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Jul 20, 2006
Schizophrenia and Autism
by SirGan
 Schizophrenia and Autism are tow completely different neuro-psychological disorders! In popular speech disturbed behavior is often called schizophrenic. However, this is far from right! Schizophrenia can be defined by using fairly precise diagnostic criteria. It is a fact that schizophrenia, narrowly defined, rarely starts before adolescence. The onset of Autism, on the other hand, in almost all cases predates age three. The time of onset of a disorder is of crucial importance. Schizophrenia involves hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorder and is extremely rare in children. Autism might relate to a similar process. Both involve activation of phylogenetically earlier developmental brain structures to the partial exclusion of later developmental ones. Unlike schizophrenia- autism may not be physiologically obvious. That’s why a complete physical and neurological evaluation will typically be part of diagnosing autism. Some experts even say that autism is not a single condition but a group of several distinct conditions that manifest in similar ways. Unfortunately, there is no cure for autism but the good thing is that, with intense medical therapy and schooling, most of the children diagnosed with autism can improve their social and other skills. To be clear- we are not talking about complete recover but to the point where they can fully participate in mainstream education and social events. Autism and Schizophrenia- overviewAutism is classified as a specific neuro-psychiatric disorder which is characterized by markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorders characterized by a mental impairments in the perception or expression of reality and by significant social or occupational dysfunction. The fact is that the specific cause of autism is unknown, but many experts suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to different environmental triggers.
Pervasive Developmental DisordersMaybe not too many people know that autism is one of five disorders that falls under the group of Pervasive Developmental Disorders, a category of neurological disorders characterized by severe impairment in several areas of development. The five disorders under PDD are:
Incidence of the AutismSome experts estimate that autism occurs in as many as one American child in 166; however the some detailed and more serious studies gives a more conservative estimate of one in 1000. Although autism is about 3 to 4 times more common in boys, girls with the disorder tend to have more severe symptoms and greater cognitive impairment. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family, and any child. Diagnosis is based on a list of psychiatric criteria.
Main characteristics of Autism and SchizophreniaBig diagnostic problem is that every person with autism is an individual, and like all individuals, has a unique personality and combination of characteristics. Some individuals mildly affected may exhibit only slight delays in language and greater challenges with social interactions.
Persons with autism may also exhibit some of the following traits:
Symptoms that are characteristic to Schizophrenia are markedly different! They could be divided in positive and negative. Most common positive symptoms of Schizophrenia are: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and behavior! Common negative signs are:Affective flattening, Alogia and Avolition!
Possible causes of autism and schizophreniaUnlike schizophrenia - there is no known single cause for autism, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Researchers are investigating a number of theories, including the link between heredity, genetics and medical problems. But problem is that no gene has been identified as causing autism. Other experts are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery, as well as environmental factors such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals. Bad parenting does not cause it.
Risk factors for developing autism
Autism tends to occur more frequently among individuals who have certain medical conditions, including:
Some harmful substances ingested during pregnancy have also been associated with an increased risk of autism.
There are several theories that tried to explain the cause of Schizophrenia. Possible causes are:
Schizophrenia and autism-differential diagnosisEven now, experts have difficulties in making difference between these two disorders. Every doctor should know that schizophrenia shouldn't be diagnosed separately from Autism, unless delusions and hallucinations are prominent.
Of course, it is true that the negative symptoms of Schizophrenia and the symptoms of Autism mimic one another, which causes confusion in diagnosing. So when the patient with Autism is being considered for a Schizophrenia diagnosis, the psychotic features and some negative symptoms are the largest to be considered. Not speaking can be in result of a lot of things; language difficulties, speech difficulties, anxiety, etc. Because a person does not speak, it doesn’t mean they are Autistic nor have Autistic traits.
The fact is that, in the last several decades, considerable evidence has suggested that autism and schizophrenia are unrelated. However, recent reports have suggested that individuals with autism may be at greater risk for schizophrenia and that the conditions may be more closely related than generally believed.
Treatment of autism and schizophreniaSocial interactions skillsThis could be the base of good autism treatment! Effective social programs will teach a child early communication and social interaction skills. In children younger than 3 years, these interventions usually take place in the home and they are about targeting specific deficits in learning, language, imitation, attention, motivation, compliance, and initiative of interaction.
Children older than 3 years usually have school-based, individualized, special education.
During middle and high school years, instruction will begin to address such practical matters as work, community living, and recreational activities. Similar thing should be used with schizophrenia! It is based on learning and using coping mechanisms to address these problems allows people with schizophrenia to attend school, work, and socialize.
MedicationsThe medications used for Autism are those that have been developed to treat similar symptoms in other disorders. Many of these medications have not been officially approved by the FDA for use in children, but the doctor prescribes the medications if he or she feels they are appropriate for your child. Base of schizophrenia medication treatment are the medications called antipsychotic medications!
The older antipsychotic medications include:
Dietary interventionsEveryone should know that these interventions are based on the idea that food allergies cause symptoms of autism. Many experts believe also that an insufficiency of a specific vitamin or mineral may cause some autistic symptoms.
PrognosisImportant thing to know is that there are many different potential outcomes of schizophrenia- but there is no cure! Similar thing is with Autism- it is a life long disorder! Good thing is that most people with schizophrenia and autism find that their symptoms improve with medication, and some achieve substantial control of the symptoms over time. Big problem is also that many parents of autistic children also face financial difficulties as they must often pay for essential support and therapeutic services. Plus, autistics are sometimes not eligible to receive financial aid.
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