Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a disabling brain disease (Read about "The Brain") that most often strikes people in their teens and young adulthood. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately one percent of the population will develop schizophrenia in their lifetime, which translates into over two million Americans in any given year.

What it is and what it isn't

Contrary to a common misconception, schizophrenia is not a split personality. Instead, the hallmarks of schizophrenia are delusions and hallucinations. People with schizophrenia may hear internal voices not heard by others; they may think other people are reading their minds or controlling their thoughts; they may become socially isolated; their speech and behavior may become incomprehensible or frightening to others.

There are degrees of this disease, according to NIMH. Some people may have only one psychotic episode in their lifetime; others may have a number of episodes but be able to recover in between episodes; still others with "chronic" schizophrenia may never be able to function normally, or may need long-term treatment, hospitalization and medication to control their symptoms.

Although schizophrenia may take different forms, there are a number of symptoms that characterize this disease, all marked by a distorted perception of reality. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) says symptoms include:

• hallucinations, which can range from sensory distortions to hearing voices no one else hears
• paranoid delusions or false beliefs that they're being poisoned, cheated or somehow singled out.
• disorganized and illogical thought processes and speech

The disease, and the way it affects how someone thinks, can result in physical manifestations too. For example, a schizophrenic may fidget constantly and be unable to sit or stand still. Or they may go to the opposite extreme and remain immobile and expressionless for hours on end.

In addition, many people with schizophrenia may turn to substance abuse or "self-medication" as a way to cope. The use of alcohol and cigarettes is especially common among people with schizophrenia, according to NIMH.

Treatment

Although there are a number of antipsychotic drugs available that can control some of schizophrenia's symptoms, there is no known "cure," according to NIMH. Scientists are also not sure of the actual cause of schizophrenia, although a number of National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies indicate that brain chemistry imbalances and/or genetic factors may be involved. (Read about "Genetics")

NIMH says one thing we do know is that many of the symptoms of schizophrenia can mimic other conditions. Therefore, before diagnosing schizophrenia, it is important to rule out other problems that produce similar symptoms. According to NAMI, these can include:

• mood disorders, such as major depressive episodes or manic episodes with psychotic features (Read about "Depressive Illnesses")
• schizoaffective disorder (which has features of both mood disorder and schizophrenia)
• delusional disorder (characterized by the presence of recurrent, persistant non-bizarre delusions)
• autistic disorder (Read about "Autism Spectrum Disorders") or personality disorders (especially schizotypal, schizoid or paranoid personality disorders)

If schizophrenia is diagnosed, specific treatment depends on the individual. NIMH says many people with schizophrenia, though not all, will need medication to control their symptoms and that the majority show improvement when treated with antipsychotic drugs. However, a specially trained healthcare provider is essential, especially when it comes to determining the amount of any drug being taken, so that the drug reduces symptoms with minimal troublesome side effects. Depending on the medication, side effects of antipsychotic medications can range from drowsiness and dry mouth to involuntary muscle spasms. Antipsychotic medications can also increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. (Read about "Metabolic Syndrome")

It's also important that patients not discontinue their treatment. Unfortunately, many patients may not be able to make themselves adhere to a treatment plan. For example, they may not want to experience some of the side effects produced by their medication. Or the very disease they're taking the medication for may impair their ability to think and keep track of what they're supposed to do. Although it can be difficult to follow, treatment can pay off. By adhering to the right treatment, NAMI says the success rate for treating schizophrenia is 60 percent.

Family members

Schizophrenia is also painful for families, who can see someone they love change so suddenly. Family members may be angered by common misconceptions that link schizophrenia with violence, even though NAMI and NIH say individuals receiving treatment for schizophrenia are no more prone to violence than anyone else in the general public.

In addition, family members may wind up overwhelmed by their responsibilities as the caretakers. Or they may be frustrated because they can't get their loved one the help they need. For family members as well as patients, therapy and self-help groups can be a vital means of support during difficult times.

Related Information:

    Mental Health

    Suicide Prevention

    Anxiety

    Alcoholism

    Depressive Illnesses