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SCHIZOPHRENIA
SCHIZOPHRENIA
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Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental disorder. It affects the emotional well-being of the person. The patients usually seem to have distortions of reality and hallucinating. The family and friends are on the receiving end of the distorted behaviors. If the symptoms are left untreated they have deleterious effects on the society (Janoutova et al., 2016). The hallmark of the symptoms of schizophrenia is psychosis, such as auditory hallucinations and delusions. The patients may also present with impaired cognition though this symptom is often underestimated. Persons with the condition have lower rates of employment, marriage, and are dependent on others. The treatment requires a firm integration of medical, psychological, and psychosocial inputs. The patients are frequently handled in the outpatient setting. Psychosocial interventions are critical in the care of this group of patients.
The lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia in the world is about 1% (Janoutova et al., 2016). Schizophrenia is less prevalent in less developed countries majorly because of little diagnosis. Immigrants to developed states display higher rates of schizophrenia. The disease affects approximately 20 million people globally (Janblensky, 2018). The diagnosis tends to occur in late adolescence and early thirties. The onset is much earlier in males than in females. The clinical manifestations are less severe in women than men, which may be due to the antidopaminergic effect of estrogen hormone. However, the prevalence is similar in both women and men. Schizophrenia is reported rarely in children. The symptoms are worse during the first 5-10 years. Later on, the patient is relatively stable. The schizophrenia symptoms lie in three general categories namely, psychotic, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Psychotic symptoms involve altered perceptions. Therefore, a patient may present with changes in smell, vision, touch, taste, and hearing. The patients may either be deluded or hallucinating. They may have distorted thoughts and may also present with disorganized speech. Negative symptoms are characterized by loss of motivation, disinterest, social withdrawal, and depression of normal functions. Some of these symptoms cause the “flat effect” with reduced speaking (Galderesi, 2018). Cognitive symptoms involve those that alter higher brain functions such as memory, attention, and concentration. In most cases, the cognitive symptoms may be subtle, while in some patients, they are the most prominent features of the disease. They interfere with the person’s normal daily activities leading to social alienation.
There is no definite cause of schizophrenia. It is thought that the interaction of genetic factors and environmental factors lead to schizophrenia. Psychosocial factors may also play a significant role in the condition. Neuroimaging studies of schizophrenic patients reveal appreciable differences from healthy individuals. For example, the ventricles are somewhat larger, with lower brain volumes in the medial temporal areas. Dopamine plays a crucial role in the brain. In schizophrenic patients, the dopaminergic system is somewhat abnormal (Van Den Heuvel, Martijn & Alex, 2014). The immune system also plays a part in the progression of schizophrenia. Overactivation of the immune system results in amplified expression of inflammatory cytokines and subsequent changes to the brain structure and function. The risk is elevated in biological relatives of patients with the disease. First degree relatives have a 10% risk. The risk is at 40% if both parents have schizophrenia. Perinatal factors such as malnourishment of pregnant women may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia (Searles, 2018).
The causes of the disease are complex and, therefore, the treatment focuses on managing the symptoms of the disease. The aims of treatment include to improve the quality of life of the patient and to reduce the symptoms of the disease. The medications may be administered either once or twice monthly. The treatment schedule is convenient for most patients. Clozapine is added to patients whose symptoms do not improve with standard antipsychotic medication therapy. Patients on clozapine must be closely monitored due to potential serious blood side effects. Antipsychotic medications cause the following side effects: xerostomia, restlessness, and drowsiness (Searles, 2018). The above symptoms are prevalent at the start of therapy. Hence, some of them subside with time while others persist. The patient should be advised that abrupt withdrawal of the medications can exacerbate schizophrenic symptoms.
Psychosocial interventions are integral in the management of schizophrenia. The measures may include CBT, behavioral skills training, supported employment, and cognitive remediation. The above approaches may help to address both negative and cognitive symptoms. In practice, psychosocial interventions are combined with antipsychotic therapy. Psychosocial methods aid an individual to blend with the environment. The patient is taught how to interact with colleagues, friends, and family. They can also be helped to pursue life goals. The patient can now participate in community activities and get employment. Patients on psychosocial treatment have fewer relapses and fewer hospitalization incidences (Searles, 2018).
