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Gretchen Fanslau

Ms. Mounts

Modern Literature

18 October 2017

Dementia Praecox

Schizophrenia affects approximately two million Americans today. Schizophrenia is an

incurable mind disorder that has symptoms but limited treatment options.

Schizophrenia affects a range of people, from children to adults, by impairing the

cognitive functions. “Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder (or a group of disorders) marked by

severely impaired thinking, emotions, and behaviors. People with Schizophrenia are typically

unable to sensory stimuli and may have enhanced perceptions of sounds, colors, and other

features of their environment.” (Gulli et al). The person affected cannot live a normal life

because their brain’s condition may cause them severe symptoms for an incurable disease.

People with this cognitive disability are all affected differently. “Schizophrenia may

result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and

behavior that impairs daily functioning, and can be disabling… Schizophrenia involves a range

of problems with thinking (cognitive), behavior or emotions. Signs and symptoms may vary, but

usually reflect an impaired ability to function.” (Mayo Clinic Staff). Although there are few

symptoms, they can be a great impact on lifestyles and coping with them can be a challenge but

with the right treatment they can be manageable.

Treatments for Schizophrenia depend on how far along the disorder has progressed and

how willing the person is to receive help. Some methods to receive a diagnosis include physical
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exams, tests and screenings, a psychiatric evaluation, and a diagnosis criteria for schizophrenia.

However, after you receive a diagnosis, “Schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment, even when

symptoms have subsided. Treatment with medications and psychosocial therapy can help

manage the condition. In some cases, hospitalization may be needed” (Mayo Clinic Staff). When

people with schizophrenia receive the treatment they need it won’t cure the disorder itself but

will make it more manageable.

An incurable mind disorder that has symptoms and ways to manage it, Schizophrenia

affects roughly a couple americans to this day. Additionally, if you or a loved one are

experiencing symptoms of Schizophrenia please seek help as if not treated it can cause more

harm than good.

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Gretchen Fanslau

Ms. Mounts

Modern Literature

18 October 2017

Work Cited Page

Gulli, Laith Farid, et al. "Schizophrenia." ​The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine​, edited by

Jacqueline L. Longe, 5th ed., Gale, 2015. ​Health & Wellness Resource Center,​

go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=HWRC&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%

7CPMKFPZ072500110&asid=e1660767e8c31ae682554fe93086ea4e. Accessed 16 Oct.

2017.