Schizophrenia

Home » Schizophrenia » Overview

Overview

Schizophrenia is probably the most debilitating and unforgiving of all the mental disorders. It keeps people from functioning at school, at work, in relationships, and in society. Schizophrenia is a disorder characterized primarily by psychotic symptoms, including the following:

• Hallucinations–false visual, auditory, or tactile perceptions without a realistic basis or external cause
• Delusions–exaggerated or distorted thoughts and perceptions of self and others; or unrealistic belief in ability, knowledge, or ideas
• Disorganized thought–including nonsensical associations and disorganized speech
• Disorganized behavior–including aggressiveness and wild gestures
• Difficulty showing or expressing emotion–including flattened behavior (rigid posture, inability to move or talk, unresponsiveness)

Severe psychosis can last for more than 6 months. Its course is different for men and women, and schizophrenia can occur as early as age 15. Because it tends to be a chronically pervasive disease, an early onset implies lifelong debilitating disease.

Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population worldwide, with some countries slightly lower and others slightly higher. In the United States alone, roughly 2,500,000 people suffer from it, the majority of whom live in socioeconomically disadvantaged rural areas.

The impact of schizophrenia on family, workforce, and the economy is devastating. Schizophrenic patients occupy 10% of hospital beds in the United States. The disease costs the United States an estimated 2% of its gross national product in missed work, public assistance, and treatment costs. Schizophrenia affects more people than Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis.

Schizophrenia does not mean "split personality," as popular media too often describe it. Rather, it is a complex, biologically based mental disorder caused by genetics, brain physiology, and other risk factors. Its course is probably influenced by a person's environment, as well as biological makeup. Although it can be incapacitating and is typically incurable, it is treatable with continual medication.

© 1998-2008 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Schizophrenia Resources

	Join Our Schizophrenia Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer