Introduction to Schizophrenia (Fully Accredited)

Here we are introduced to the main 5 types of schizophrenia and begin looking at symptoms of "Paranoid Schizophrenia"

Here we explore the symptoms associated with "Disorganised Schizophrenia"

Catatonic Schizophrenia is often depicted in the movies, especially the older movies.  Here we look at what is involved in catatonia.

In many mental health diagnoses, there also exists a catch all diagnosis that covers people whose diagnostic category is not clear cut and there may be an overlap of symptoms.

This refers to schizophrenia in remission, where the person has had schizophrenia type symptoms but they are not currently evident.

In this section we begin to explore some of the theories that seek to describe schizophrenia and its cause/s

Do we inherit a Schizophrenia type gene?  Here we look at hereditary and schizophrenia.

In this section we begin to look at some of the classic symptoms of the condition.

Positive and Negative symptoms are often spoken about in Schizophrenia, but what do we mean by these 2 terms?

Cognitive symptoms of Schizophrenia are concerned with the way that we think.  here we look at some of the prevalent cognitive symptoms.

Affect in psychology, refers to the way that we feel.  Here we look at some of the mood related symptoms in the condition.

More discussion of a range of symptoms associated with Schizophrenia.

In this section we take a look at how the condition is assessed and diagnosed.

The initial clinical assessment is really the starting point in the journey towards accurate, clinical diagnosis of the condition.

The DSM is often referred to as one of the 2 most important handbooks for psychiatrists.  here we look at what DSM says about the symptoms needed for an initial diagnosis of Schizophrenia.

The ICD is compiled by the World Health Organisation and is also a classification manual for mental health problems.  here we look at what the ICD says about the symptoms needed for a diagnosis of Schizophrenia.

Prognosis refers to how an illness or disease is likely to progress clinically, based on evidence we have available about the condition.  here we look at likely prognosis for Schizophrenia.

In this section we begin to look at some of the unpleasant history surrounding Schizophrenia (as we call it today).

In the past, when many issues were thought of as deriving from demonic possession or the influence of spiritual/divine intervention, the sometimes bizarre behaviours and speech associated with schizophrenia was deemed as signs of demonic intervention.

Still used today in the treatment of schizophrenia, though much less frequently, ECT is perhaps another form of controversial treatment for the condition.

It was assumed that subjecting people to very hot and cold temperatures interchangeably, would help reduce symptomology of Schizophrenia!

People with Schizophrenia were very likely to be restrained in the past, using straight-jackets.  They would then be placed in a silent, padded cell for extended periods, how dreadful!

The pre-frontal lobotomy involved damaging or destroying parts of the frontal cortex, in the hope that this would reduce Schizophrenia type symptoms.

In the past, before we understood Schizophrenia as a health condition, it was was assumed that the symptoms were brought pon by demonic possession.  Here we look at the exorcisms that took place in order to rid the individual of the said demons!

Referred to today as Psychiatric Hospital, the Lunatic Asylums of the past were very unpleasant places where a range of unpleasant treatments took place!

In this lecture we begin to look at psychotropic medications (medications that affect the mind) and how these are often used in treatment of Schizophrenia.

More brief info about prescription medications for Schizophrenia.

This continues to be controversial, ECT, what do you think? Are we justified in using this treatment, if it seems to work in a small number of cases?

Psycho-Social Interventions are concerned with training people in social skills and at the same time understanding their thoughts, feelings and symptoms.

More about Psycho-Social interventions

In some cases, the individual might need to be hospitalised (sometimes against their will) especially if they seem to present a danger to themselves or other people.

Dual diagnosis in mental health, refers to the presence of a mental illness in addition to another condition such as alcohol or drug addiction.

Very often, people with Schizophrenia experience problems with social interaction and lack the skills necessary for this.  These group of interventions help to repair this deficit.

We know from research that employment is therapeutic for most of us!  Here we look at supported value for people with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia.

In this lecture we begin to explore CBT interventions for Schizophrenia (see my Intro to CBT online course for further details)

This video features a discussion between two mental health professionals exploring the important topic of how avoidance behaviours can gradually shrink a person’s world and impact emotional wellbeing over time.

Avoidance often feels helpful in the short term. We avoid situations, places, conversations, memories, or activities because they feel uncomfortable, overwhelming, or emotionally difficult. For a moment, avoidance can reduce anxiety and create relief. However, over time, avoidance can quietly begin to reduce confidence, independence, enjoyment, and quality of life.

Through a professional discussion format, this session explores how avoidance patterns develop, why they become so powerful, and how they can affect many aspects of mental health and wellbeing. The principles discussed are relevant across a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, trauma, stress, depression, panic, health anxiety, low self-esteem, grief, adjustment difficulties, and emotional recovery following challenging life experiences.

The discussion also highlights an important balance: recognising genuine risks while learning to distinguish them from fear-driven avoidance. Rather than encouraging people to ignore danger, the focus is on developing awareness, building confidence gradually, and supporting healthy, informed choices.

This conversation is relevant not only for mental health professionals and students, but also for anyone interested in understanding human behaviour, emotional resilience, and psychological wellbeing. The concepts explored can help deepen understanding of how small avoidance patterns can grow over time — and how meaningful change can begin through gradual, manageable steps forward.

Co_morbidity refers to where Schizophrenia is often accompanied by other health related issues.  here we look at some conditions often associated with the condition.

More discussion about Co-Morbidity and Schizophrenia.

More info about Co-Morbidity and Schizophrenia

As we come towards the end of the course, here is a task that will help solidify the learning process.

Thank you very much for completing this course, well done! Please keep in touch with questions, thoughts, feelings and comments. 

This video is a brief promotion for one of my most popular courses on Udemy; Introduction to CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy)