Ashlee+Reem+SCHIZO

Ashlee Reem Psychology 10A 1/12/09

SCHIZO

1. Was insulin shock therapy a viable clinical treatment?

The insulin shock therapy was not a viable clinical treatment for several reasons. The insulin shock therapy had an negative impact on memory, causing daily comas to John Nash over several weeks. Also, the process of insulin shock therapy is was not safe and painful. Nowadays, the therapy is banned in US due to the reason of brain damage and risk of death.

2. Was John Nash an unusual case, or do you think that many schizophrenic patients can be taught to function in society with without medication?

With too much medication, the schizophrenic patients will be lethargic and fall into sleep often times in daily life. The way they talk will not be proper, in terms of speed and pronunciation, and they will often be tired physically and mentally. However, I don't believe it's 100% possible for patients to be taught to function in society with without medication because after all, Schizophrenic is a illness and you need to diagnose by smoothing the condition. Only with an effort to socialize and become active will not cure the illness. (John Nash was a particular case). For example, in the MTV documentary called "I have Schizophrenia," it shows the difference between patients who take medication and who doesn't. A person who doesn't take medication depends on drugs and the symptoms does not disappear. Thus, I believe an equal balance between two methods is the most important key.

3. What are the dangers and/or advantages of this type of treatment (re: insulin shock therapy)?

The dangers of insulin shock therapy is that it has a risk of brain damage and memory loss. The patient will lose ability to remember the exact experience they had. As I discussed on number one, this method is not the best choice to use to the patients.

4. What is the difference between the treatment of schizophrenia in 1960-1970 and today?

During 1960's to 1970's, the anti-psychotic drugs were used to cure schizophrenia to make the patients be more active and independent. (Insulin shock therapy). Today, the common method that is used to cure is therapy and drugs (medication).

5. What are the various types of schizophrenia? Which would you consider the worst case to have? The least worst? Explain why for each.

There are types of schizophrenia such as disorganized, paranoid, residual, undifferentiated, and Catatonic Schizophrenia. I personally believe that the least worst type of Schizophrenia is Undifferentiated Schizophrenia because even though it meets the criteria to be diagnosed as a patient to some degree, the symptoms comparatively can be easily cured and it isn't consistent as much as other types. The worst, I would have to say it is Paranoid Schizophrenia because it is the most common type at the same time most "severe." The voices inside the patients head would not easily disappear and even command their every actions.

6. What treatments are being pioneered today for schizophrenia?

Some medications are being pioneered today for schizophrenia with a purpose to help them stop seeing illusions or hear false voices. Therapy is one method that is being pioneered. However, we can't really say that those methods actually "fix" or "cure" the illness, but it just sustains from becoming worse.