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Schizophrenia is a disease of the brain charachterized
by disturbed thinking, strange behavior, and inappropriate emotional
expression. It is the most disabling of all mental illnesses.
People who suffer from untreated schizophrenia
have increasing difficulty with work, home, school, and social functioning.
This illness affects people of all ages, races and economic levels.
The affected individual withdraws and isolates themselves in an
attempt to cope with symtoms that are very frightening and confusing.
Family and friends are also alarmed at the unexplained changes in
behavior and are uncertain how to help.
Schizophrenia usually begins between the late teens
and mid-thirties. Incidents prior to the teen years are rare. The
disease waxes and wanes in some persons that remain relativily stable.
Other less fortunate individuals experience an increased worsening
of symtoms which can lead to severe disability.
Signs of Schizophrenia can include:
- A decline of work, school, home or social functioning
- Apathy and increased social withdrawl
- Decreased attention to personel hygiene
- Disorganized speech and/or behavior
- Absence of emotional expression
- Delusions (false beliefs)
- Hallucinations (perceptions of things that are,
in fact, nonexistent) frequently in the form of hearing voices
If you or someone you know appears
to suffer from schizophrenia, call for help.
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