Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that affects about 1.1 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. It is not the same as "split personality". People with schizophrenia sometimes hear voices others don't hear, believe that others are broadcasting their thoughts to the world, or become convinced that others are plotting to harm them. These experiences can make them fearful and withdrawn, and cause difficulties when they try to have relationships with others.
Scientists are unsure exactly what causes schizophrenia but have found that genetic differences, environmental influences, and differences in brain structure and function are factors. Treatment can help relieve many symptoms of schizophrenia. While most people who have the illness cope with symptoms throughout their lives, many are able to lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia. In the years to come, this work may help prevent and better treat the illness.
People with schizophrenia tend to experience:
- Hallucinations: seeing, hearing, smelling or feeling things that no one else is experiencing. Voices are the most common type of hallucination in schizophrenia.
- A decline in social functioning and an increase in isolating themselves.
- Delusions, such as believing they have super-natural powers, they are being sent messages through the television or other outlets, or they are someone else, such as a famous historical figure.
- Talking in a garbled way that is hard to understand, or stopping abruptly in the middle of a thought.
- Agitated body movements, repetition of certain body movements over and over, or going into a catatonic state.
- Trouble understanding information and using it to make decisions.
- Trouble executing everyday tasks, such as personal hygiene.