Mental Health

MICDS

VOLUME 97, ISSUE # 603

A MATTER OF MINDS NOVEMBER 24, 2009

MENTAL ILLNESS: THE MADMEN ARE OFTEN AVERAGE MEN: STORIES OF HOW AND WHY IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

SCHIZOPHRENIA : SCHIZOPHRENIA: FROKM CAUSE TO RECOVERY

1

A SCIZOPHRENIC STORY

2

ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER

3

ASP, CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ME

4

NARCISISSTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER

5

NPD: WHY DON’T THEY LOVE ME?

6

From Cause to Recovery Schizophrenia is a well known but little understood. It is often associated with psychopathic madmen who are dangers to the public at large. True, a description like this will garner more media attention, but is hardly accurate. 1.1 % of people over the age of 18 in the U.S. suffer from schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is possibly caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are: serotonin and dopamine.

Unlike many other mental illnesses, schizophrenia is like most other diseases, people simply get it. It does not happen as a result of some sort of trauma, or anything to that effect.

Symptoms are registered as positive, negative, and cognitive. Positive symptoms specifically indicate schizophrenia, being psychotic behavior not seen

in healthy people. They include: Hallucinations, things that a person can see, hear, smell, or feel that are not real. “Voices “ are the most common hallucination. Delusions, irrational beliefs that people fervently believe, even after being proven otherwise. Thought disorders, being unusual or dysfunctional ways of thinking.

Movement disorders, appear as agitated body movements, such as repeating a certain movement continually. Negative symptoms are more like behavior or emotional issues. These include: “Flat affect” when one lacks facial expression, or talks in a continuous monotone.

Lack of pleasure in day to day life, and lack of pleasure in day to day life.

A SCHIZOPHRENIC STORY In 2002, Eric Davis, attending Gerhardt University, was 20 when he first developed schizophrenia. Since causes are as of yet unknown, we will not dwell on how he received the illness. The first signs were that he would sign up for study halls, then not attend. Also, during class, he would be unable to go over material just learned. He was a rather studi-

ous young man, so this was very out of character. He also stated: “I thought that people were changing my schedules, that my teachers were teaching me the wrong subjects.” Furthermore, he estranged himself from contact with people, most noticed by his girlfriend. “He wouldn‟t answer any of my

calls, he would ignore me when I tried to greet him, it was though I didn‟t exist.” This behavior went to the point that even when in his dorm with his roommates, he would refuse to talk to anyone, for either recreation, or for academic purposes. Eventually, the disease went to the point that he began

Cognitive symptoms are like negative symptoms, being even more subtle, and only appearing in tests. Because the causes of schizophrenia are very much unknown, treatments focus on the symptoms.

Antipsychotic medications have been around since the 50‟s, but new one‟s were developed in the 90‟s. Psychosocial treatments are also used. Rehab usually includes trying to socialize with one‟s community, job management, since schizophrenia usually develops in the career defining years, 1835, money management, etc.

Rehab is especially effective when job training and cognitive training intertwine, helping with both aspects of the issue.

A MATTER OF MINDS

Page 2

A SCHIZOPHRENIC STORY, CONTINUATION to hear voices. Eric described these voices as saying: „You‟re worthless, and you can‟t do anything with yourself. Give up.” He essentially did. Soon after these hallucinations began to occur, Eric stopped going to any of his classes, going out only to buy food. At this point, Eric had shown at least one of every category of schizophrenia symptoms. Hallucinations, delusions, aversion to human

contact, inability to use recently learned material, and others. His roommates, having observed him in this state, decided to inform the infirmary officials. After being under observation for a few days, Eric was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He was then transported to the Boston Mental Institute, where he was given medication, and psychosocial therapy. After about 3 months, Eric re-

turned to his normal self, but was kept under observation for another week. He then returned to the university, where he had weekly checks with the on-campus therapist.

Eric Davis is now 28 years old, and has completely conquered his schizophrenia.

While he will never be rid of it, the fact that he suffered as he did and returned is a testament to all that there‟s hope when all is hopeless.

ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER Antisocial Personality Disorder is best associated with the term, “delusions of grandeur”. As in believing that your existence is imperative to the needs of others. The causes of ASP are, as with many mental illnesses, unknown. And also like many other mental illnesses, there is a perceived link between genetics. People with APD, consistently commit crimes, of whatever level, from misdemeanor to felony. This coincides with someone who has APD, for in their delu-

sions, they put themselves above the restraints of others, restraints being laws, rules, and regulations. Due to this, about 80-85% of criminals have APD. Other symptoms are a persons lack of concern for other‟s well-being, parasitic lifestyle (depending on others for financial means) consistent irresponsibility, lack of remorse, impulsivity or failure to plan ahead, irritability/ aggressiveness, and deceitfulness.

Other than being mentally debilitating, it can also bring about premature death, caused by violent accidents, due to the symptoms listed above. Being increasingly reckless can lead to many dangerous things happening to someone, and lack of responsibility can cause prolonged unemployment. Treatment for ASP ranges around psychotherapy. It is difficult, however, since most ASP‟s tend to blame others for any problems in their lives, since they can, in their minds, do no wrong.

AN EXAMPLE OF ASP WOULD BE: “I’M ALWAYS RIGHT, I DON’T KNOW WHY YOU CAN’T SEE THAT!”

