SCHIZOPHRENIA INFORMATION

I want to share what i have learned about Schizophrenia

1% of the population will suffer from Schizophrenia

The onset of the illness tends to be between 16 and 24 years of age although it can occur later in life in some cases

Symptoms vary from person to person. In most cases a complete break from reality occurs

Schizophrenia has positive symptoms and negative symptoms

positive symptoms-treatment neuroleptic medications

• auditory hallucinations
• visual hallucinations
• paranoia
• delusions
• poor hygiene
• social isolation

negative symptoms-treatment cognitive behavioural therapy

• flattening of emotions
• apathy
• lowered motivation

The Course of Schizophrenia

• 25% completely recover
• 25% much improved relatively independent
• 25% improved but require extensive care
• 15% hospitalized no improvement
• 10% suicide

Myths

• bad parenting causes Schizophrenia
• Schizophrenics are dangerous-(in most cases persons with Schizophrenia are more prone to hurting themselves as apposed to hurting others)
• In some instances people believe the person is possessed