Happy Schizophrenia Awareness Week! This is probably one of the most stigmatised disorders out there so I figured I'd do some research and try to spread a little acceptance where I can
Disclaimer: I do not have schizophrenia, so some of the stuff I say might be unintentionally hurtful or inaccurate - if you want to make any corrections, or just contribute anything at all to this, please let me know in comments or notes! Any edits requested will be left anonymous unless you ask to be identified
What Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterised by a disconnect from reality, episodes of psychosis involving hallucinations and periods of reduced functioning. It can affect people's thoughts, perceptions and behaviour and impacts all aspects of life. It's quite a common disorder, affecting about 1 in 100 people worldwide. It usually develops from the late teens to the early 30s. There are a fe types of schizophrenia, the most common being paranoid schizophrenia, but there are also disorganised schizophrenia and catatonic schizophrenia.
Symptoms include:
- delusions (false beliefs that cannot be altered by evidence)
- hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things that aren't there)
- disorganised speech (in disorganised schizophrenia)
- disorganised behaviour (extreme or inappropriate actions)
- depression and social withdrawal
- hostility or suspiciousness
- inability to express emotion
- inappropriate laughter or crying
- oversleeping or insomnia
- odd or irrational statements
- lack of pleasure in activities
- self-neglect (not showering, preparing meals or cleaning)
- emotionless face
- muscle spasms
- awkward gait
Genetics are thought to play a large factor in the development of schizophrenia, and many genes are thought to be involved. Generally it is thought that people are predisposed to develop the disorder, then environmental factors will trigger it. Such factors can include: pregnancy and birth complications, drug abuse, trauma and severe stress.
What Does Treatment Involve?
Treatment for schizophrenia is becoming increasingly more successful! Many people achieve a full recovery or become able to manage their symptoms. Anti-psychotic medication can reduce hallucinations and delusions and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help to give new coping methods and symptom management.
What Are Some Myths About Schizophrenia?
- People with schizophrenia are violent and uncontrollable
Schizophrenics are no more likely to be violent than anyone else - in fact, quite the opposite. They are far more likely to be victims of abuse than other people.
- Schizophrenics have multiple personalities
This is an entirely different disorder altogether. People with schizophrenia do not experience the splitting of personalities in any degree, unless they also have some kind of identity disorder, (the class of disorder involved with fragmented or multiple personalities).
- Bad parenting is the cause
As mentioned before, genetic and environmental factors are the main contributors to developing schizophrenia - parenting has nothing to do with it.
- Schizophrenics are not smart
Although many experience troubles with memory, attention and problem solving, many people with schizophrenia have a higher than average IQ and with treatment, are able to hold down successful relationships and careers!
As I said before, schizophrenia is probably one of the most stigmatised disorders there is, but never forget that they are doing their best and they are certainly not just their disorder!
I got this information from a range of different websites, but some of it may not be accurate
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Where do you get your research from?