Therapy is incomplete when it does not involve the community. Hence, management integrates education programs for family members and friends. The programs incorporate lessons on the symptoms of the disease, treatment options, adverse effects of drugs, and prognosis. The education programs aim to decrease their distress, promote their cooperation and empowerment, and boost their ability to assist.
The prognosis of the condition is guarded. Full recovery is rare. Some of the following risk factors are associated with poor outcomes: early-onset, conspicuous cognitive manifestations, family history, and structural brain abnormalities. The clinical manifestations follow a wax and wane course. Positive symptoms respond better to medical therapy while the other symptoms tend to prevail. Schizophrenic patients have a 5% lifetime probability of committing suicide (Searles, 2018).
Schizophrenia affects people worldwide with subsequent disability in the population. The patients are less likely to get employment, hence, may lead to social withdrawal. The community should be educated on these notable features to lessen the stigmatization. Let society be sensitized to avoid cases of discrimination and violation of human rights towards schizophrenic patients. Schizophrenia is treatable.
References
Galderisi, S., Mucci, A., Buchanan, R. W., & Arango, C. (2018). Negative symptoms of schizophrenia: new developments and unanswered research questions. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(8), 664-677.
Jablensky, A. (2018). An overview of the World Health Organization’s multi-centre studies of schizophrenia. The Scope of Epidemiological Psychiatry, 455-471.
Janoutová, J., Janáčková, P., Šerý, O., Zeman, T., Ambroz, P., Kovalová, M., … & Janout, V. (2016). Epidemiology and risk factors of schizophrenia. Neuroendocrinology Letters, 37(1), 1-8.
Searles, H. F. (2018). Collected papers on schizophrenia and related subjects. Routledge.
Van Den Heuvel, Martijn P., and Alex Fornito. “Brain networks in schizophrenia.” Neuropsychology Review 24.1 (2014): 32-48.
Schindler’s List
Schindler’s List
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‘Schindler’s List’ is a 1993 movie directed by renowned filmmaker, Steven Spielberg. It is based on the novel ‘Schindler’s Ark’ written by written by Thomas Keneally. The film is set in Krakow, a Polish city during World war II and the Holocaust during which the Nazis sought to destroy all Jews. Spielberg directed the film to depict the horror that the Jews suffered and the effort of one man to save the lives of many. The main protagonist in the story is Oskar Schindler; a German businessman who saved the lives of thousands of Jews.
Schindler was a businessman from Germany who had come to Krakow seeking to make a fortune from a business. He paid hefty bribes to German forces to acquire a factory in which he planned to set up an enamelware factory. Itzhak Stern was his administrator who handled the matters of financing the factory for Schindler. Because of the excellent relationship that Schindler had with the Nazis, he keeps his workers from being sent away to concentration camps. Most of these workers were Jews as they were paid the lowest wages.
Amon Goth led one of the concentration camps in Krakow and was tasked with ensuring that the ghetto is emptied of the Jews occupying it. What ensued was a bloody massacre that turned Schindler from a Nazi supporter to being sympathetic to the plight of the Jews who faced certain death under the Nazis. The color red is symbolic in the scene in which Schindler witnesses a young girl in a red coat dead after seeing her on the street before.
Many Jews were sent to the concentration camp, but Schindler bribed Goth into letting him build a sub-camp where his workers would stay. Finally, all Jews were to be transferred to Auschwitz, but Schindler planned to move his workers to a new factory in Brinnlitz. Their train is mistakenly sent to Auschwitz, but Schindler secured their release by bribery. All the hefty bribes that Schindler gave finally rendered him poor in 1945 when the war ended. He was to be captured by the Red Army due to his affiliation with the Nazi Party. Before he fled, he asked the German guards not to kill his Jewish workers. His workers gave him a signed letter to tell of how he had protected their lives.
Some of the major themes in the movie include violence, the value of human life and the selflessness of one man to make a difference in the lives of others. The theme of violence is evidenced in the shooting and killing of Jews during the efforts to liquidate the ghettoes in which they lived in Krakow. Schindler despite being one man was able to make a difference in the lives of many Jews. Himself being a Nazi Party, he should have been part of those seeking to eliminate the Jews but instead went to great lengths to save his workers. As a result, he ran out of money and risked arrest. He was selfless.
