Schizophrenia: what is it?
Schizophrenia is an illness, a medical condition. It affects the normal functioning of the brain, interfering with a person’s ability to think, feel and act. Some do recover completely, and with time, most find that their symptoms improve. However, for many it is a prolonged illness, which can involve years of distressing symptoms and disability.
People affected by schizophrenia have one ‘personality’, just like everyone else. It is a myth and totally untrue that those affected have a so-called ‘split personality’.
What are the symptoms?
If not receiving treatment, people with schizophrenia experience persistent symptoms of what is called psychosis. These include the following.
- Confused thinking
When acutely ill, people with psychotic symptoms experience disordered thinking. The everyday thoughts that let us live our daily lives become confused and don’t join up properly. - Delusions
A delusion is a false belief held by a person, which is not held by others of the same cultural background. - Hallucinations
The person sees, hears, feels, smells or tastes something that is not actually there. The hallucination is often of disembodied voices, which no one else can hear.
Other associated symptoms are low motivation and changed feelings.
What causes schizophrenia?
The causes of schizophrenia are not fully understood. They are likely to be a combination of hereditary and other factors. It is probable that some people are born with a predisposition to develop this kind of illness, and that certain things, for example, stress or use of drugs such as marijuana, LSD or speed, can trigger their first episode.
How many people develop schizophrenia?
About one in 100 people will develop schizophrenia at some time in their lives. Most of these will be first affected in their late teens and early 20s.
How is schizophrenia treated?
Treatment can do much to reduce and even eliminate the symptoms. Treatment should generally include a combination of medication and community support. Both are usually essential for the best outcome.
- Medication
Certain medications assist the brain to restore its usual chemical balance. This then helps reduce or get rid of some of the symptoms. - Community support programmes
This support should include information; accommodation; help with finding suitable work, training and education; psychosocial rehabilitation and mutual support groups. Understanding and acceptance by the community are also very important.
Last Reviewed: 01 January 2005
