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7 Ways Schizophrenia Impacts Education

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that impairs an individual’s thinking, behavior, and emotions. Characterized by a distorted and disorganized perception of reality, schizophrenia presents significant barriers to learning. However, students diagnosed with schizophrenia are often eligible for a variety of accommodations, modifications, and services under IDEA, reducing barriers to academic success and assisting with the management of their symptoms. The first step in supporting students with schizophrenia is to gain an understanding of the various ways in which their condition impacts their academic experience.

How does schizophrenia impact a student’s education?

1. Disorganized Thinking

Students with schizophrenia often struggle with disorganized thinking, which is commonly identified by their tendency to abruptly switch from one topic to another, exhibiting unusual speech patterns, or giving verbal responses that are incoherent or nonsensical. Disorganized thinking has been linked to unusual activity in regions of the brain associated with:

  • Speech and language processing

  • Social interaction

  • Decision-making

  • Learning

  • Evaluating

  • Auditory perception

These impairments make it difficult for students to grasp what they’re being taught, or to provide verbal or written responses, making typical homework, classroom, and testing expectations incredibly challenging.

2. Confusing Reality

A common symptom of schizophrenia is confusing reality with dreams, television, or other fictional scenarios due to delusions and/or hallucinations. Delusions are beliefs that are not based in reality, such as being convinced that their classmates are private investigators hired to track them. Hallucinations involve seeing, smelling, feeling, tasting or hearing things that do not exist, such as vividly seeing a deceased relative, feeling a crawling sensation on their arms, or hearing threatening voices. These cognitive distortions can be terribly distressing, making it difficult for students with schizophrenia to remain alert and focused on learning. After a student has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, they may be eligible under the Emotional Disturbance Category of IDEA to receive a modified curriculum, related services, and accommodations to create a learning environment that is sensitive to their symptoms. 

Click here to learn more about how an Individualized Education Program can support your student. 

3. Isolation

Social relationships are a key element to an optimal academic experience, which disadvantages students with schizophrenia who often feel alone or “othered” by their condition. Schizophrenia commonly causes students to have trouble reading social cues, building friendships, or developing strong connections with teachers. Some exhibit a “flat affect” meaning they show no emotional expression, while others experience a complete lack of motor or verbal responses, hindering any opportunity to meaningfully interact with others. To avoid the anxiety and social pressures of typical academic settings, some students with schizophrenia may stop attending school altogether.

4. Depression and Irritability

Social and educational successes are important factors in a student’s identity. Schizophrenia disrupts these dynamics, contributing to low self-esteem, irritability, or periods of debilitating depression. Students with schizophrenia struggle with emotional regulation and are more likely to self-harm, or abuse substances which can provoke harmful psychoses.

5. Low Motivation

Depending on the severity of a student’s symptoms, they may have trouble finding the motivation to carry out daily tasks such as studying, completing homework, and basic self-care. Academically, this can lead to delayed educational advancement. Consulting an educational psychologist can help you identify the various mental, emotional, and neurological conditions that, alongside schizophrenia, may be contributing to your student’s low motivation.

6. Abnormal or Inappropriate Behaviors

Students with schizophrenia may engage in behaviors that are inappropriate or at odds with what is expected for their age. They may be quick to become agitated, behave as if they are much younger than they are, or engage in private actions in public. These behavioral differences make it challenging for students with schizophrenia to adhere to typical classroom expectations.

7. Attention and Memory Problems

Schizophrenia can cause attention and memory problems in students, impairing organization and focus in class. Because schizophrenia has some overlapping symptoms with conditions such as ADHD and dissociative personality disorder, diagnostic testing is a critical first step in securing an accurate diagnosis and appropriate support for affected students. 

Do you suspect that your student may have schizophrenia? Schedule your consultation below to learn about our psychological diagnostic services.

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How Our Experienced Diagnosticians Can Help

While schizophrenia is a chronic and complex condition, individuals with schizophrenia are still capable and deserving of living fulfilling lives with effective support. If your student is impacted by schizophrenia, our doctors can provide comprehensive testing to evaluate the various ways their education is being impaired and provide tools and guidance for securing effective IEP support. 

So you know you need help, but aren’t sure how
to find the right help?
  

If a loved one has a learning difference or other condition that impacts their mental health and education, you may feel lost in determining the best ways to support them. 

Our Diagnosticians can provide psychological testing to remove the
guess-work and guide your family on the best path toward mental health, emotional wellness, and academic success.

