Famous People With Schizophrenia |
Throughout history, there have been quite a few recorded cases of famous people with schizophrenia. They include –
John Nash, Mathematician, Nobel Prize Winner in Economics
Among famous people with schizophrenia, Nash stood out. He was a brilliant mathematician who suddenly developed schizophrenia while still fairly young. He battled with the disease for 30 years and won, when in 1994, he won the Nobel Prize in Economics. His story is told in the 2001 movie “A Beautiful Mind”.
Lionel Aldridge, Football Star, Super Bowl winner
Aldridge was a football star who played for the Green Bay Packers in the 1960’s. A true winner, his career highlights included 3 world championships inclusive of 2 Super Bowls. Aldridge suffered from Paranoia Schizophrenia and battled his illness for 10 years, living out 2 years of his life homeless on the streets of Milwaukee.
Meera Popkin, Broadway performer and star
Popkin starred in Broadway and West End hit shows like “Cats” and “Miss Saigon” but was unfortunately diagnosed with schizophrenia while in the midst of her career. After a 10-year battle, she has now recovered. Happily married, Popkin has also become a mother.
Peter Green, Rock Start, Member of the group Fleetwood Mac
A tragic case of schizophrenia brought on by the abuse of drugs, Green was a guitarist with the rock group Fleetwood Mac. A battle he fought for years in hospitals and treatment clinics, Green’s unpredictable behavior was documented in the media. Fully recovered, he now lives a quiet life in Surrey England.
Jim Gordon, prolific drummer to the stars
One of the greatest drummers of the 60’s and 70’s, Gordon played for luminaries like eric Clapton, John Lennon, the Beach Boys, the Everly Brothers, Joe Cocker, Frank Zappa, Carly Simon, Joan Baez and George Harrison. Through drug abuse, Gordon developed Paranoid Schizophrenia, and began to hear voices, particularly that of his mother. Tragically, his disease overwhelmed him and he brutally murdered his mother in 1983. Convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 16 years to life, Gordon served most of his time in a State Hospital.
Antonin Artuad, a French playwright, actor, director and poet
Artuad lived in the first half of the 20th century and was famed for his plays, poems and acting. Although not definite, based on current diagnostic criteria, Artuad is today thought to have suffered from schizophrenia.
Mary Todd Lincoln, wife to Abraham Lincoln
Mrs Todd Lincoln lived from 1818 to 1882 and was the wife of the 16th President of the United States. After becoming a widow, Mrs Lincoln suffered from depression and was committed to a mental asylum for a few months.
Among the famous people with schizophrenia described above, it is worth noting that Artuad and Mrs Mary Todd Lincoln were “probable” (although not totally certain) sufferers of the disorder.
Important Fact #1: Possible Signs Of Schizophrenia
Look out for any of the following signs of schizophrenia -- paranoia, delusions, inactivity or hyperactivity, unusual/strange or lack of emotional responses, over or under sensitivity, self-imposed social isolation, hostility, lack of interest in proper personal hygiene and extreme depression. |
Important Fact #2: Mention Of Suicide
Patients with schizophrenia are more likely to try taking their lives. At all times, take any mention of suicide by them seriously and seek medical assistance. |
Important Fact #3: Curing Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia cannot be completely cured. However medical experts will tell you that 90% of people with the disorder can look forward to recovering to a degree that will enable them to function and lead happy lives. |
|
|