What Do You Know About Schizophrenia?

State of Mind

(May 25, 2006) -- Most of us know very little about schizophrenia. Often we base our impressions on images from the news and entertainment industries, representations frequently based on myths, misconceptions, archaic beliefs and sometimes the desire to get a laugh (Jim Carey's characterization in "Me, Myself and Irene").

Writers of movies, TV shows and newspapers sometimes use terms such as "psycho," "schizo," "insane" and "crazy" to describe unusual behavior in others, such as murderers and even animals. The words inevitably become associated with people who have schizophrenia.

Superficial images fuel widely held negative stereotypes: That people with schizophrenia are lazy, dangerous, weak-minded, lacking in intelligence, incapable of making a worthwhile contribution, beyond help and - worst of all - responsible for their illness. These false beliefs lead us to stigmatize and discriminate against people who desperately need our help and understanding. Education is the gateway to that understanding.

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder with no known cure and an unknown cause, although it is thought to be caused by a combination of hereditary (genetic predisposition) and environmental factors (such as an intrauterine viral infection).

It is found in 2.2 million American adults, approximately one percent of the world's population. It knows no cultural, racial or economic boundaries. Schizophrenia has been diagnosed in children as young as 5 but rarely appears before puberty. It usually becomes evident in the late teens to early 20s, and earlier in men than women.

Schizophrenia affects a person's ability to think, feel and act, although specific symptoms vary from person to person.

Positive symptoms (something "added"):

• Hallucinations - things a person sees, hears, smells or feels that no one else experiences. "Voices" are the most common hallucination.

• Delusions - false beliefs that do not change despite proof to the contrary. A person with schizophrenia may believe he or she is someone else, or that others want to harass, hurt or kill him or her.

• Disorganized thinking, including confused speech. The person may make up words or sounds, or speak them out of order. They may jump from one topic to another with no apparent connection, or may stop mid-thought, unable to finish.

Negative symptoms (something decreased or absent):

• Decreased expression - immobile facial expression, monotonous voice.

• Decreased ability to start and finish tasks.

• Lack of pleasure in everyday life and activities.

• Speech that is brief and lacks content.

Cognitive symptoms:

• Decreased ability to absorb and interpret information and make decisions.

• Decreased attention span.

• Decreased memory.

Antipsychotic medications can treat the symptoms, but effects of schizophrenia can still be overwhelming and devastating. Imagine trying to live your life with any one of the symptoms, let alone five or more. Worse, most Americans with schizophrenia live in poverty, as victims of prejudice and discrimination with no sense of self-worth.

There is hope. Research and treatment since the 1990s has focused on "recovery," with treatment and services driven by the person's desires rather than the provider's decisions. Such care derives from a sense of hope for the person and the future.

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With help from medications and the support of loved ones and mental health providers, people with schizophrenia are recovering and rediscovering life. They are deciding what is important, then setting goals and developing plans to reach their goals. They are becoming students, doctors, lawyers, teachers and counselors - whatever they choose. Russell Crowe's portrayal of a real person with schizophrenia in "A Beautiful Mind" is a perfect example.

You can help. Don't perpetuate stereotypes. Be supportive and encouraging to those with mental illness. Believe in them so they will believe in themselves. You can hope, too.

Last updated: 6/06

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