Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe chronic brain disease that is estimated to affect 1 percent of the population at some point in their lifetime.  Schizophrenia afflicts nearly two million persons in the United States of America alone.  This disease affects men and women in an uncannily similar fashion, however there are developmental stage differences and time periods for the progression of schizophrenia.  The disease develops earlier in men, between their late teens to early 20s.  Women experience the onset a decade later, typically mid 20s to early 30s.

Regardless of the age of onset, the seriousness of these symptoms and their complications cannot be ignored in patients.  Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, hearing voices, difficulty in communicating or conveying emotions, and the belief that others can read or control their minds.  These symptoms may drive some victims of schizophrenia to become withdrawn or solitary in the hopes of thwarting any plots against them or the fear that someone is actually trying to hurt them.  Seemingly, absurd and abnormal statements and actions are commonplace in those suffering from schizophrenia in progressed stages.  The insanity and mental turmoil schizophrenia causes individuals leads to high levels of substance abuse, commitment to institutions, and in some instances, suicide.  With treatment and medication, all these negative outcomes are avoidable by those suffering from schizophrenia.

The causes of schizophrenia are not completely understood, but it is believed that genetics and chemical imbalances in the brain are the primary causes.  Medications and therapies can help improve the lives of sufferers, but the trick is finding the right one.  A psychiatrist can help guide those suffering from schizophrenia in finding the correct medications and preventing series outbursts of periods of psychosis during the interim.  There is no one-treatment that works on everyone, and only a psychiatrist can help find the correct and maintainable one for each person suffering from schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is very rare in adolescents, though there are reported cases in children as young as five.  People with this tormenting disease might appear to be distant or aloof and may sit in the same place for hours without moving or speaking.  Sometimes their affliction will cause them to continuously move about, constantly busy, attentive, and aware.  Research of this disorder is steadily producing new and safer treatments options for victims and their families.

Do you know someone who is suffering from Schizophrenia? Contact one of our psychiatrists today to discuss what treatment options are available!

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