Schizophrenia
By: Saivishnu Tulugu
During ancient times when individuals reported hearing voices and experiencing out-of-body experiences, they thought the person was possessed. Nowadays, medical professionals recognize involuntary states of psychosis as a mental health disorder known as schizophrenia. This article will explore the clinical definition of schizophrenia, causes of onset, and potential treatment options.
While there is no official diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, clinicians use a multi-faceted psychological evaluation to determine if an individual may have schizophrenia. This evaluation considers the type of psychosis experienced by the individual, frequency of the episodes, and secondary effects after an episode (ie. compulsive behavior, apathy, suicidal thoughts). The onset of schizophrenia typically occurs during adolescence, though there have been cases reported in middle-aged individuals. Early treatment can drastically improve the prognosis of a patient with the disorder as an individual’s mental state can drastically deteriorate if left untreated.
While research is still being done into the causes of schizophrenia, clinicians postulate there may be both a genetic and environmental component to its onset. A 2018 study conducted by Danish scientists found a 73% risk of heritability of the disorder. (Hilker et al) However, the study authors acknowledge that environmental factors may determine how/to what extent a person experiences schizophrenia. Individuals who come from areas of political, social, and/or familial instability are reported to have higher rates of incidence and proliferation of the disorder. (Dean & Murray, 2005) Thus, schizophrenia is more common in areas with high rates of poverty and drug abuse.
Treatment for schizophrenia can vary based on severity/stage but typically entails both a medication and therapy component. A psychiatrist will often prescribe an antipsychotic medication as well as recommend patients attend psychotherapy sessions to manage their intrusive thoughts and develop social coping skills. (Patel et al., 2014) During extreme cases, a person may be hospitalized if they are deemed to pose an imminent threat to society or themselves. Further research into this disorder will allow clinicians to better predict the onset and management of symptoms for individuals prone to developing this disorder.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
By: Prajna D
Psychiatry is a field in medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Child and adolescent psychiatrists work with children, adolescents, and families to discuss thinking, feeling, and behavioral disorders. These professionals holistically analyze patients to find any possible triggers that may be affecting the children or adolescents. Diagnostic examinations are performed to “evaluate the current problem with attention to its physical, genetic, developmental, emotional, cognitive, educational, family, peer, and social components” (AACAP, n.d.). After the diagnosis, the psychiatrist works with the families to formulate a plan that will help alleviate the hardships and troubles diagnosed. Child psychiatrists act as advocates for children and can work in numerous settings, such as schools, juvenile courts, and social agencies.
To become a child and adolescent psychiatrist, 4 years of medical school, 3 years of residency, and 2 years of child and adolescent specialized training are required (AACAP, n.d.). In order to work with children and adolescents, it is crucial for aspiring psychiatrists to gain specialized knowledge and experience in “child and family development, psychopathology, and treatment” (AACAP, n.d.). Passing the certification examination given by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology ensures that the psychiatrist is fit to be treating children and adolescents.
Child and adolescent psychiatrists can be found through local hospitals, mental health associations, and psychiatry departments amongst other institutions. Family physicians and pediatricians may also be helpful in finding a psychiatrist, thus it is critical that families prioritize the mental health of their children by taking them for psychiatric evaluations if there seems to be an issue.
Work Cited:
Schizophrenia
Dean, K., & Murray, R. M. (2005). Environmental risk factors for psychosis. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 7(1), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2005.7.1/kdean
Hilker, R., Helenius, D., Fagerlund, B., Skytthe, A., Christensen, K., Werge, T. M., Nordentoft, M., & Glenthøj, B. (2018). Heritability of Schizophrenia and Schizophrenia Spectrum Based on the Nationwide Danish Twin Register. Biological psychiatry, 83(6), 492–498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.08.017
Patel, K. R., Cherian, J., Gohil, K., & Atkinson, D. (2014). Schizophrenia: overview and treatment options. P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management, 39(9), 638–645.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. (n.d.) What is Child and Adolescent Psychiatry? https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Medical_Students_and_Residents/Medical_Students/What_is_Child_and_Adolescent_Psychiatry.aspx
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