Many of us probably think that a person with schizophrenia has a split or multiple personalities, and can't control which personality dominates. At least this is what popular TV and the movies will have us believe. Just how true is this? And what are the real facts about this condition?
Here are some common questions about schizophrenia --
1. What exactly is schizophrenia?
The fact is, schizophrenia is a brain disorder recognized by the medical world. A disorder that can be disabling to the person with the ailment. The condition is a type of psychosis in which the person's thinking is actually impaired to the extent that he or she has problems interpreting what is real and what is not.
2. So does it really result in split or multiple personalities?
Although the term itself literally means split personality, schizophrenia is a much broader medical condition, as earlier described. A split personality is in fact a more uncommon problem that involves what psychologists refer to as "dissociation".
3. When does one get schizophrenia?
Typically, one gets schizophrenia in your teenage years, or when you are in your early twenties.
4. How common is this condition?
Roughly one percent of the population will have schizophrenia at some point in their lives. Currently 2 million Americans suffer from this condition.
5. What causes schizophrenia?
There are many potential causes, including --
- Genetics ie a family history
- Bipolar disorder
- Alzheimer's disease
- Stroke
- Chemical or structural abnormalities in the brain
- Drug abuse
- Psychological, social, biological or environmental factors
6. What are the symptoms?
Someone with schizophrenia may --
- Believe that other people are reading their minds, exercising mind control over them or planning to hurt them
- Be delusional
- Be incoherent
- Be violent
- Be argumentative
- Hear voices that nobody else hears
- Lack an appetite
7. Can it be cured?
The symptoms associated with schizophrenia can largely be treated. However, patients will have to live with some residual symptoms even after successful treatment.
8. How dangerous is someone with this disorder?
The good news is most people suffering from this disorder are not dangerous, nor are they a physical threat to family and friends during the treatment period.
Schizophrenia might appear to be a condition to fear but there's really no reason to. The solution is to understand it and how it should be treated. There is no reason why you, or your family member or friend can't receive the right treatment and live full happy lives long after.
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. |
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