Download Schizophrenia Definition

Schizophrenia
Psychosis - a split from reality,
whereby hallucinations and
delusions are experienced Schizophrenia and Bi-polar
Disorder are types of psychosis
Schizophrenia Definition
• A disturbance involving delusions,
hallucinations, disorganized speech
and/or disorganized or catatonic
behaviour. A deterioration of a
person’s ability to function at work,
school and/or socially also occurs.
Prevalence
• 1 in 100 people (twice as common as
Alzheimer’s)
Early Warning Signs
• withdrawl from activities and social contacts
• sleep disturbances
• irrational, angry or fearful responses to
friends and family
• hearing voices or seeing people that others
don’t see
• deterioration of personal hygiene
• sudden excesses (such as extreme religiosity
or extreme activity)
• paranoia and mood swings
• inappropriate use of language (words don’t
make sense)
Diagnosis
• long and difficult process - a series of
tests is done to rule out other causes
of the symptoms (ie. drug use or a
brain tumour)
• symptoms must be continuous for at
least 6 months
Causes
• we don’t know the cause
• genetics, structural brain
abnormalities, an abundance of
dopamine, prenatal factors, and
factors during pregnancy all may play a
part
Treatment
• mainly treated with medication and
counselling
• drugs are successful in 80-90% of
patients if they keep taking them
• ECT is used in only the most severe
cases
Effects on Individuals,
Families and Society
• can be very difficult to live with
• families can feel guilt or burdened
• it is estimated that $4 billion is spent in
Canada annually on treating schizophrenia
and its effects
• but with proper medication and support
quality of life can be good!
Schizophrenia Summary
• it’s a brain disease
• the age of onset is usually between 15 and
25 years
• the cause is not fully understood
• like most mental illness, it is treatable with
medication (but not “curable”)
• it is relatively common (1 in 100)
• early intervention is key to reducing
symptoms and improving quality of life
Reputable Websites for
Further Info
www.schizophrenia.ca
www.mentalhealth.com
www.openthedoors.com