Schizophrenia Done by : Aya Makkawi

Definition: schizophrenia is a serious, chronic metal class of disorder-a disease of the brain- that is characterized by loss of contact with reality and disturbances of thought, mood, and perception. It is also known as a “split mind”; the person is in a world that has nothing to do with everyday experiences.

Schizophrenia is the most chronic and disabling of the major mental illnesses, it is a lifelong disease that cannot be cured. It can usually be controlled with proper treatment.

About 1% of Americans have this illness, which translates to about 2 million people. however, it occurs in 10% of people who have a first-degree relative with Schizophrenia. Even having a second-degree relative with the disorder increases the likelihood that an individual will develop Schizophrenia. The identical twin of an individual with this disorder has the highest probability (a 40-50% chance) of developing it. 

Experts don't know what causes schizophrenia Experts don't know what causes schizophrenia. In some people, brain chemistry and brain structure are not normal. Family history may be a factor. Schizophrenia is not caused by anything a person did, or by personal weakness, bad choices, or a person's upbringing.  

Schizophrenia affects men about one and a half times more commonly than women. Men tend to have more severe symptoms than women do. Symptoms of schizophrenia usually start in the late teens to mid-20s for men and the late 20s to 30s for women. The symptoms may start suddenly or happen gradually.

Most individuals with Schizophrenia are not violent  Most individuals with Schizophrenia are not violent.  The vast majority of violent crimes are committed by people who do not have this disorder. Substance abuse, and/or lack of active treatment may increase the risk of violence in an individual with Schizophrenia, however Individuals with Schizophrenia have a much higher risk for attempting and completing suicide than the general population, but taking medication to manage symptoms of Schizophrenia can greatly reduce this risk.  

Types: There are four different subtypes of Schizophrenia - Catatonic, Paranoid,  Disorganized, and Residual - each with their own set of symptoms.  Even individuals with the same type of Schizophrenia may experience different symptoms from one another.

There is no known cure for Schizophrenia at this time; however, this disorder is highly treatable. It is a chronic illness that can be managed, similar to diabetes or heart disease.  

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Q:Schizophrenia is the most disabling of all mental illnesses? True False Next

Q:There are 50 million people with schizophrenia in America? True False Back Next

Q:You are more likely to develop Schizophrenia if you have a relative with Schizophrenia? True False Back Next

Q:Schizophrenia is almost always caused by the use of street drugs? True False Back Next

Q:Schizophrenia affects more men than women? True False Back Next

Q: Men has more severe symptoms at the onset of schizophrenia? True False Back Next

Q:People with Schizophrenia are more likely to commit violent crimes than the general population? True False Back Next

Q:Individuals with Schizophrenia have a much higher risk for attempting and completing suicide than the general population? True False Back Next

Q:All individuals with Schizophrenia experience the same symptoms? True False Back Next

Q:Schizophrenia is curable. True False Back Next

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