Schizophrenia is a complex biochemical brain disorder whose cause is yet not known. The illness affects each person differently and can follow a varying course over time
Schizophrenia can strike anyone at any time,afflicting 1 in every 100 persons worldwide. Regardless of age, sex race or social background.
Symptoms
· Hallucinations : Like—hearing, seeing, smelling, feeling or tasting things that are not really there
· Delusions—Clinging to steadfast, bizarre beliefs that defy reasons
· Thought disorder—Disorganized and fragmented thinking leading to incoherent and illogical thinking and speech.
· Flatness of affect—Inability to express appropriate emotions
· Bizzare behavior—Out of character, abnormal behavior patterns
· Social withdrawal—Isolation and reclusiveness
Causes of Schizophrenia
The cause of schizophrenia is not known. It is considered however, to be not one, but a group of diseases of the brain, characterized by disordered perception, thinking and feeling. Research is concerned with possible contributing factors, such as genetic or biochemical defects, slow acting viral infections as well as social and environmental influences.
Schizophrenia is treatable
Hospitalization is often necessary for people with schizophrenia during an acute phase of the disease. With the development of neuroleptic drugs, schizophrenia has become significantly more treatable. A number of these medications are prescribed by psychiatrists to lessen the delusions & hallucinations and to help maintain coherent thought.The thrust of research is to develop antipsychotic medication that is more effective in treating the symptoms of the illness with less side effects.
Active involvement of families and other caregivers has proven to be immensely beneficial in alleviating the suffering caused by schizophrenia. In networking with others in a similar situation, family members can utilize their experience to enable the provision of better supports and services.
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