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More about Variations Psychology

Variations Psychology is a group practice specializing in diagnostic testing to identify psychological conditions.

Our comprehensive evaluations test for conditions that impact mental health and development such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety, learning disorders, and developmental delays. 

In addition to diagnostic services, we offer Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) of K-12 students to assess needs for accommodations in school and determine their appropriate placements. IEEs provide an objective second opinion on existing IEP and 504 Plans.

For K-12 and post-secondary students, we offer evaluations to assess needs for accommodations on standardized tests, college entrance exams (e.g. - SAT, ACT, AP Exams), and graduate and professional licensing exams (e.g. - MCAT, LSAT, GRE, CBEST, NCLEX, GMAT, CA Cosmetology Exam, CA Contractors State Licensing Exam, CA Bar Exam).

Schedule your consultation below to learn how our diagnostic services can support you and your family. 

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Variations Psychology is located in Newport Beach, CA and provides psychological testing to residents throughout Orange County and its surrounding areas including Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Irvine, Shady Canyon, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Coto de Caza, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Yorba Linda, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Pelican Hill, Crystal Cove, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, Lake Forest, Huntington Beach, Sunset Beach, Seal Beach, and more.

References:

Bartlett, Jennifer. (2014). Childhood-onset schizophrenia: what do we really know? Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, 2(1), 735-747. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1080/21642850.2014.927738 

Radanovic, M., de Sousa, R. T., Valiengo, L, Gattaz, W. F., Forlenza, O. V. (2013). Formal Thought Disorder and language impairment in schizophrenia. Views and Reviews, 71(1). Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1590/S0004-282X2012005000015 

Childhood Schizophrenia (2021). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354483#:~:text=Schizophrenia%20involves%20a%20range%20of,your%20child%27s%20ability%20to%20function. 

Gough, Amy and Morrison, Jason (2016). Managing the comorbidity of schizophrenia and ADHD. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 41(5), 79-80. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1503%2Fjpn.150251 

Schizophrenia in Children, Teens, and Young Adults (2021). healthychildren.org. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Schizophrenia.aspx 

Shinn. M.M. (Year Unsure). 8 Reasons to Get Your Kid Tested by an Educational Psychologist. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/8-reasons-to-get-your-kid-tested-by-an-educational-psychologist

Shinn. M.M. (2022). “Could I Have ADHD?”: 7 Tips to Identify and Manage Executive Functioning Challenges. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/could-i-have-adhd-7-tips-to-identify-and-manage-executive-functioning-challenge

Shinn. M.M. (2020). Diagnostic Testing: 6 Reasons it’s the Best First Step Before Therapy or Educational Services Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/diagnostic-testing-6-reasons-its-the-best-first-step-before-therapy-or-educational-services 

Shinn. M.M. (2019). “How Can I Boost My Self-Esteem?” 10 Tips to Be Your Most-Confident-You. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/how-can-i-boost-my-self-esteem-10-tips-to-be-your-most-confident-you 

Shinn. M.M. (2019). How Do I Talk to My Teen About Drugs and Alcohol? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/how-do-i-talk-to-my-teen-about-drugs-and-alcohol 

Shinn. M.M. (2021). Is My Child or Teen Depressed? 10 Tell-Tale Questions to Consider. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/is-my-child-or-teen-depressed-10-tell-tale-questions-to-consider

Shinn. M.M. (2022). My Kid Has an Emotional Disability – Can They Qualify For an IEP? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/my-kid-has-an-emotional-disability-can-they-qualify-for-an-iep

Shinn. M.M. (2019). My Kid Might be Held Back a Grade – What Do I Do?! Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/my-kid-might-be-held-back-a-grade-what-do-i-do 

Shinn. M.M. (2021). My Kid Refuses to Go to School – What Could be the Cause? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/my-kid-refuses-to-go-to-school-what-could-be-the-cause-gnmey

Shinn. M.M. (2019). Preventing Suicide in Students: How 3-6 Questions Can Save Lives. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/preventing-student-suicide-with-just-a-few-simple-questions 

Shinn. M.M. (2020). Understanding Education Plans: A Parent’s Guide to 504s and IEPs. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/understanding-education-plans-a-parents-guide-to-504s-and-ieps

Shinn. M.M. (2022). Why Isn’t My Kid Making Any Friends? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/why-isnt-my-kid-making-any-friends 

How to Cite This Blog Article:

Shinn. M.M. (2022). 7 Ways Schizophrenia Impacts Education. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/7-ways-schizophrenia-impacts-education