Mental Illness Paper

Mental Illness Paper

Sandra K Zavala

HCA 240

April 1, 2012

Ronald Byrum

Mental Illness Paper

It is believed that the schizophrenia existed throughout history. Written documents can be traced back to the times of Pharaonic Egypt. Depression and other thought disturbances that are alike with schizophrenia are described completely in the Book of Hearts. The word “schizophrenia” is less than one hundred years old. Schizophrenia was identified in 1887 by Dr. Emile Kraepelin, as a mental illness. He was one of the first people to sort mental disorders into different categories. He used the term “dementia praecox” to describe people who had symptoms connected with schizophrenia. In 1911, Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Blueler, coined the term “schizophrenia”. He was also the first person to describe the symptoms as positive or negative. He changed the illness’s name to schizophrenia because many thought that Kraepelin’s name was misleading. It was misleading because the illness was not dementia and also because it could occur later in life instead of early. Since Blueler’s time, the definition has changed with some of the new findings.

There are many myths and misconceptions about schizophrenia. A common misconception by the public is that schizophrenia means the split of several personalities. Even though schizophrenia means “split minds”, it refers to a failure of the usual balance of emotions and thinking. Another myth about schizophrenia is people with schizophrenia are dangerous and need to be kept in houses, jails, or hospitals. The truth is people with this illness would rather be left alone and will not harm anyone. In more severe cases, they should be handled with a reassuring manner without fear. Myth- People with schizophrenia are useless, unproductive and a burden to their family. Fact- With proper treatment, rehabilitation and a supportive environment, a patient can perform simple tasks. With the right training, it can be rewarding to...