ASP: CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ME. Norman Roth was a successful lawyer who won almost every case he received. He was usually a contract lawyer, and worked only one high paying cases. People who worked with him said he was very egotistic, and hard to work with, let alone get along with. He lorded over every case he got as though it were a work of art, born of his genius. However, the issue was deeper than anyone previously thought. Mr. Roth was

suffering from Antisocial personality disorder. He was so successful, that whatever else was in his brain caused him to think that he was not simply good, but infallible, and unquestionable. The first definite sign was when he showed up court extremely late, and said to the judge: “You may begin session.”, even though it was obvious that the hearing was

well underway. During his closing statement, he said: “Really, the main point is that I say my client is innocent, so just pack up and go home.” He was held in contempt of court, and during his hearing he stated, in his defense: “I‟m always right, I don‟t know why you can‟t see that!” He then proceeded to walk out of the court room, ignored the judge, and was incarcerated. After a time, he was diagnosed with ASP, and was

admitted to the Trevor Mental Clinic, where he resides still.

VOLUME 97, ISSUE # 603

Page 3

NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER Narcissistic personality disorder is when a person exhibits feelings that they are better than others, are unable to empathize with others, believes one‟s self to be special, and expects others to do the same. This all may seem similar to ASP, but there is an enormous difference.

When has ASP they believe themselves superior, but are totally immersed in that belief. They don‟t need the validation of others, like someone with NPD. Other symptoms are that one constantly feels jealous

of others, but also believes that everyone is jealous of them. Also, one exaggerates achievements and accomplishments, another difference from ASP, because with ASP, you do not exaggerate your achievements, you tell them as they are, in your mind. Low self esteem is also commonplace with NPD, in fact could be a causation factor of NPD. One‟s self esteem is so low, that they

mask it with total exaggeration of everything they do. Setting nigh impossible goals is also a common symptom, which creates a false sense of confidence. Treatment for NPD almost entirely centers around psychotherapy. Cognitive therapy, usually identifies whatever the problem is, and then tries to replace it with healthy ideas and thoughts. Family and group therapy are also advised. Any therapy takes years, however, to successfully correct the issue.

NPD: WHY DON’T THEY LOVE ME? John Travers was a successful actor, who, above all else, loved himself.

People thought this to be common amongst actors, so simply brushed it off. The issue was that he was actually that he had Narcissistic Personality Disorder. The most incriminating symptoms were that he often would become angry when his needs were not met, he often would boast of his roles in a film, until the film came out and his role was truly uncovered. Also, whenever the Oscars and the Grammies and the Golden

Globe awards began to pool out, Travers would always state what award he expected to win. On the occasion that he did win an award, he was reported to be: “both exuberantly happy, and overly conceited.” When a film he was in received an award, or awards, then he was viewed as content, perhaps a bit miffed. He was always very sensitive towards criticism, to the point that he

would lash out at his critics, calling them: “Cynical, tasteless, old-styled, doddering fools.” He was immediately grilled by the rest of the media and the public at large, calling him: “a washed up, self centered, selfish, childlike excuse for an actor.”

Travers instantly took to the defensive, saying that he was a victim of media bullies, and just waned to enjoy his career, and do the best he

NPD: WHY DON’T THEY LOVE ME? could. This sudden change in temperament was questioned by the public, the media, and Travers himself. He then tried to bring himself into better light with the media and public, so he decided to host a charity event. However, things were falling behind schedule, and Travers was shown to be publicly

mouthing off to the people running the show, so to speak. This drastically ruined his image, so Travers withdrew from public life for a time, and sought therapeutic aid. After some sessions, his psychiatrist diagnosed Travers with NPD, and asked him to cancel all previous appointments and engage-

ments, so as to continue with his therapy, since there are no current medications for NPD. After about a year, John Travers was literally a changed man, calm, kind, and selfless, but permanently withdrew from acting, having assessed it as the major contributor to his mental problem.

“He was described as: ‘exuberantly happy, and overly conceited’.

Note: The stories from the previous pages 1-3 are all fictional accounts and should not be thought as taken from actual events. Also, all places from previous stories, e.g. universities, clinics, etc. are also elements of fiction. Also, all previous stories are written and subject to:

Bibliography: 1)

“Narcissistic Personality Disorder” The Mayo Clinic. 1998-2009. 11/18/09. http:// www.mayoclinic.com/health/narcissistic-personality-disorder/DS00652

2)

“Schizophrenia” National Institute of Mental Health. Unknown. 17 November 2009. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml

3)

Torrey, E. Fuller. Out of the Shadows: Confronting America‟s Mental Illness Crisis. Publisher: John Wiley & Sons. 1998

4)

Sanders, Laura. “New studies link schizophrenia risk to thousands of common variants.”

Science News. 176. (2009) EBSCO HOST. MICDS Library. St. Louis. Missouri. 11/19/09. http://web.ebscohost.com

5)

“Antisocial Personality Disorder”. Internet Mental Health. 1995-2009. 11/11/09. http:// www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-pe04.html.

Dennis F. Shultz

6) rrking. “Schizophrenia” February 5, 2009. Online image. Masterpiece. RRKING‟S BLOG. November 21, 2009. www.rrking.ology.com/

A Matter Of Minds H B M B F

E R I R U

L I N I T

P G D G U

I N G H T E R S , F O R H T E R R E

7) Drs. E. Fuller Torrey and Daniel Weinberger. “Schizophrenia in identical twins”. Unknown.

Online Image. Rosalie Rosalie Rosalie Rosalie Rosalie Rosalie. November 10, 2009. rosalie.wordpress.com/…/

A