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Senior Exit Project #7
Schizophrenia is an incredibly complex and rare disorder that has proven increasingly difficult for researchers to understand. In an effort to further understand the etiology of the disease, researches have undergone intense research into the DNA of individuals who suffer from this disorder and according to the National Institute for Mental Health researchers have discovered a rare genetic glitch that is present among one-third of the 1% of Americans suffering from this disorder. They found that schizophrenics were fourteen times more likely to have multiple copies of a gene on Chromosome 7 than members of their control group (Sebat). This discovery could potentially lead to finding more effective treatments for this disorder (Sebat). However, this discovery also caused many other questions to arise. Since this glitch was only present in one-third of patients it is now being questioned if there may be several different disorders that are now being classified under the broad category of schizophrenia (Sebat). It is possible that while scientists have long considered these symptoms to be a sign of schizophrenia, it is possible that they have actually grouped many complex diseases into one (Sebat). This discovery is revolutionary, because while it has long been known that schizophrenia has a strong association with genetics, researchers had been unable to pinpoint a specific gene until now (Sebat). In fact, schizophrenia is so strongly genetically linked that having a parent or sibling with this disorder increases ones chances of developing it tenfold (Sebat). The discovery of this gene is causing scientists to be optimistic about the future of schizophrenia, because while it is not present in all patients it is believed that it might lead to further clues about genetic mutations in schizophrenics and ultimately lead to better treatments (Sebat).
Senior Exit Project #6
Over the years our knowledge of mental disorders has grown, and along with it our ability to treat these disorders. With proper treatment and therapy many of the individuals suffering with mental disorders are able to be rehabilitated and able to function fully on their own and in the work place. However, according to “Mental Health Policy” by Thomas J. Billitteri, many Americans suffering from these disorders are being unfairly discriminated against in the work place. In one case Leslie Mendez who spoke three languages and graduated from Brown University with honors and a degree in environmental science, was rejected from the Peace Corps simply for being on antidepressants (Billitteri). Out of all the mental disorders depression is one of the most treatable and one that least affects individuals lifestyle, yet even with this illness Mendez was forced to suffer discrimination. Likewise those with schizophrenia find it nearly impossible to find places willing to employ them (Billitteri). Schizophrenia is known to be the most debilitating of all mental illnesses, so even when under control employers are highly reluctant and often refuse to hire those who have suffered from it (Billitteri). To protect individuals from this discrimination the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed with specific clauses relating to the employment of individuals with mental disabilities (Billitteri). However, many employers object to this act regarding those suffering from these illnesses, complaining that the act is unclear as to the requirements of hiring these individuals (Billitteri). Many also complain that they pose a significant threat to other workers and the work place, and that they should not be required to hire those whose quality of work will not meet their standards (Billitteri). While the ADA does not require employers to hire those who could potentially be a risk to the work place or that will not produce quality work, it does act as a way to prevent discrimination and allow those who are able to to work (Billitteri). This is a controversial subject in employment, and will likely be argued over for years to come.
Senior Exit Project #5
Schizophrenia is a disease that severely decreases quality of life, and so once discovered it is essential to get the suffering individuals as much medical assistance as possible. One common form of treatment today is the use of antipsychotic drugs. As found in the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine Vol. 1 3rd ed., “Antipsychotic drugs are a class of medicines used to treat psychosis and other mental and emotional conditions.” Psychosis is any serious mental disorder which results in a loss of reality such as hallucinations or delusions (Frey). Antipsychotic drugs are often sorted by their chemical make up (Frey). The oldest form of antipsychotics are known as phenothiazines and are still commonly used in the treatment of mental disorders today (Frey). In addition to phenothiazines, though, today other common forms of antipsychotic medication include the debenzapine derivatives which can be used to treat symptoms that are not responding well to other drugs, the benzisoxidil group which consists of drugs commonly used to treat both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, along with thiothixene which is another commonly used drug in the treatment of schizophrenia (Frey). However, while these drugs are highly effective and often essential in the treatment of schizophrenia they have many oftentimes disturbing side effects. For example, the main side effect of these drugs is uncontrollable muscle spasms that commonly form (Frey). Patients suffering from these spasms often find them nearly unbearable and that they decrease quality of life (Frey). Other common side effects consist of nausea, jitteriness, excitability, lethargy, along with many other symptoms (Frey). While the side effects of these drugs may seem nearly unbearable, they must be compared to the much worse symptoms of living with schizophrenia. Antipsychotic drugs have much room for improvement, but overall they are working to significantly improve the quality of life for those who have no other options.
