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Schizophrenia is a serious and challenging medical illness that affects more than 2 million adults in the U.S. Although it is often feared and misunderstood, schizophrenia is a treatable mental condition. It often interferes with a person's ability to think clearly, distinguish reality from fantasy, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others.
The first signs of schizophrenia typically emerge during the teenage years or early twenties, often later for females. Most people with schizophrenia deal with the illness chronically throughout their lives and are often stigmatized by lack of public understanding about the disease. It is not caused by bad parenting or personal weakness. People with schizophrenia do not have a split personality and are generally not dangerous or violent toward others while they are receiving treatment.
Symptoms of schizophrenia include:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations (hearing, feeling, seeing, smelling or tasting things that aren't present)
- Disorganized speech
- Grossly disorganized behavior
- Non-expressive
- Inability to speak or refusing to speak
- Paranoia
- Immobility
When several of the symptoms of schizophrenia occur at the same time, last longer than two weeks and interfere with normal function, social activities or relationships with others, professional treatment is needed. Call 818-409-8347 to speak to a mental health professional.
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