Schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a disabling, chronic, and severe mental illness that affects more than 21 million people around the world. Symptoms include hearing internal voices, having false beliefs, disorganized thoughts and behavior, being emotionally flat, and having hallucinations. These symptoms may leave a person feeling fearful and withdrawn. Their disorganized behavior can be perceived as incomprehensible or frightening to others.

People with schizophrenia may not make sense when they talk. They may sit for hours without moving or talking, or may seem like they are talking to themselves.

Families and society are affected by schizophrenia too. Many people with schizophrenia have difficulty holding a job or taking care of themselves, so they rely on others for help.

Schizophrenia affects both men and women similarly, although some research points to an earlier onset of symptoms in men. Schizophrenia is found in similar rates in all ethnic groups around the world. Symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions usually start between ages 16 and 30. It is not common for schizophrenia to be diagnosed in a person younger than 12 or older than 40.

Schizophrenia rarely occurs in children, but awareness of childhood-onset schizophrenia is increasing. Additionally, it can be difficult to diagnose schizophrenia in teens. This is because the first signs of the illness can include a change of friends, a drop in grades, sleep problems, and irritability—common behaviors among teens. A combination of factors can predict schizophrenia in up to 80 percent of youth who are at high risk of developing the illness. These factors include isolating oneself and withdrawing from others, an increase in unusual thoughts and suspicions, and a family history of psychosis. In young people who develop the disease, this stage of the disorder when symptoms are vague and easy to miss is called the prodromal period.

People with schizophrenia may display hostility or aggression. It should be noted, however, that the vast majority of people with schizophrenia are not aggressive and pose much more danger to themselves than to anyone else.

Schizophrenia is typically a chronic condition and people with this diagnosis cope with symptoms throughout life. However, many people with schizophrenia can lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia. In the years to come, this work may help prevent and better treat the illness.

NAMI *

Psychological Today, Retrieved December 22, 2017, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/schizophrenia

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