Just what is schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is in fact a mental illness that today afflicts 1 out of every 100 people. The disease usually manifests in a person’s late teenage years or in early adulthood.
To really understand what is schizophrenia, we must examine the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia. These vary from person to person but typically a sufferer will show at least one, if not more, of these symptoms –
1. Delusions
Patients may have the irrational belief that others plan to harm them, or are following them or watching them. Some may have the delusion that they have superhuman power. These beliefs can lead to dangerous situations for the patients and others around them if not treated and managed well.
2. Hallucinations
People with schizophrenia will often times hear, see, feel or even smell something that is not actually there. Severe cases involve hearing 1 or more voices in their heads.
3. Bizarre behavior
Sufferers will act in ways that appear strange or inappropriate to others around them.
4. Disorganized speech
When a person has schizophrenia, he or she might speak in ways that cannot be understood. Their sentences might not make any sense, or they change topics frequently without any relation to what was being discussed, or they might just babble on about nothing in particular.
5. “Negative” symptoms
Patients might lose all motivation or interest in past interests, or not feel emotion or express any emotion any more. They might lose any interest in socializing or interacting with other people.
Over and above the symptoms listed above, people with schizophrenia may lose their ability to perform functions that were considered “routine” before they were afflicted. They might not be able to command the skills or focus they used to have. Worst, they may not be able to handle the stress of a job or the pressure of raising their children.
In severe cases, sufferers will constantly experience hallucinations or other symptoms. Others may experience periods of acute symptoms followed by lull periods when the symptoms do not manifest.
Schizophrenia cannot actually be cured. However, with correct treatment and medication, someone with schizophrenia can manage the disorder and live a fairly normal life. This is the “good news” you can share the next time a loved one or friend, or co-worker asks the question “what is schizophrenia” and can it be cured.
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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