PSYCHEZINE

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE PSYCHOLOGY

MAY 2023, ISSUE 1

WHAT'S
NEW
Cognitive impairment in
schizophrenia: aetiology,
pathophysiology, and
CELEBRATING THE POWER OF treatment
Robert A. McCutcheon,
COMMUNITY KINDNESS: Richard S. E. Keefe &
Philip K. McGuire
WRITTEN BY SUSRUTHAN G Published: 23 January 2023
Cognitive deficits are a core
World Schizophrenia Day is observed every year feature of schizophrenia, account for
on May 24th. As such, this year, the day will be observed on much of the impaired functioning
Tuesday, May 24th, 2023. World Schizophrenia Day is an associated with the disorder and are
annual event designed to raise awareness about not responsive to existing treatments.
schizophrenia, a severe and chronic mental illness that In this review, we first describe the
affects about 24 million people worldwide, or roughly 1 out clinical presentation and natural
history of these deficits. We then
of every 300 individuals. The day aims to spread
consider aetiological factors,
knowledge about the symptoms, causes, and available
highlighting how a range of similar
treatment options for schizophrenia and reduce the genetic and environmental factors are
stigma and discrimination that individuals with this associated with both cognitive
disorder often face. function and schizophrenia. We then
World Schizophrenia Day was first observed in review the pathophysiological
1984 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other mechanisms thought to underlie
organizations, including the World Fellowship for cognitive symptoms, including the
role of dopamine, cholinergic
Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders. The aim of this event
signalling and the balance between
began as a way to educate the public about schizophrenia
GABAergic interneurons and
and challenge the misconceptions and stereotypes glutamatergic pyramidal cells. Finally,
surrounding the disorder. we review the clinical management of
On this day, various organizations and mental cognitive impairments and candidate
health advocacy groups organize events and activities to novel treatments.
promote awareness and educate the public. These
activities may include public lectures, conferences,
workshops, art exhibitions, and other events to accomplish
this. There’s also usually a theme for the event, which
changes every year.

. Schizophrenia is a serious mental health
disorder in which an individual has problem
in the interpreting the reality. Schizophrenia
may cause a combination of symptoms,
including hallucinations, delusions,
disorganized speech and abnormal motor
behaviour. These symptoms are often severe
enough to impair the individual’s daily
functioning. This disorder occurs in various
stages, one of them being the acute or
active phase
There are many organizations
especially NGO's working in India to provide
care to Schizophrenic patients and to create
awareness among the people regarding
Schizophrenia and other mental health
disorders. Some are,
The MINDS Foundation
(info@mindsfoundation.org)
Anjali Mental Health Rights
Organisation
(info@anjalimentalhealth.org)
Manas Foundation(
foundation.manas@gmail.com)
Sangath (contactus@sangath.in)
The Banyan
(https://thebanyan.org/aboutus )
Schizophrenia Research Foundation
(SCARF) (info@scarfindia.org)
Aasra (aasrahelpline@yahoo.com)
The Live Laugh Love Foundation
(info@thelivelovelaughfoundation.org)
NOTE :
The Newsletter is created out of
the author's own interest. The Info
provided are verified by the
competent professionals
CONTACT :
E-Mail : susruthan@gmail.com
. The theme typically focuses on a particular
aspect of the disorder, such as a specific symptom. For
instance, the theme for World Schizophrenia Day 2022
was “Breaking the Stigma, Sharing Our Stories,” which
emphasized the need to challenge negative
perceptions and stereotypes concerning the disorder
and encourage those living with it to share their
experiences. The theme for 2023 is “Celebrating the
Power of Community Kindness.”
Overall, World Schizophrenia Day offers the public and
those who have loved ones with schizophrenia an
opportunity to spread awareness and encourage action
to improve the lives of those living with the disorder. By
educating the public about the realities of
schizophrenia, we can promote acceptance,
understanding, and treatment and work towards a
more inclusive society.
TODAY'S ACTIVITY :
Unfinished Business Container
Exercise
Materials :
Cardboard box (small size),Drawing tools, Cardstock (
brightly coloured cards) and Papers.
Procedure :
Think of the flattened box as your “ self ”and to
decorate the outside in ways that represent how you show
who you are to the world.
Next, draw symbols, images, shapes, words, etc. on
paper that represent the parts of themselves that feel
unresolved, AKA their “unfinished business”.
Once all of the symbols inside the box and take them
out, one at a time to discuss, or to make decision on them
Refer to the third referral in the reference section for
the complete procedure and application
REFERENCES :
nature.com/articles/s41380-023-01949-9
https://nationaltoday.com/world-schizophrenia-awareness-
day/
https://creativetherapyideas.com/5-amazing-art-therapy-
activities-for-adults/
https://www.vogue.in/culture-and-living/content/mental-
health-organisations-in-india-live-laugh-love-foundation-
aasra-the-banyan