What is Schizophrenia?

Like depression, schizophrenia afflicts persons of all ages, races and economic levels. It effects up to two million Americans during any given year. Its symptoms frighten patients and their loved ones, and those with the disorder may begin to feel isolated as they cope with it.

The term schizophrenia refers to a group of disorders that have common characteristics, though their causes may differ. The hallmark of schizophrenia is a distorted thought pattern. The thoughts of people with Schizophrenia often seem to dart from subject to subject, often in an illogical way. Patients may think others are watching or plotting against them. Often, they lose their self-esteem or withdraw from those close to them.

The disease often affects the five senses. Persons suffering schizophrenia sometimes hear nonexistent sounds, voices or music or see nonexistent images. Because their perceptions do not fit reality, they react inappropriately to the world. In addition, the illness affects the emotions. Patients react in an inappropriate manner or without any visible emotion at all.

Though the symptoms of schizophrenia can appear suddenly during times of great stress, schizophrenia most often develops gradually, and close friends or family might not notice the change in personality as the illness takes initial hold.

Theories about the causes of schizophrenia abound, but research has not yet pinpointed what causes the disease. In recent years, laboratory findings have suggested strongly that schizophrenia is passed on genetically from generation to generation. Scientist have theorized that the disease may be triggered, in some people with this inherited predisposition, by another illness that changes the body's chemistry, an unhappy or violent childhood, a highly stressful situation in adult life or a combination of these. Some think disturbances in brain chemistry or the hormonal system contribute to the disease's development. Some studies have found abnormal levels of some chemicals in the blood and urine of people with schizophrenia. One study has suggested that the alignment of cells in a particular area of the brain goes awry before birth.

Schizophrenia cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Thanks to new treatments, most persons with schizophrenia are able to work, live with their families, and enjoy friends. Very few are ever violent or behave in unacceptable ways. But, like a person with diabetes, the person with schizophrenia probably will have to be under medical care for the rest of his or her life.

Researchers have found a number of antipsychotic medications that aid in the treatment of schizophrenia. Of course, these drugs should be used only under the close supervision of a psychiatrist.

Additionally, psychotherapy can offer understanding, reassurance, and careful insights and suggestions for handling the emotional aspects of the disorder. A change in the patient's living and working environment can reduce stressful situations. A combination of treatments should be tailored to the individual patient's needs.

More information about schizophenia

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