Schizophrenia, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder Essay

Schizophrenia, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder

Investigate 3 Illnesses

Schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder are mental disorders usually diagnosed within patients that have problems with group dynamics. For the most part, all three disorders seem to indicate rather similar treatments, though there are, of course, specific medical treatments for the more extreme cases of each respective disorder. Yet when it all comes down to it, the three differ through a number of symptoms, causes, and severity.

Schizophrenia is a problem within the individual, one who mostly exhibits "unusual behaviors" (Bengston, 2001) that may disrupt the day-to-day activities of said individual or those around the individual's environment. Along with hallucinations and delusions, a person with schizophrenia could exhibit other symptoms, such as: disorganized speech, extreme negativity, and disorganized and catatonic behavior (Bengston, 2001). Research has indicated at as much as 30% of those with schizophrenia cases attempt suicide -- with around 10% after a period of time (Abdel-Baki, 2011). The disorder can be a huge problem if not quickly treated, and while there are the options of hospitalization and various medical treatments to rectify the onslaughts of extreme schizophrenia, group therapy is also another alternative. Prior to admittance to hospital, subjecting an individual diagnosed with schizophrenia to doing group activities might help prevent worsening of the disorder.

Antisocial personality disorder can often be referred to as "sociopathy" or "psychopathy" (APA, 1994). These individuals tend to be most known for their lack of empathy and failure to adhere to social conventions. The symptoms for this disorder usually run along the lines of dissociation (Bowins, 2010), with the individual's lack of regard for others (APA, 1994). A person with APD tends to pull away from society and usually becomes enough of a loner that there is no feeling of empathy towards harming others. Other symptoms include deceitfulness, consistent irresponsibility, and impulsivity (APA, 1994). While psychiatric evaluation and psychological therapy are suggested treatments, group activities are also recommended in order to immerse a person with APD into society. Furthermore, research also suggests that the use of moral…