[How does schizophrenia impact on an adult individual?]

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Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

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Abstract

This dissertation is based on topic of Schizophrenia and its impact on adult individuals. Assesses whether needs of people with schizophrenia 65 years differ from those of younger adults with diagnosis. It reviews studies comparing older and younger adults and older adults with schizophrenia and non-clinical or clinical controls on measures of psychosocial functioning. Consider also how psychological interventions may be more suitable to meet specific needs of elderly. There are relatively few studies assess how needs of people with schizophrenia, changes course of life and studies comparing needs of seniors and youth. However, in comparison to their older age with schizophrenia have needs in relation to symptoms, cognitive functioning, social functioning, psychological resistance factors, social support, quality of life, physical health and medication adherence. Psychosocial interventions for this group should therefore address these areas and no evidence of three groups of researchers in U.S. suggests that cognitive-behavioral interventions or social skills can be successfully adapted for elderly. Paper concludes with the summary of recommendations for future research and treatment.

Table of Contents

ABSTRACT1

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION4

Introduction4

Background to study5

Purpose of research7

CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW9

Needs of Older Adults with Schizophrenia9

Symptoms9

Cognitive functioning10

Social functioning11

Psychological resistance13

Social support15

Quality of life16

Physical health and lifestyle17

Medication compliance18

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY20

Qualitative Research20

Research Method20

Methods of data collection and analysis21

Literature Selection Criteria22

Search Technique22

Keywords Used22

Theoretical Framework22

CHAPTER IV: DISCUSSION23

Summary of needs and ways in which psychological interventions should be designed to meet these needs23

Success of Existing Interventions in Accommodating these Needs26

Disorganised/Catatonic Behaviour30

Negative Symptoms (Absence/Loss of Functions)31

Flattened Affect31

Alogia31

Avolition32

Subtypes32

Disorganised Historically Termed Hebephrenic33

Paranoid33

Undifferentiated33

Current Diagnostic Criteria34

Role of Family34

Family Interventions35

Cognitive Remediation35

Cognitive Adaptation37

Other Considerations37

General Discussion38

CHAPTER V: CONCLUSIONS41

REFERENCES43

Schizophrenias' Impact on an Adult Individual

Chapter I: Introduction

Introduction

Schizophrenia is the mental health problem, both in terms of disability and caused financial cost incurred (Bartels, Clark, peacock, Dums, and Pratt, 2003, 105). People with schizophrenia are now largest group of seniors with serious mental health problems and there is an expected increase in numbers in coming decades due to increased longevity (Cohen et al., 2000, 45). It is therefore essential to determine needs of these patients and provide appropriate treatment. Most research on schizophrenia has focused on adults under 65, but due to changes in psychopathology, neuropsychology, social functioning and physical health throughout life, we can assume that results of these studies generalize to elderly (Cohen et al., 2000, 78). In this review we describe characteristics and processing problems associated with schizophrenia in old age in order to determine the) whether needs of older adults with schizophrenia are different from younger adults with diagnosis, and if so, what factors could explain these differences b) whether ...