Power and corruption are also themes in the movie. The Nazis wielded their power over the Jews whom they viewed to be inferior people and thus dehumanized them. Corruption is evidenced by the fact that the German officers such as Goth took bribes from Schindler who sought to keep his workers safe.
The film itself has black and white effects because Spielberg wanted to give a sense of timelessness to the film and it paid off. Watching the movie, the audience is convinced that the events are depicted as they happened. The characters in the movie did a splendid job of becoming the characters they portray. The quality of production is also impressive, and the film is enthralling throughout its duration. Some forms of symbolism include the girl in the red coat which stands out as the rest of the film is in black and white. Red might be taken to show the bloodshed of the Jews. The black and white effects also depict death, Spielberg explained that color to him symbolizes life. The film appeals to peoples from all walks of life as it is a significant part of history.
The film has several strengths as well as weaknesses. Some of the strengths include the cast of the play. Under Spielberg, they manage to reenact the events of the dark time such that they appear very real. A second strength is the music by John Williams that creates the mood in the film. The third strength is the use of the black and white film to show timelessness in the film. Some weaknesses include the violence and nudity in the movie, which makes it unsuitable for young viewers such as children. The film also gives the perspective of Schindler; hence the Jews are merely supporting cast to be killed at the whim of the Nazis. The audience fails to accurately get the Jews’ perspective as a result. The third weakness is that it mostly dwells on those that survived rather than those who were killed. The audience fails to get the magnitude of the senseless murder of the Jews.
The film is generally very realistic and succeeds in educating the masses on the events that transpired during the Holocaust. Many people are not aware of what happened, and the film gives insight into this. It is quite educational, and the audience is left in awe at the story itself and the spectacular manner in which it is told.
Bibliography
Chen, Xiaolin. “The Use of Symbols in Schindler’s List.” In 3rd International Conference on Contemporary Education, Social Sciences and Humanities (ICCESSH 2018). Atlantis Press, 2018.Gambaccini, P., and T. Miller. “Schindler’s List.” (2017).
Loshitzky, Yosefa, ed. Spielberg’s Holocaust: critical perspectives on Schindler’s list. Indiana University Press, 1997.
Spielberg, Steven, Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall, Jonathan Sagalle, Embeth Davidtz, Michael Kahn, and Thomas Keneally. Schindler’s list. Universal Studios, 1993.Yang, Hongsi. “Appreciation on Theme Music of Schindler’s List.” In 2016 5th International Conference on Social Science, Education and Humanities Research. Atlantis Press, 2016.
Scenario 1 Australia and New Zealand Markets
Scenario 1: Australia and New Zealand Markets
Introduction
Australia and New Zealand are among the easiest places in the world to do business. According to reports by the World Bank, in 2020, New Zealand ranked 1st as the easiest country to do business globally, while Australia ranked 14th. It is easy to start and register a business, gain credit, access highly skilled labour, and develop a customer base in these countries. Globalisation provides a broader market for companies striving to stand out and achieve success. However, it is essential to understand the business culture, market conditions, and regulations in different countries before venturing into business. This report evaluates the business culture and factors influencing business entrants in the New Zealand and Australia market.
Factors to consider for successful entrance in New Zealand and Australia Market
Cross-Cultural Management: The labour market in New Zealand and the Australian market is very diverse due to many migrant workers; hence, the need for companies to invest in cross-cultural management (Kang et al., 2019). Cross-cultural management is essential in understanding and dealing with individuals from different cultures and encouraging a favourable working environment necessary for successful business operations in a diverse workforce.
Business Culture: The business culture in Australia and New Zealand differs from many countries globally; thus, businesses must understand and incorporate various work environment practices before venturing into these markets. For instance, work balance is essential in New Zealand and Australian markets; entrants should develop a flexible work schedule for employee motivation (Pecotich and Shultz, 2016). Also, honesty and etiquettes such as punctuality are critical in successfully operating a business in New Zealand and Australia.
Innovation: Unlike countries where businesses build a customer base and loyalty to enhance a competitive business edge in the market, New Zealand and Australian consumers are receptive to changes and new ideas (Kang et al., 2019). Companies joining these markets should constantly innovate new products and be extra cautious in operations to gain an edge and increase profitability and growth.
Government policies and legal systems: Although these countries have legal and government policies that encourage trade, Australia and New Zealand are the least corrupt countries globally (Selvanathan et al., 2016). Therefore, compliance with all laws and regulations is paramount for companies joining these markets.
