Common Questions About Schizophrenia

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe and immobilizing brain disease that tends to develop between late adolescence and early adulthood. Women may not begin to develop symptoms until their thirties. People with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy, managing their emotions, or communicating with others.

Misconceptions abound about schizophrenia, making it one of the most stigmatized of all mental illnesses. People suffering from this disease do not have split personalities and the majority are neither violent nor dangerous to other people, which is a common misconception portrayed by the media. They are more likely to be withdrawn and cause harm to themselves than others. Because of the severity of the symptoms and the chronic nature of this illness, schizophrenia is one of the most debilitating of mental disorders.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

People with schizophrenia may suffer from a multitude of symptoms which come and go in a pattern of relapse and remission. Symptoms may include:

Disordered perceptions of reality:

• Delusions: The individual may believe that people are reading his thoughts or plotting against him, that others are secretly monitoring and threatening him, or that he can control other peoples' minds.
• Hallucinations: These include seeing, feeling, tasting, hearing or smelling something that doesn't really exist. The most common experience is hearing imaginary voices that give commands or makes comments to the individual.

Disordered thinking and expression:

• Individuals may jump from one topic to another in a nonsensical fashion. They may make up their own words or sounds, move more slowly, repeat rhythmic gestures or make movements such as walking in circles or pacing. Sufferers may have difficulty making sense of everyday sights, sounds and feelings.

Emotional flatness or withdrawal:

• People with schizophrenia may show a severe reduction in emotional expression, including limited speaking in a monotonous voice and a flat facial expression. They may also be extremely apathetic, socially withdrawn, and lacking any motivation.

What causes schizophrenia?

Scientists do not know the specific causes of schizophrenia, but research has shown that genetic vulnerability, brain abnormalities, and environmental factors all play a role in the onset of this disease.

How is it treated?

While there is no cure for schizophrenia, antipsychotic medications have been proven to be crucial in relieving the psychotic symptoms of the disease (hallucinations, delusions, etc.). Once these symptoms are controlled, rehabilitative therapy can help people with schizophrenia learn to develop social skills, cope with stress, identify early warning signs of relapse, and prolong periods of remission. Research shows that people with schizophrenia who attend structured rehabilitation programs and continue with their medical treatment manage their illness best. The good news is that many people with schizophrenia can work and live in the community or with their families if they receive continuous, appropriate treatment.

What about the side effects of drugs?

Side effects from antipsychotic drugs can be mild, including sedation, muscle stiffness, slight tremors, and pacing, all of which usually disappear after a few weeks. More serious side effects include movement disorders. Most side effects can be readily treated with dosage adjustments or with medications. Newer medications have far fewer side effects and may be effective in also treating the non-psychotic symptoms of the disease, although weight gain can be a problem with these medications.

How can family and friends help?

It is important that family and friends learn all they can about the disease. Support groups and family therapy can give loved ones a better understanding of the illness, including how to minimize chances for relapse, and when and how to get the patient the appropriate professional care. You can make a big difference in the success of the treatment by helping a person with schizophrenia keep to his or her schedule of medications and follow-up treatments, which are crucial to preventing relapses. Be observant of unusual behavior or signs of a relapse that may indicate a need for immediate medical attention. Remember that maintaining a positive attitude and providing compassion and support play an important role in the recovery process.

For more information, go to: http://www.nimh.nih.gov