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Schizophrenia
 
 
 

ON THIS PAGE: Signs and Symptoms | Coping | Online Information

Schizophrenia is one of the most debilitating and misunderstood mental disorders. It has a devastating effect on both those who have the disorder and their families and friends, both because of the severe effects and because of misconceptions and stigma associated with it.

Clearing up misconceptions about schizophrenia

Unfortunately, there are many typical misconceptions about schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is not split personality. People with schizophrenia are not automatically violent criminals. And schizophrenia is not caused by bad parenting or character flaws. Most importantly, you are not alone. Over two million people in the United States have schizophrenia. Information, resources, and support are available.

Schizophrenia is more similar to a chronic medical condition like diabetes. Although there is no cure for diabetes, with proper medication and care, it can be treated. The same for schizophrenia. With advances in research and treatment, many persons with schizophrenia are able to lead independent lives.

What are some of the causes of schizophrenia? Scientists still are unsure of the exact cause. They suspect that different brain chemistry and even different brain structure may cause the problems of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia has a genetic component; it occurs more often in those with a family history of schizophrenia, for example. But that's not the whole study. Factors affecting a person's development- such as a viral infection that occurs while still in the womb- may also play a role.

Signs and symptoms of schizophrenia

John thought he was getting special messages from the TV. Grace hears voices that no one else can hear. Don's speech is so disorganized that his sentences don't make sense. Lisa stays in the same position for hours at a time. Fred is so agitated he can't sit still.

Do all of these people have schizophrenia? Not necessarily! The symptoms of schizophrenia can be hard to pin down. There is no laboratory test for schizophrenia. And there's no single symptom that indicates schizophrenia, either. There are many different symptoms, and they can change over time. Symptoms of schizophrenia can also be caused by other conditions, such as a general medical condition, substance abuse, and other mental disorders such as bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder.

A specific combination of symptoms needs to be present for at least six months before a diagnosis of schizophrenia can be made. These symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations, disrupted thoughts and behavior, and what are called negative symptoms. More

Coping with schizophrenia

Medication is an important component of schizophrenia treatment. The websites in the Online Information section below can help you educate yourself about the types of medication available and current advances. However, these sites only provide general information. Talk with a health professional about any specific questions you have about medication.

However, medication alone does not solve the challenges of managing schizophrenia. What about the day-to-day issues- coping socially, managing the illness, supporting oneself? Psychosocial therapy can help with these issues. Psychosocial therapy refers to a range of treatments including psychotherapy (talking therapy), and vocational and social rehabilitation.

Knowing about rights in getting treatment is also a big step in ensuring the best care. Insurance coverage of mental illness has many challenges. Depending on the situation, persons with schizophrenia may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicare, or Medicaid.

People with schizophrenia are at a higher risk for suicide. Take any indications of suicide seriously. Please see Helpguide's suicide section for more information.

Online information about schizophrenia

Signs and symptoms of schizophrenia

MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine, is a good starting place for overviews, current research, and treatment for schizophrenia.

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is a nonprofit, self-help, support and advocacy organization of those with severe mental illness and their family and friends. Their website is a good starting point for more information on schizophrenia, including treatments, coping skills and information for families.

The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) is a nonprofit organization that works to improve mental health through advocacy, education, research and service. Their website provides facts on schizophrenia.

The National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) provides a section on schizophrenia with symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and current research.

The National Mental Health Association has a fact sheet entitled: Finding the Right Mental Health Care for you.

Coping with schizophrenia

NAMI provides a list of current medications for mental illness, including schizophrenia, as well as additional information on some of the medications used to treat schizophrenia and their side effects.

The American Psychiatric Association also has a fact sheet on medications used to treat mental disorders, including schizophrenia.

NAMI provides a useful factsheet outlining some of the types of psychosocial therapy available.

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill provides a fact sheet on Social Security and Disability Benefits.

Support groups, information lines, and other resources

NAMI has a toll free HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Here, you can get more information about schizophrenia, talk with someone who is a family member or who has the disorder, and get more information on how to reach a local support organization. NAMI California also provides a listing of local NAMI affiliates in California.

The NMHA Resource Center ( 1-800-969-NMHA (800-969-6642 ), TTY line for the hearing impaired: 1-800-433-5959), is a resource for information on mental illnesses and treatments, and referrals for local treatment services. 340 affiliates nationwide, accessible through NMHA's affiliate directory, provide services such as support groups, rehabilitation, socialization, and housing services.

Schizophrenia.com has a lively online community for schizophrenia. The discussion boards include areas for those diagnosed with schizophrenia, parents, siblings and offspring, and are a good source of support.

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