Symptoms of Schizophrenia - Simply Structure and Chemistry ?

[kaiser001]

I have many questions regarding the origins of schizophrenia and obsessive thinking. Study after study has proven that, indeed, structural abnormalities, chemical intoxication (amphetamine psychosis), and developmental neglect and abuse are key factors in the development of the disease.

However, once these factors are removed, how are we to explain the symptoms that remain ? The ability to look in-to and study the brain has progressed through CT, MRI, and PET equipment. IBM has recently developed an MRI scanner with a resolution 100 million times the strength of the conventional MRI that has been used to present.

Google: "IBM MRI 100 Million Resolution"

Without the ability of science and psychiatry to pinpoint and explain these diseases by studying the structure and chemical composition of the brain, are we not lead to believe that the cause of some individuals experience is indeed of a nefarious external and as of yet, unknown nature ?

My fear is that, through recent history, professionals have largely ignored the evil inherent in man; his technological ability as being the cause of many individuals misery. Imagine those men trying to treat and help those with these diseases [using lobotomy, lesions, ECT, and dangerous chemicals]actually coming to realize that they have been (in certain, yet numerous cases) causing more harm than good.

One should take a look into works such as Jose Delgados "Towards a Psychocivilized Society" and take into account the possible horrors that are being perpetrated by those in positions outside the realm of mainstream science, medicine and psychiatry.

I believe, in the near future, we are going to truly realize the evil nature of man. Uing his technological skill, man has the ability to manipulate and torture mass numbers of people without the awareness of "good men" in positions of social service. Good men that have no choice but to try an improve the quality of life for profoundly sick individuals. Men who may also be suffering from a form of professioal ignorance and trust in those that actually DO control and direct our lives and the society we live in.

" All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a force... We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent Mind. This Mind is the matrix of all matter. "

Max Planck


"It is a sin to believe evil of others, but it is seldom a mistake."

H. L. Mencken




Kaiser

 

[Daniel E.]

Re: Symptoms of Schziophrenia - Simply Structure and Chemistry ?

However, once these factors are removed, how are we to explain the symptoms that remain ?

There's where you started to lose me.

Needless to say, schizophrenia, OCD, and other mental disorders have a significant genetic component. Also, once onset of the disorder begins, it takes on a life of it's own if there isn't sufficient treatment:

New study suggests DNA changes in major depression, suicide

 

[Jazzey]

Hi Kaiser,

Having myself an interest in the sources of schizophrenia, I can tell you that I've recently read numerous articles on the topic (typically scientific). In the research I've read, they have consistently maintained the genetic component as the main contributor to the illness (with some external factors having some influence on the illness). IMHO, I don't believe in the idea that man is inherently evil, nor do I believe in some master plan to perpetuate mental illness in a certain sector of society. I do however believe that some of us are afflicted by mental illness. That journey, in and of itself, is difficult enough without attributing blame on conspiracy theories that are not rooted in any substantive research or theory.

Therefore, for me at least, researches or texts that are not safely rooted in credible scientific realms are dangerous; they have the potential of creating fear and misunderstanding in us, particularly for those of us who are already struggling to understand our illnesses. Our goal should be to educate ourselves so that we can take better care of ourselves. Maybe even to assist us in educating those around us with what we do know for certain about the various illnesses. Not to create more stigma or misunderstanding.

My opinion here.

 

[Daniel E.]

BTW:

Stress–vulnerability–protective factors model.pdf

Diathesis stress model - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Schizophrenia: Psychological and Social Factors and Treatments - Psychlinks

Social Factors in the Development of Schizophrenia - Psychlinks

Schizophrenia: A Review - Psychlinks

 

[Jazzey]

Understanding Schizophrenia: Causes, Risk Factors, Treatment - Psychlinks Psychology Self-Help & Mental Health Support Forum

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Schizophrenia is not about evil. Schizophrenia is a mental illness characterized by brain and neurochemical abnormalities that interfere with the individual's cognitive and emotional processes to such an extent that his ability to distinguish between reality and delusional or distorted thoughts and perceptions is severely impaired, as his his ability to interact effectively with other people.

 

[kaiser001]

I understand the post may to be uncomfortable for some (non-factual/simple minded to others). It is actually a belief system of mine that I have had to put on the 'backburner" for the time being, as it was the root of my troubles.

I have no disagreements with it having biological; chemical and societal components, as some of you have stated.

I do have some problems regarding a genetic explaination. Is their a schizophrenia" gene ? I seem to recall reading of a gene predisposing an individual to violence... this theory was quickly de-bunked.

Could we eliminate schizophrenia or mental illness through genetic manipulation ? Hey.... how about eugenics ?

Kaiser

 

[Jazzey]

Not simple-minded Kaiser. For me, maybe a little uncomfortable - but that's just me (because I need solid evidence sometimes to try and understand a theory being proposed).

Why do you have a problem accepting the genetic explanation? (I kinda place the genetics component in the biological category)

 

[Daniel E.]

I do have some problems regarding a genetic explaination.

Well, it's more than a coincidence that schizophrenia runs in families. There have been studies of identical twins separated at birth, etc.

On the positive side, the same genes that contribute to schizophrenia may reduce the risk for cancer later in life:

Why People With Schizophrenia Have Lower Rates Of Cancer: New Clues - Psychlinks

In any case, the treatment for schizophrenia is the same.

 

[kaiser001]

Yeah.... I just dont LIKE the thought of it being IN MY GENES. Well...that is the first part of it. The second would sound paranoid/delusional.

A particular gene associated with schizophrenia will express itself as either a biological or chemical abnormality, will it not ?

Are there any studies to prove a consistant biological or chemical cause for the disease beyond these two (listed below) ? (If so, please direct me there )

- Visable brain damage (As observed through CT &/or MRI)
- Excess dopamine (As observed using PET or with amphetamic psychosis)

I have have been diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic and schizo-affective in the past. There is no visible brain damage through CT or MRI; aside from an small (and what is believed to be insignificant) arachnoid cyst. So structurally, things should be good.

On the chemical front......would a PET be helpful ? What is the track record for the PET scan as far as its consistancy and accuracy ? I live in Canada.... and believe there is only one machine in British Columbia.

Kaiser

 

[Jazzey]

A particular gene associated with schizophrenia will express itself as either a biological or chemical abnormality, will it not ?

- I see what you mean now. And yes, I think so.

I just dont LIKE the thought of it being IN MY GENES.

- me neither but there are now a few members of my family who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or BPD (both having a genetic component). They all seem to be doing well following the diagnosis (and with the help of medications and therapy).

On the chemical front......would a PET be helpful ? What is the track record for the PET scan as far as its consistancy and accuracy ? I live in Canada.... and believe there is only one machine in British Columbia.

I will maybe leave someone else to give you an answer on this one. I don't know enough about it. As for articles or information have you also looked here:

http://www.psychlinks.ca/pages/schizophrenia.htm

(this is from the psychlinks directory but there are resources here for information on schizophrenia)

 

[David Baxter PhD]

I just dont LIKE the thought of it being IN MY GENES.

It's not "in" your genes. It's determined by genes. Or more accurately, it's determined by your genetic makeup interacting with your environment and individual history.

But that's also true for everything about you, from your eye and hair color to the way you walk. It's not something to be worried about. It just is.

Schizophrenia isn't like a virus hiding in your genes. It's a predisposition or vulnerability to a particular form of mental illness that has a strong genetic basis.

But you can say the same thing about depression or anxiety disorders, and about risk for cancer, diabetes, arthritis, etc.