What Is Schizophrenia?

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What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects 24 million people (1 in 300 people)worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. While schizophrenia is not as common as other mental illnesses, it can be very serious and cause significant impairment in the person’s life, family, relationships, work and social aspects.

Who does schizophrenia affect?

The onset of schizophrenia is often in late adolescence to 20s to early 30s, and onset is usually earlier in men than women. Schizophrenia is a commonly misconceived disorder and unfortunately heavily stigmatized and discriminated against in society. This can really impact the lives of people suffering from schizophrenia, and in extreme cases of neglect they may even experience violation of human rights, homelessness, abuse, and abandonment. Those with schizophrenia commonly do not receive adequate mental health care support (and some do not receive care at all), and there is a serious lack of community support.

Causes of schizophrenia

Research shows that the possible causes of schizophrenia may include genetics, environment, brain structure or chemical changes, substance abuse, lifestyle factors, social factors, and more.  

Signs and symptoms of schizophrenia

  • Delusions: fixed, firmly held beliefs that something is true, despite clear evidence of the contrary.
  • Hallucinations: the experience of hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting or feeling things that are not there. These feelings are experienced as real, although they are not present. Auditory hallucinations, hearing voices or sounds in the head, are common in those with schizophrenia
  • Disorganized speech and thinking: when thoughts and speech are jumbled or irrelevant or do not make sense
  • Disorganized behavior: the behavior appears bizarre, purposeless, inappropriate or abnormal responses, affecting daily functioning
  • Negative symptoms: impaired emotional expression, reduced speech, reduced interest or pleasure, social withdrawal, reduced awareness of environment

Treatment of schizophrenia

Treatment options for schizophrenia include medication, psychotherapy, psychosocial rehabilitation, psychoeducation and social support. Psychosocial rehabilitation, coping skills, life management skills and training can help with recovery. Family and social support is essential, and support groups may also be helpful. Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of schizophrenia is important to be able to recognize the condition early and reach out for help and treatment right away.