First of all i have to start by saying that schizophrenia to me personally, is one of the scariest disorders that I've heard about. I mean really, hearing voices and being in a state of mind where you see and hear things that are unreasonable and cant even make sense to anyone besides the person who is going through this SCARY, needless to say, disorder.
I cant imagine being so scared of having someone telling me to hurt myself or others to the point where its not reasonable anymore that i would rather try to end my life then continue with that agony. That is exactly how people with schizophrenia feel at times.
Schizophrenia affects men and women equally. It occurs at similar rates in all ethnic groups around the world. Symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions usually start between ages 16 and 30. Men tend to experience symptoms a little earlier than women. Most of the time, people do not get schizophrenia after age 45. Schizophrenia rarely occurs in children, but awareness of childhood-onset schizophrenia is increasing.
Schizophrenia consists of a person having delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and behavior, and the weak or absence signs of emotion, speech, and socialization. This disorder affects about 1% of people only. The diagnosis is not an easy task and its not easy to diagnose, because some of the characteristics of schizophrenia are ones that are seen in other disorders and of course, schizophrenia is not exactly figured out as to how someone ends up having this disorder. is it genetically inherited or does the environment or other influences affect how one obtains this disorder? this has not been 100% figured out yet, because many hypothesis are being explained, but none are 100% sure.
Because the causes of schizophrenia are still unknown, treatments focus on eliminating the symptoms of the disease. Treatments include anti-psychotic medications and various psychosocial treatments. Treatment helps relieve many symptoms of schizophrenia, but most people who have the disorder cope with symptoms throughout their lives. However, many people with schizophrenia can lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities.
Anti-psychotic medications have been available since the mid-1950's. The older types are called conventional or "typical" anti-psychotics. In the 1990's, new anti-psychotic medications were developed. These new medications are called second generation, or "atypical" anti-psychotics.
The outlook for people with schizophrenia continues to improve. Although there is no cure, treatments that work well are available. Many people with schizophrenia improve enough to lead independent, satisfying lives.
It would be difficult to imagine how a schizophenic person feels or thinks. I am glad there is more research being conducted in attempt to understand the disorder and help those affect by it. I found it very interesting that men slightly more effected and have an earlier onset. I had always thought it would have been reversed where schizophrenia effects women more. I know a man who maybe has schizophenia but I don't know for sure. I think this because I think I have witnessed him hallucinate and when he talks it is difficult to understand what he is talking about. He would get a lot of bad looks but I always tried to treat him like everyone else. he would say things like he spoke to aliens and that he was an alien. It would be hard to describe him but what I mean to say is I am glad schizophrenic individuals are being better treated and research is still being conducted.
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