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Echoes of the Mind : Understanding Schizophrenia through Personal Perspectives, a Mixed Method Biographical Study

Theiling, J.L. (2024) Echoes of the Mind : Understanding Schizophrenia through Personal Perspectives, a Mixed Method Biographical Study.

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Abstract:This study aims to investigate the role of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors for schizophrenia aetiology and explores alignment or differences to a qualitative sample. Additionally, personal perspectives on treatment strategies and care types are examined and connected to the current level of symptoms. Eight participants (NFemale = 4, NMale = 4, Mage = 53.12) with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were recruited from the Alexianer hospital in Münster. Semi-structured interviews were conducted employing the Brief Psychotic Rating Scale. Thematic analysis was applied. The symptoms of schizophrenia in seven out of eight participants could be fully or partially explained by the three factors. Participants' views on the effectiveness of different care types and treatment strategies could be categorised into four different groups: pharmacological treatment, non-pharmacological treatment, stationary care, and personal narratives and perceptions. This study highlights schizophrenia to be highly heterogenic. Biological, psychological and sociocultural factors largely explain the disorder's aetiology. However, it is recommended to extend the current factors and incorporate techniques such as neuroimaging and machine learning. Persistent severe symptoms require a higher frequency of psychological interventions and education for hospital staff about them.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/100247
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