental illness characterized by impairments in the perception or expression of reality, most commonly manifesting as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions or disorganized speech and thinking in the context of significant social or occupational dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on the patients self-reported experiences and observed behaviour. A person with mental illness who does not want treatment may hide strange behaviour or ideas from a professional. No laboratory test for schizophrenia exists. Studies suggest that genetics, early environment, neurobiology and psychological and social processes are important contributory factors. Current psychiatric research is focused on the role of neurobiology, but a clear organic cause has not been found. Due to the many possible combinations of symptoms, there is debate about whether the diagnosis represents a single disorder or a number of discrete syndromes. The mainstay of treatment is pharmacotherapy with antipsychotic medications; these primarily work by suppressing dopamine activity. Psychotherapy, vocational and social rehabilitation are also important. In more serious cases - where there is risk to self and others - involuntary hospitalization may be necessary, though hospital stays are less frequent and for shorter periods than they were in previous years. The disorder is primarily thought to affect cognition, but it also usually contributes to chronic problems with behaviour and emotion. People diagnosed with schizophrenia are likely to be diagnosed with comorbid conditions, including clinical depression and anxiety disorders. Social problems, such as long-term unemployment, poverty and homelessness, are common and life expectancy is decreased; the average life expectancy of people with the disorder is 10 to 12 years less than those without, owing to increased physical health problems and a high suicide rate. A person experiencing schizophrenia may demonstrate symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, and delusions. In severe cases, the person may be largely mute, remain motionless in bizarre postures, or exhibitpurposeless agitation; these are signs of catatonia. The current classification of psychoses holds that symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning. No one sign is diagnostic of schizophrenia, and all can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions. Social isolation commonly occurs and may be due to a number of factors. Late adolescence and early adulthood are peak years for the onset of schizophrenia. These are critical periods in a young adults social and vocational development, and they can be severely disrupted by disease onset. To minimize the effect of schizophrenia, much work has recently been done to identify and treat the prodromal phase of the illness. Those who go on to develop schizophrenia may experience the non-specific symptoms of social withdrawal, irritability and dysphoria in the prodromal period, and transient or self-limiting psychotic symptoms in the prodromal phase before psychosis becomes apparent.Available treatments can relieve many of the disorders symptoms, but most people who have schizophrenia must cope with some residual symptoms as long as they live. Nevertheless, this is a time of hope for people with schizophrenia and their families. Many people with the disorder now lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia and to find ways to prevent and treat it. Recent research speculates that the use of oxytocin might act on the brains of schizophrenics and anxiety and may increase the level of trust or emotional contact between patient and significant others. Oxytocin is released during hugging and pleasant physical touch.Q. Schizophrenic symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning because:a)Symptoms are difficult to track as they are apparent only once in six months.b)Symptoms can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions.c)Social isolation commonly occurs later in life as the mental abilities start deteriorating.d)The debate on diagnosis is still on going as reliable data is rarely available.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Schizophrenia is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental illness characterized by impairments in the perception or expression of reality, most commonly manifesting as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions or disorganized speech and thinking in the context of significant social or occupational dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on the patients self-reported experiences and observed behaviour. A person with mental illness who does not want treatment may hide strange behaviour or ideas from a professional. No laboratory test for schizophrenia exists. Studies suggest that genetics, early environment, neurobiology and psychological and social processes are important contributory factors. Current psychiatric research is focused on the role of neurobiology, but a clear organic cause has not been found. Due to the many possible combinations of symptoms, there is debate about whether the diagnosis represents a single disorder or a number of discrete syndromes. The mainstay of treatment is pharmacotherapy with antipsychotic medications; these primarily work by suppressing dopamine activity. Psychotherapy, vocational and social rehabilitation are also important. In more serious cases - where there is risk to self and others - involuntary hospitalization may be necessary, though hospital stays are less frequent and for shorter periods than they were in previous years. The disorder is primarily thought to affect cognition, but it also usually contributes to chronic problems with behaviour and emotion. People diagnosed with schizophrenia are likely to be diagnosed with comorbid conditions, including clinical depression and anxiety disorders. Social problems, such as long-term unemployment, poverty and homelessness, are common and life expectancy is decreased; the average life expectancy of people with the disorder is 10 to 12 years less than those without, owing to increased physical health problems and a high suicide rate. A person experiencing schizophrenia may demonstrate symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, and delusions. In severe cases, the person may be largely mute, remain motionless in bizarre postures, or exhibitpurposeless agitation; these are signs of catatonia. The current classification of psychoses holds that symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning. No one sign is diagnostic of schizophrenia, and all can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions. Social isolation commonly occurs and may be due to a number of factors. Late adolescence and early adulthood are peak years for the onset of schizophrenia. These are critical periods in a young adults social and vocational development, and they can be severely disrupted by disease onset. To minimize the effect of schizophrenia, much work has recently been done to identify and treat the prodromal phase of the illness. Those who go on to develop schizophrenia may experience the non-specific symptoms of social withdrawal, irritability and dysphoria in the prodromal period, and transient or self-limiting psychotic symptoms in the prodromal phase before psychosis becomes apparent.Available treatments can relieve many of the disorders symptoms, but most people who have schizophrenia must cope with some residual symptoms as long as they live. Nevertheless, this is a time of hope for people with schizophrenia and their families. Many people with the disorder now lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia and to find ways to prevent and treat it. Recent research speculates that the use of oxytocin might act on the brains of schizophrenics and anxiety and may increase the level of trust or emotional contact between patient and significant others. Oxytocin is released during hugging and pleasant physical touch.Q. Schizophrenic symptoms need to have been present for at least one month in a period of at least six months of disturbed functioning because:a)Symptoms are difficult to track as they are apparent only once in six months.b)Symptoms can occur in other medical and psychiatric conditions.c)Social isolation commonly occurs later in life as the mental abilities start deteriorating.d)The debate on diagnosis is still on going as reliable data is rarely available.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice CAT tests.