Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder that occurs in about 1% of the population. It is a chronic disorder that has affected people throughout history.
The symptoms can frighten people with the illness. This can make them withdrawn or agitated. Individuals with schizophrenia may hear voices or see things other people do not hear or see. In some cases there are “delusions” a belief that continues, even in the face of conflicting information. Examples are the belief that some one is watching them or “out to get them”. Society is affected by this disorder, there are myths associated with schizophrenia and individuals are often avoided and ignored. Violent behavior is generally uncommon. Many people have problems holding a job or may be unable to take care of the activities of daily living.
Some of the more common symptom’s of schizophrenia fall into three broad categories: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms. Individuals will have two or more symptoms which occur over time.
Symptoms
- Hallucinations are things a person sees, hears, smells, or feels that no one else can see, hear, smell, or feel
- Delusions are false beliefs that are not part of the person's culture and do not change
- Thought disorders are unusual ways of thinking
- Movement disorders may appear as agitated body movements
Additional symptoms are more subtle
- Flat affect (a person's face does not move or he or she talks in a dull or monotonous voice)
- Lack of pleasure in everyday life
- Lack of ability to begin and sustain planned activities
- Speaking little, even when forced to interact
Cognitive symptoms are more subtle
- The ability to understand information and use it
- There is trouble focusing or paying attention
- There are problems with memory, the ability to use information immediately after learning it
The causes of the illness are not known. Generally the first incident is experienced in late teens to mid 20’s. Treatments include anti-psychotic medications and various community based psychosocial treatments and support services. These treatments help relieve many symptoms of schizophrenia, but most people cope with symptoms throughout their lives. Many people live rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities with proper treatment.