Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects the lives of not only the patient but the whole family is affected and disturbed. People who have it may hear voices, see things that aren't there or believe that others are reading or controlling their minds. However, when these symptoms are treated properly, a large segment of patients greatly improve over time.

In men, symptoms usually start in the late teens and early 20s. For women, they start in the mid-20s to early 30s.

Chief symptoms of Schizophrenia include:

• Hallucinations (seeing things which are not there)
• Delusion of hearing (hearing voices which no one else can hear)
• Delusions of control
• Unusual thoughts or perceptions
• Disorders of movement
• Difficulty speaking and expressing emotion
• Problems with attention, memory and organization

These symptoms may leave them fearful and withdrawn. Their speech and behaviour can be so disorganized that they may be incomprehensible or frightening to others. 

Symptoms of Schizophrenia differ from person to person and can fluctuate over time. When the disease is active, it can be characterized by episodes in which the patient is unable to distinguish between real and unreal experiences

Most people with schizophrenia are not dangerous or violent.

They also are not homeless nor do they live in hospitals. The majority of people with schizophrenia reside with family, in group homes, or on their own.

However, some people are not greatly helped by available treatments or may prematurely discontinue treatment because of unpleasant side effects or other reasons.

Even when treatment is effective, persisting consequences of the illness, lost opportunities, stigma, residual symptoms, and medication side effects may be very troubling.