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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
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.
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.
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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