SCHIZOPHRENIA

Many people confuse schizophrenia with multiple personality disorder. It is actually something very different. Schizophrenia does not mean a split personality. Schizophrenia is a type of psychotic disorder.

People are said to have this when they show two or more of these signs over a 6-month period:

delusions, which are unshakable false beliefs
hallucinations, usually hearing voices
speech that does not make sense
very odd behavior and
lack of normal behaviors, such as lack of speech or lack of emotion

In addition, they must also have problems at work or home for at least 6 months before this diagnosis can be made. Other possible problems have to be excluded to diagnose schizophrenia.

You may hear about "positive" and "negative" signs of schizophrenia. Positive signs are present in a schizophrenic but not in an average person. These include hallucinations and delusions. Negative signs include the lack of emotion and the inability to set goals and meet them.

Schizophrenia usually starts in the late teens or in the twenties. A few people have been diagnosed in childhood and some after age 40. Several million people in the United States are affected. It occurs slightly more often in men than in women. Schizophrenia typically runs in families, but can occur in a family with no history of it.

There are several different types of schizophrenia. In general, the treatment and outlook is similar for most types. People diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia may have a better chance of being able to work and live independently. Unfortunately, they may also be the most likely to become violent. Treatment for schizophrenics includes medicines, psychotherapy, training to get along better with others, and education about their illness.

Newer, better medicines are constantly being developed that have fewer side effects. Many medications can help, especially with the positive symptoms of hallucinations and delusions. Some of the medicines can cause side effects of tiredness, weight gain, shakiness, or restlessness. Most must be taken for life.

Support groups and supportive psychotherapy can also help. Support groups can be helpful for the family of someone with schizophrenia. For more information contact the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill at 800-950-6264.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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