Schizophrenia

5 Pages 1301 Words

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects one’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others. Schizophrenia typically starts during the teenage years or early adulthood and continues throughout life. The disease can occur earlier in childhood as well but it rarely occurs. Schizophrenia is often misdiagnosed. As a result, many people suffer for years before receiving appropriate treatment.
People with schizophrenia often suffer terrifying symptoms such as hearing internal voices not heard by others, or believing that other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. Symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinating, delusions, disordered thinking, unusual speech or behavior, and social withdrawal impair the ability to interact with others. These symptoms may leave them fearful and withdrawn. Their speech and behavior can be so disorganized that they may be incomprehensible or frightening to others. Available treatments can relieve many symptoms, but most people with schizophrenia continue to suffer some symptoms throughout their lives. It has been estimated that no more than one in five individuals recovers completely.
Schizophrenia is found all over the world. The severity of the symptoms and long-lasting, chronic pattern of schizophrenia often cause a high degree of disability. Medications and other treatments for schizophrenia, when used regularly and as prescribed, can help reduce and control the distressing symptoms of the illness. However, some people are not greatly helped by available treatments or may prematurely discontinue treatment because of unpleasant side effects or other reasons. Even when treatment is effective, consequences of the illness persist. They may lose out on opportunities, the residual symptoms, and medication side effects can be very troubling.
The first signs of schizophrenia often appear as confusing, or even sh...