Schizophrenia: Mechanisms, Pathophysiology and Health Impacts

Schizophrenia refers to a mental disorder characterized by continuous or relapsing episodes of psychosis. Hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and disorganized thinking are its major symptoms. Apathy, social withdrawal and decreased emotional expression are also observed in the patients of this disease. The mechanisms of schizophrenia, which underline the development of the disorder, are complex. The link amidst altered function of brain and the symptoms for the development of the disorder are based on hypotheses including glutamate hypothesis and dopamine hypothesis. The pathophysiology of schizophrenia comprises oxidative stress, dysfunction of interneurons, abnormalities in myelination and the immune system. Antipsychotic medication is the most common treatment for schizophrenia. They are commonly used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions and social support. Psychological, pharmacological, social, educational and employment-related interventions, directed at recovery and lowering the impact of schizophrenia on quality of life, social functioning, and longevity are commonly used in the treatment of schizophrenia. This book strives to provide a fair idea about mechanisms, pathophysiology and health impacts of schizophrenia, and will help develop a better understanding of this disorder. It will serve as a reference to a broad spectrum of readers.