Schizophrenia

What is Schizophrenia?

Most often when people hear the the word schizophrenia, immediately what comes to mind is a person with a split personality.  Although schizophrenia does come from the Greek term Schizo "to split or divide". And phreno “mind”, commonly translated as “shattered mind”. It is not similar to a condition known as multiple personality disorder, dissociative identity disorder or “split personality”.A split personality is not one of the symptoms of schizophrenia. 



Schizophrenia is an extremely complex mental disorder. Characterized by disorganized thinking and speech, hallucinations, bizarre delusions, and withdrawal from social activity.
Schizophrenia can develop slowly, sometimes that it is undetectable for a long time, or it can have a sudden onset and progress very quickly. Symptoms usually first appear in early adulthood or adolescence, and the illness affects an estimated 1 in 100 Canadians and their families.

People with schizophrenia can experience one or all of these symptoms:
* Hallucinations
* Delusions ( People with schizophrenia for example my think someone is listening to their thoughts, putting thoughts in their minds or think someone is spying on them.)
* Disorganized behaviour or thoughts ( In conversation they may jump randomly from one random topic to another.)
* Lack of motivation
* Social withdrawal
* Poor concentration
* Irritability

These symptoms may vary from person to person. They can be mild or severe.
People with schizophrenia are likely to have additional conditions including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders.

Some of the established categories include catatonic schizophrenia, disorganized schizophrenia, paranoid schizophrenia, undifferentiated schizophrenia, and residual schizophrenia.

What Causes Schizophrenia?

The Causes of schizophrenia are still not clear. There is strong evidence that genes are involved in causing schizophrenia. Even though the evidence to date is inconclusive, there can also be possible environmental contributors such as prenatal trauma, and viral infections which can contribute to the development of the disease.

Stress and/or drug abuse do not cause schizophrenia, but these factors can set off or worsen symptoms in a person suffering from the disease.

MRI’s and CAT scans show that the area of the brain that controls thought and higher mental functions performs abnormally in those affected with schizophrenia. Research shows that the affected area of the brain may not have developed normally, or may have deteriorated. Research also shows that the spaces which are fluid-filled in the brains of those affected with schizophrenia are likely to be larger than those without the illness.

Can Schizophrenia Be Treated?

There is no method to preventing schizophrenia, and there is no cure. Hospitalization possibly can occur with critical and dangerous episodes of schizophrenia. This can be voluntary or involuntary. There is treatment that can greatly lessen the impact of the disease. A comprehensive treatment program can include:

Anti-psychotic medication, which can help a great deal in helping to maintain logical and coherant thoughts and can help in lessening hallucinations and delusions.

Education and therapy for the affected and their families.  Psychotherapy can help in understanding the disease, help with suggestions for handling emotional affects of the illness, and help provide less stressful living situations.

Social skills training, vocational and recreational support can also help those affected with schizophrenia.

Early diagnosis, and proper continuous treatment with individuals who have schizophrenia can live a full and productive life, and manage their disease. If schizophrenia is left untreated, the disease can result in huge emotional, physical and financial problems to oneself or their families. It can involve homelessness and even suicide.

If you or someone you know is suffering from schizophrenia, and/or you would like to learn more about this illness, visit www.schizophrenia.ca or the Canadian Mental Health Association, which can help you find additional support.