Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder where the individual experiences a variety of different symptoms and not all individuals experience the same symptoms. It used to be thought that these individuals were possessed or hysteric. Since these ancient beliefs, there has been much research in hopes to understand the disorder and find treatments for those affected. The treatment most used is antipsychotic medications that help relieve the voices and hallucinations. These medications are not a cure for schizophrenia, but they help manage the symptoms. Along with medication there is also therapy sessions and support groups. There is also some experimental treatments being examined for efficacy. Not much is known as to what causes schizophrenia but it most likely is a combination of genetics and environment. Although the book talks about genetics being examined, no one gene has been found that controls or causes schizophrenia Twin studies do imply there is some genetic factor and more research is be conducted to understand the genetics involved. There is also the influence of prenatal care on schizophrenia. The book describes how if while pregnant the mother is stress, contracts a virus, foods she eats, metals that enter the system or even if the RH factor that  tries to rid the body of the baby; they all influence the developing brain of the fetus. Keep in mind the baby born most likely will not display symptoms of schizophrenia until the later. The idea is the part of the brain affected is not fully utilized until a later age, and at that point the symptoms may begin to emerge. Symptoms of the disorder are disorganized speech, disorganized thought, paranoia, visual hallucinations, auditory hallucinations, loss of feelings, lack of emotion, lack of interest in daily activities, little ability to experience pleasure or happiness. Can you imagine? I can't. What would it be like to have even just one of these symptoms? I included a clip that is intended to help us understand what a schizophrenic person may be experiencing, but keep in mind it is a simulation. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and ate lots of turkey.

Tardive Dyskinesia?

This week's chapter discussed mood disorders and a brief explanation on the different psychotropic medications. The book and additional readings mentioned that tardive dyskinesia is a side effect to some of the psychotropic drugs. But what is tardive dyskinesia? Tardive dyskinesia is a condition that is characterized by the involuntary movements and tics of the face, fingers, toes, abdominal region and hips. The repetitive tics cannot be controlled, unlike Parkinson's where the individual finds it difficult to move, individuals with TD find it difficult to not move. Some symptoms are grimacing of the face, repetitive facial tics, contracting muscles of the abdomen, finger movements, tongue thrusting and abnormal jaw movements.

The symptoms are similiar in appearance to tourette's in fact TD can sometimes be misdiagnosed as tourette's. The problem with misdiagnosing TD for tourette's is that the patient may be prescribed psychotropic medications that would make TD worse. TD is primarily caused from taking high doses or long time use of antipsychotic medications; for example Chlorpromazine (Thorazine in the U.S.) is one of many antipsychotic medications. Antipsychotic medications (or nueroleptics) have been known to be used for psychotic conditions like schizophrenia, as well as for other conditions like bipolar disorder for mania.

If TD is recognized early, the symptoms may reverse and stop all together when the medications that are causing TD are discontinued; with doctor's advice of course. However, it is not guaranteed that the TD will stop and reverse. TD can be irreversible in some cases and may even worsen after discontinuing medication. In these cases the involuntary movements are permanent. Attached is a video of what TD looks like. In another class we discussed TD and it left an impression on me. I just wanted to share with you all a little more information on this condition. I hope you found this topic interesting.

***Very important note***  Discontinuing medication without doctor's consent is very dangerous. It is important to consult with your doctor before discontinuing any medications, especially Psychotropic medications.

Amygdala and Fear

What if we were fearless? Fear can be a disturbing feeling but it is advantageous for us to have fear. When we experience fear we physiologically experience much of the "fight or flight" autonomic responses. The fear sensation makes us attentive to details and prepare us for quick action for safety. A small structure in the brain, called the amygdala, is important for us be fearful. The amygdala doesn't make us feel fear but instead helps us attend to details and stimuli that is interpreted to fear. Damage to the amygdala stunts fear, the person would be able to know they should be afraid but would not experience the sensation. Without fear we would engage in dangerous activities even if we know we shouldn't. Take for example SM, SM (a woman with damage to her amygdala) continue to grab venomous snakes that she knew she was afraid of and disregarding her better judgement. Furthermore, she (SM) would have difficulty recognizing fearful expressions as well as drawing fear on a paper or as facial expression. What was observed was that SM would concentrate on the nose and mouth versus the eyes on a face. This also made it difficult to recognize people she had already met. I researched a bit further into the subject and came a cross a journal article on this subject. The results were that while damage to the amygdala would affect recognition of fear and the identity of faces they can be independently impaired. I included two video clips: 1) of a rat before having an amygdala lesion and 2) post-amygdala lesion. This is a good visual example of the amygdala and fear relationship.