Senior Exit Project #4
Schizophrenia is commonly thought of as a disorder where those suffering from it experience delusional audio and visual phenomenon, and while these symptoms may be true of many individuals, schizophrenia actually consists of a wide variety of symptoms. According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders schizophrenia can be divided into five subtypes. The first subtype is known as paranoid schizophrenia. This subtype is the highest functioning subtype and consists of the most commonly thought of symptoms of schizophrenia (Gulli). Individuals suffering from this form of schizophrenia often experience delusions and “auditory hallucinations.” As authors Gulli and Rosick write, “The delusions of paranoid schizophrenics usually involve thoughts of being persecuted or harmed by others or exaggerated opinions of their own importance, but may also reflect feelings of jealousy or excessive religiosity.” The next subtype of schizophrenia is disorganized schizophrenia (Gulli). This subtype is characterized by, “a patient’s disorganized speech, thinking, and behavior, coupled with flat or inappropriate emotional responses to a situation (affect).” (Gulli). Those suffering from this subtype function at a lower level than those suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, and do not respond well in social situations (Gulli). The third subtype is catatonic schizophrenics. These individuals suffer disruptions in their movements that can leave them stationary for days or weeks at a time. These disruptions can also consist of repeated movements and strange poses along with agitation and stupor (Gulli). Undifferentiated schizophrenics are those who suffer from both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia (as explained in a previous blog post) and therefore cannot be sorted into a specific category of schizophrenia (Gulli). The final subtype of schizophrenia is residual (Gulli). These individuals are those who “have had at least one schizophrenic episode” but they do not consistently experience the delusions and auditory hallucinations associated with paranoid schizophrenia (Gulli). However, these individuals may show signs of the disorder such as social withdrawal or mild symptoms (Gulli).
All of these different forms of schizophrenia were fascinating to me, because while I knew that there were other symptoms of schizophrenia I was not aware of the number of subtypes or certain aspects of each. From this research I have determined that Deborah Blau in my novel I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg is a paranoid schizophrenic. Schizophrenia has become so stereotyped by the public, and I believe this is due to the fascination people have with things that are out of the ordinary. Out of all the subtypes, paranoid schizophrenia is the most outwardly obvious and fascinating to people. While an individual frozen in the same position for weeks, as with catatonic schizophrenia, is strange, there is something inherently more shocking about an individual who swears they hear people talking to them and believes that the government is out to get them. I believe that this stereotype stems from human natures inexplicable interest in the morbid and shocking. Ultimately, though, all five subtypes can be equally as devastating to those who suffer from them, and result in a significant decrease in quality of life that can never be comprehended by those who have not experienced this disorder for themselves.
