PS280 Chapter Notes - Chapter 9: Communication Disorder, Flattening, Proverb
Document Summary
Perhaps more than 50% improve over time and in response to treatment. Not all patients benefit from medication - up to 1/3 continue to suffer from hallucinations/delusions. Development of psychotic or positive symptoms marks formal onset of first episode of schizophrenia. Equal risk for men and women, but emerges earlier for men. Poor outcome more likely among males, those who develop it at a younger age, and those who experience longer delay between first appearance of symptoms and treatment. Occurs more frequently in lower socio-economic groups. More likely to develop additional psychiatric problems i. e. depression, substance abuse. Often assumed that it has always existed because madness/insanity have been documented for so long. However, although madness in some form existed in the past, it is uncertain whether this included schizophrenia. View that schizophrenia-like disorder was very rare or absent until late 18th century is encouraged.