Australia and New Zealand Business Culture and Market.
Expanding business to Australia and New Zealand can unlock huge opportunities for business and offer a significant business return on investment. These countries are among the easiest countries to expand business globally. However, substantial differences and similarities exist in their markets receptiveness, import and export market, availability and cost of labour, work environment cultural sensitivity, and government and legal system.
The market in Australia and New Zealand is very receptive. Unlike most global countries, customer relationships do not play a significant role in doing business in Australia and New Zealand. Consumers in these countries are receptive to new ideas and changes, making it easy for new business entrants to get customers for their products and services (Pecotich and Shultz, 2016). The absence of customer loyalty in these two countries’ markets makes it easy for international firms to establish and do business, as customer loyalty is a significant barrier to a new business entrant.
There is a lucrative import and export market in Australia and New Zealand; a lucrative import and export market signifies a market that encourages trade, providing international businesses an opportunity to join these markets. Exports constitute a huge part of New Zealand and Australia’s market, opening these countries and signifying a significant revenue potential (Selvanathan et al., 2016). However, New Zealand experiences a trade deficit, making it a lucrative export market, while Australia experiences a trade surplus making it a lucrative import market.
Additionally, businesses can exploit a large base of skilled workforce in Australia and New Zealand to maximise returns. New Zealand and Australia are among the preferred migrant destination globally, providing a large workforce for business planning to expand in these countries (Pecotich and Shultz, 2016). Labour is a significant resource in business operations; therefore, readily available labour in these countries is an opportunity for international companies. However, the cost of labour is cheaper in New Zealand than in Australia. The average salary in Australia is $90,000, while the average salary in New Zealand is $60,785, making New Zealand a perfect destination for international companies in tight budgets.
New Zealand and Australia’s work environment is very culturally sensitive due to their diverse workforce. These countries have a vast migrant workforce, implying that business operations and policies should consider the differences in cultural beliefs and practices (Selvanathan et al., 2016). Similarly, the diverse workforce opens up the business for international entrants due to access to cheap labour, huge market and industry opportunities, and an option to become permanent residents. It is less challenging to apply for permanent resident and international visas in New Zealand and Australia, making it easy for international entrepreneurs and investors to join these markets.
Furthermore, these countries’ strong government and legal systems open them for business expansion. Government policies in these two countries encourage international business developments and provide flexible business startup and operations regulations. For instance, according to World Bank, New Zealand is the easiest country worldwide to register and start a business, access credit, second-best in minority investors protection, and among the top ten in dealing with construction business permits and taxes (Pecotich and Shultz, 2016). While Australia is among the top 10 countries with ease in dealing with construction permits, enforcing contracts, giving credit and registration, and business startups. However, the government policies in New Zealand are more favourable; the country overs low custom tariffs, competitive ownership costs, free movement of capital, and fair capital policy, making it a better destination for international business.
Additionally, the legal systems in these countries enforce honest and prudent business operations limiting chances of corrupt business deals, making it easy to do business. The global Corruption Perception Index ranks Australia 11th as the least corrupt nation globally, while New Zealand ranks 1st as the least corrupt nation in the world. The infallible legal systems and flexible government regulations make expanding business in these countries easy.
Conclusion
New Zealand and Australia are among global countries that are easy to do business within. The countries have a strong government and legal system, lucrative import and export opportunities, a cheap and highly skilled workforce, and a receptive market that encourages business operations. However, businesses joining these markets should consider its diverse workforce, sensitive business culture, and constantly changing customers preferences to run business operations successfully. Globalisation widens business markets. However, businesses must understand the culture and the market of different countries to gain a competitive edge effectively.
Reference
Kang, K., Burdon, S., & Mooney, G. (2019). Innovation Cultural Factors in Australian Business Environment: IT Organisations in Australia. In Handbook of Research on Contemporary Approaches in Management and Organizational Strategy (pp. 129-145). IGI Global.
Pecotich, A., & Shultz, C. J. (2016). Handbook of Markets and Economies: East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand: East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand. Routledge.
Selvanathan, E. A., Selvanathan, S., & Keller, G. (2016). Business Statistics: Australia New Zealand with Online Study Tools 12 Mo Nths. Cengage AU.