Schizophrenia as an Extreme Form of Schizotypy
Schizophrenia as an Extreme Form of Schizotypy
Abstract
This paper supports the argument that schizophrenia is an extreme form of schizotypy. This argument is based on research studies demonstrating the genetic link between both disorders and the symptomic evidences showing schizophrenia as an extreme form of schizotypy. Meehl’s model is also used to show that extreme forms of schizotypy manifest in schizophrenia. These evidences (coupled with the fact that schizotypy is a continuum of mental disorders) show that schizophrenia is an extreme form of schizotypy. The redefinition of schizophrenia as an extreme form of schizotypy is shown to have a significant impact on the classification of mental disorders, but this dynamic is explained as an auxiliary argument to demonstrate the definition of schizophrenia as an extreme form of schizotypy.
Introduction
In clinical practice, it is often difficult to distinguish schizophrenia from schizotypy. Some researchers explain that both concepts are unrelated but some experts claim that the two disorders share a common definition. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is often characterised with a weird perception of reality. Hoermann (2009) explains that people with schizophrenia exhibit symptoms of “auditory hallucinations, paranoia, bizarre delusions, disorganised speeches, and thinking with significant social or occupational dysfunction” (p. 2).
The onset of schizophrenia is often witnessed during the early stages of adulthood (early twenties). Even though most clinical research shows that schizophrenia mainly affects a person’s cognitive development, advanced states of the disease may manifest in emotional and behavioural disorders (Lauriello and Pallanti, 2012). Patients who suffer from schizophrenia also exhibit depression and anxiety disorders. Perhaps the most feared outcome for people who have this disease is their high probability to commit suicide. It is estimated that about
Abstract
This paper supports the argument that schizophrenia is an extreme form of schizotypy. This argument is based on research studies demonstrating the genetic link between both disorders and the symptomic evidences showing schizophrenia as an extreme form of schizotypy. Meehl’s model is also used to show that extreme forms of schizotypy manifest in schizophrenia. These evidences (coupled with the fact that schizotypy is a continuum of mental disorders) show that schizophrenia is an extreme form of schizotypy. The redefinition of schizophrenia as an extreme form of schizotypy is shown to have a significant impact on the classification of mental disorders, but this dynamic is explained as an auxiliary argument to demonstrate the definition of schizophrenia as an extreme form of schizotypy.
Introduction
In clinical practice, it is often difficult to distinguish schizophrenia from schizotypy. Some researchers explain that both concepts are unrelated but some experts claim that the two disorders share a common definition. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is often characterised with a weird perception of reality. Hoermann (2009) explains that people with schizophrenia exhibit symptoms of “auditory hallucinations, paranoia, bizarre delusions, disorganised speeches, and thinking with significant social or occupational dysfunction” (p. 2).
The onset of schizophrenia is often witnessed during the early stages of adulthood (early twenties). Even though most clinical research shows that schizophrenia mainly affects a person’s cognitive development, advanced states of the disease may manifest in emotional and behavioural disorders (Lauriello and Pallanti, 2012). Patients who suffer from schizophrenia also exhibit depression and anxiety disorders. Perhaps the most feared outcome for people who have this disease is their high probability to commit suicide. It is estimated that about
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