Schizophrenia

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health:

More than 2 million American adults are affected by schizophrenia each year, with one in ten committing suicide.

Schizophrenia is responsible for 22 percent of all mental illness costs in this country, yet only one percent of the population has the disease.

Persons with schizophrenia occupy 22 percent of all psychiatric hospital beds at any given time.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is one of the most complex of all mental health disorders. It involves a severe, chronic, and disabling disturbance of the brain. And, what was once classified as a psychological disease is now classified as a brain disease.

Who is affected by schizophrenia?

Although schizophrenia affects men and women equally, symptoms in men generally begin earlier than in women -- usually in the late teens or early twenties -- as opposed to the later twenties, early thirties as seen in women.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

The following are the most common symptoms of schizophrenia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

Symptoms may include:

• a distorted perception of reality
• confusion
• suspiciousness and/or paranoia
• hallucinations
• illusions
• delusions
• disordered thinking
• inability to manage emotions
• flat affect (emotional expression)
• difficulty in performing functions at work and/or school
• lack of close, interpersonal relationships / social withdrawal
• exaggerated self-worth and/or unrealistic sense of superiority of one's self

One of the most disturbing and puzzling characteristics of schizophrenia is the sudden onset of its psychotic symptoms. The symptoms of schizophrenia may resemble other psychiatric conditions. Consult a physician for diagnosis.

What causes schizophrenia?

There is no known single cause responsible for schizophrenia. It is likely that many factors -- genetic, behavioral, and environmental -- play in a role in the development of this mental health condition.

Treatment for schizophrenia:

Specific treatment for schizophrenia will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

Treatment for schizophrenia is complex -- not only because its causes are not yet known, but because it may not be a single condition. Thus, current treatment for persons with schizophrenia involves both clinical research and experience, all aimed at reducing the symptoms associated with the disorder.

This may include:

• medication (including antipsychotic and antidepressant medications)
• psychological treatment (including family involvement)
• rehabilitation
• self-help and support groups