Jina+Lee+Schizo

1. Was insulin shock therapy a viable clinical treatment?

John Nash had to receive insulin shock therapy because he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, the insulin shock therapy was not a viable clinical treatment. After receiving a series of insulin shock therapy, Nash was more stressed about the hospital and became more insecure about the truth. Also, because of the medication, Nash was unable to concentrate on his work, and the only thing the insulin shock therapy caused was pain and stress.

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?

John Nash was definitely an unusual case because most schizophrenia patients do not recognize their illness. In the movie, when Nash stopped taking the medicine, his symptoms came back and he was as confused as he used to be before he was hospitalized. He finally realized his problem when he wasn’t on the medication and was able to block out his disillusionments even though he knew they still existed. Just like Nash had problem communicating with unfamiliar people, most schizophrenia patients would have trouble talking with others. Nash was able to overcome his schizophrenia without medication, which is an unusual case.

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

The insulin shock therapy leaves the patients extremely tired and sweaty, which can cause further convulsions. If a patient receives long-term insulin shock therapy, he might become obese. Sometimes, insulin shock therapy can also cause brain damage or death.

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

During 1960's to 1970's, patients with schizophrenia used to be treated with insulin shock therapy. Today, schizophrenia patients are usually treated with therapy and drugs.

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 disorganized, paranoid, residual, undifferentiated, and Catatonic Schizophrenia. I think the worst case of schizophrenia would be paranoid schizophrenia because it is the most common type of schizophrenia and the voices the patients hear in their head often lead them to commit suicide. The least worst would be undifferentiated schizophrenia because the symptoms are relatively mild compared to other types of schizophrenia. Although it will still keep the patients away from living a normal life, undifferentiated schizophrenia is easier to treat.

6. What treatments are being pioneered today for schizophrenia?

Today, different kinds of drugs are used to treat schizophrenia. These drugs include antipsychotic, antidepressant, and antianxiety medications. Although insulin shock therapy still exists, it is rarely used.