Schizophrenia Despite the progress of science and the new technologies available, the causes of schizophrenia are still unknown. In 1911, the Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler developed the term schizophrenia. “This word comes from the Greek roots schizo (divided) and phrene (mind) to describe the fragmented thinking of people with this disorder” (Johns Hopkins Medicine). By developing the term schizophrenia, he allowed others to better understand the disorder and move away from linking it to the common misconception of having multiple or split personalities. While this doesn't give us an understanding of the causes of the disorder, it helps clarify and help classify people with symptoms associated with the disorder (Johns Hopkins Medicine). Experts, researchers and scientists have come to believe that schizophrenia is potentially caused or influenced by certain factors: genes and environment, as well as different brain chemistry and structure. Over time the broader term of schizophrenia has been further divided into five categories or subtypes that include: paranoid type, disorganized type, catatonic type, undifferentiated type, and residual type. These subtypes are delineated based on the individuals who exhibit symptoms and the hope is to provide a better understanding of the causes of the disorder itself (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). The symptoms of schizophrenia are also defined in positive and negative terms. Positive symptoms are symptoms present in an individual that are not normally present, such as hallucinations or delusions. Negative symptoms are symptoms absent in an individual that are typically present, such as a decline in personal hygiene...... middle of paper ......out_4696773_is-schizophrenia-hereditary.htmlJohns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Schizophrenia. Retrieved from http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/epigen/szwhatis.htmMontes, J. M., Maurino, J., Diez, T., & Saiz-Ruiz, J. (2010). Telephone nursing strategy to improve adherence to antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia: a controlled study. International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, 14, 274-281.NIMH. (2011, November 21). How is schizophrenia treated? Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/how-is-schizophrenia-treatment.shtmlPreston, J.D., O'Neal, J.H., & Talaga, M.C. (2010). Manual of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists. (Sixth ed., pp. 1-360). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc. Spearing, M. K. (2002). Overview of schizophrenia. Retrieved from http://www.schizophrenia.com/family/sz.overview.htm