Senior Exit Project #3
Inhabiting the life of a “normal” individual, it is difficult to comprehend what it would be like to live the life of someone who does not perceive the world in the same way as us. While there are variations among each of us and how we view the world around us, there are some whose perceptions are so drastically different that they need assistance in determining fantasy from reality. In I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg Deborah Blau struggles with schizophrenia and the huge amount of blame she places upon herself. Prior to reading this novel I had no concept as to what living with a mental disorder would be like, and while I will never be able to fully understand what such an existence would be like, this novel has provided me with insight I would never had otherwise had. My own mental health influenced my ideas as to how these individuals suffering from these disorders must think. To me there is a clear definition of what reality is, and being so, it is difficult to understand how anyone could think differently. However, through reading I Never Promised You a Rose Garden I have discovered that, at least in Deborah’s case, they have no idea that the world they’ve created for themselves is fictional. I had always assumed that, while the auditory and visual phenomenon they perceived may seem highly vivid and realistic to them, victims of schizophrenia would still be able to perceive that these are not actually occurring in the real world. However, throughout the entire process of her intensive therapy, Deborah refused to concede that the kingdom of Yr, a kingdom she believed that she was both queen and prisoner of, did not exist. To her Yr was as real as her day-to-day life. The “gods” of this kingdom had told her that she was not like everyone else, and that was why she could travel to Yr but they could not, and so she could not comprehend the fact that this place and the people there were not simple figments of her imagination. She was aware that she was mentally ill, however, she believed that her symptoms were entirely separate from the kingdom of Yr. The thoughts and actions of Deborah were fascinating as I progressed through the novel, and I believe that this novel has given me valuable information about the life of those suffering from schizophrenia that no textbook would ever be able to provide.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a debilitating illness that severely inhibits those suffering from it quality of life and ability to function. According to The Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders schizophrenia is the most debilitating of all mental disorders, “Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder (or a group of disorders) marked by severely impaired thinking, emotions, and behaviors.” Schizophrenia can be marked in adults by three stages. The first phase, the acute phase, is marked by the patients initial psychotic episode. At this time the patient loses track of reality and requires intervention and treatment. Following the acute phase is the stabilization phase. At this time the patient is receiving treatment and improving in their condition. However, the health of the patient is highly fragile at this time and they can easily relapse. In the final phase, the maintenance phase the patient has been stabilized and is sometimes able to exist on their own again. The patient is kept on antipsychotic medication but many are never able to fully function again. In addition to the phases of treatment, psychologists often classify patients into two main types. The first is type I or positive schizophrenia this form of schizophrenia has a rapid onset and often responds well to treatments. This type is associated with positive symptoms which include delusions and hallucinations. Type II or negative schizophrenia often onsets slowly and does not respond as well to treatments. This form often has negative symptoms such as withdrawl from social interaction and the degradation of physical and mental abilities.
I Never Promised You a Rose Garden
For as long as I can remember the brain and its intricacies have fascinated me. The complexities of human cognition and behavior are never-ending and it seems impossible that they all originate from simple electrical charges. The human brain is what separates us from all other living organisms, but on occasion things go wrong. Mental disorders are surprisingly uncommon considering all the room for error in the brain, however, a large percent of the world population does suffer from some disorder. For my senior exit project I decided to explore schizophrenia and its history, causes, symptoms, and treatments. For this I am reading I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg. This partially biographical novel explores a 16-year-old girl’s experiences with schizophrenia in the 1960’s, a time when mental disorders were not discussed and something to be ashamed of. While most sources provide an impersonal distant account of schizophrenia, the author’s first hand knowledge provides fascinating insight and clarity into what both Deborah and her family are experiencing. While facts and statistics are important in understanding disease, there is no better way to gain understanding than to experience it through the emotions and experiences of the characters. The parent’s confusion and anger is explored as they struggle with the decision to send their daughter away, “The father kept thinking: How could strangers be right? She’s ours…all her life. They don’t know her. It’s a mistake– a mistake!” Simultaneously Greenberg provides Deborah’s perspective, a world that is constantly shifting between fantasy and reality; leaving Deborah lost and confused. Overall this novel is providing a glimpse into the life of a schizophrenic in a way that can only be explained by someone who has endured this disease. In addition to this my peer reviewers will be Molly Chamberlin and Kelsey Morris I believe.
Pride and Prejudice
There are certain works of literature that stand out from others. These works are timeless classics that are passed from generation to generation without losing their appeal. Among these classics is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I have always been interested in reading some of her novels and from others I have heard that Pride and Prejudice is one of her best, so this is the book I chose for my out of class reading. Prior to beginning the novel I was a bit daunted by it. I expected a novel filled with indecipherable old English and countless references I couldn’t begin to understand, however, once I started the novel I found that it is actually very interesting and understood. While the ideals within the novel are a bit outdated by today’s standards the characters are still relatable and for the most part likeable. Overall I am very happy with my decision to read Pride and Prejudice and look forward to continuing to read it.
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