Schizophrenia: What you need to know
Schizophrenia is a serious disorder which affects how a person
thinks, feels and acts. Someone with schizophrenia may have
difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is
imaginary; may be unresponsive or withdrawn; and may have
difficulty expressing normal emotions in social situations.
Contrary to public perception, schizophrenia is not split
personality or multiple personality. The vast majority of people
with schizophrenia are not violent and do not pose a danger to
others. Schizophrenia is not caused by childhood experiences, poor
parenting or lack of willpower, nor are the symptoms identical for
each person.
Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder
The two major mood disorders are unipolar depression and bipolar
or manic-depressive illness.
What causes schizophrenia?
The cause of schizophrenia is still unclear. Some theories about
the cause of this disease include: genetics (heredity), biology
(the imbalance in the brain’s chemistry); and/or possible
viral infections and immune disorders.
Genetics (Heredity). Scientists recognize that the disorder tends
to run in families and that a person inherits a tendency to develop
the disease. Schizophrenia may also be triggered by environmental
events, such as viral infections or highly stressful situations or
a combination of both. Similar to some other genetically-related
illnesses, schizophrenia appears when the body undergoes hormonal
and physical changes, like those that occur during puberty in the
teen and young adult years.
Chemistry. Genetics help to determine how the brain uses certain
chemicals. People with schizophrenia have a chemical imbalance of
brain chemicals (serotonin and dopamine) which are
neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters allow nerve cells in the
brain to send messages to each other. The imbalance of these
chemicals affects the way a person’s brain reacts to
stimuli--which explains why a person with schizophrenia may be
overwhelmed by sensory information (loud music or bright lights)
which other people can easily handle. This problem in processing
different sounds, sights, smells and tastes can also lead to
hallucinations or delusions.
What are the early warning signs of schizophrenia?
The signs of schizophrenia are different for everyone. Symptoms
may develop slowly over months or years, or may appear very
abruptly. The disease may come and go in cycles of relapse and
remission.
Behaviors that are early warning signs of schizophrenia
include:
Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the world population. In the
United States one in a hundred people, about 2.5 million, have this
disease. It knows no racial, cultural or economic boundaries.
Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 13 and 25, but often
appear earlier in males than females.
If you or a loved one experience several of these symptoms for more
than two weeks, seek help immediately.
What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?
A medical or mental health professional may use the following
terms when discussing the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Positive symptoms are disturbances that are “added” to
the person’s personality.
Negative symptoms are capabilities that are “lost”
from the person’s personality.
What are the different types of schizophrenia?
Paranoid schizophrenia
-- a person feels extremely suspicious, persecuted, or grandiose,
or experiences a combination of these emotions.
Disorganized schizophrenia
-- a person is often incoherent in speech and thought, but may not
have delusions.
Catatonic schizophrenia --
a person is withdrawn, mute, negative and often assumes very
unusual body positions.
Residual schizophrenia -- a
person is no longer experiencing delusions or hallucinations, but
has no motivation or interest in life.
Schizoaffective disorder--a
person has symptoms of both schizophrenia and a major mood disorder
such as depression.
No cure for schizophrenia has been discovered, but with proper
treatment, many people with this illness can lead productive and
fulfilling lives.
What treatments are available for schizophrenia?
If you suspect someone you know is experiencing symptoms of
schizophrenia, encourage them to see a medical or mental health
professional immediately. Early treatment--even as early as the
first episode--can mean a better long-term outcome.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
While no cure for schizophrenia exists, many people with this
illness can lead productive and fulfilling lives with the proper
treatment. Recovery is possible through a variety of services,
including medication and rehabilitation programs. Rehabilitation
can help a person recover the confidence and skills needed to live
a productive and independent life in the community. Types of
services that help a person with schizophrenia include:
Antipsychotic Medication
The new generation of antipsychotic medications help people with
schizophrenia to live fulfilling lives. They help to reduce the
biochemical imbalances that cause schizophrenia and decrease the
likelihood of relapse. Like all medications, however,
anti-psychotic medications should be taken only under the
supervision of a mental health professional.
There are two major types of antipsychotic medication:
Side effects are common with antipsychotic drugs. They range
from mild side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision,
constipation, drowsiness and dizziness which usually disappear
after a few weeks to more serious side effects such as trouble with
muscle control, pacing, tremors and facial ticks. The newer
generation of drugs have fewer side effects. However, it is
important to talk with your mental health professional before
making any changes in medication since many side effects can be
controlled.
For more information contact your local Mental Health
Association, community mental health center, or for additional
resources, please call 1-800-969-NMHA.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
1-800-950-NAM
National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression
(NARSAD)
1-800-829-8289
National Institute of Mental Health
301-443-4513
Family members or caregivers of a person with schizophrenia can
refer to NMHA’s “Mental Illness in the Family”
brochure series, available through NMHA’s Information
Center:
Part 1- Recognizing the Warning Signs and How to Cope
Part 2- Guidelines for Seeking care
Part 3- Guidelines for Hospitalization
NMHA offers additional pamphlets on a variety of mental health
topics. For more information or to order multiple copies of
pamphlets, please call 1-800-969-NMHA
NMHA's Campaign for America's Mental Health works to raise
awareness that mental illnesses are common, real and treatable
illnesses and ensure that those most at-risk receive proper, timely
and effective treatment.
