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What is schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a complex brain disorder, which affects about one in a 100 or between 150,000 and 200,000 Americans. The illness is characterised by disruptions to thinking and emotions, and a distorted perception of reality. It usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and does not spare any race, culture, class or sex.

About 20 to 30 per cent of people with schizophrenia experience only a few brief episodes. For others, it is a chronic condition. Ten per cent of people with schizophrenia commit Symptoms include: lack of insight.

Not all people affected by schizophrenia have all these symptoms.

Some symptoms appear only for short periods or ‘episodes’

Hallucinations and delusions are psychotic symptoms

Hallucinations can involve hearing, seeing, tasting, feeling or smelling something that does not exist, but which the sufferer believes is real. Similarly, delusions are unfounded beliefs, for example, of persecution, guilt or grandeur that seem utterly real to the person experiencing them. Thought disorder manifests as disconnected, illogical speech.

While these psychotic symptoms are more alarming, other symptoms reinforce the alienation of people with schizophrenia. They are often unable to participate in normal social events or conversations, and lack sufficient motivation for simple activities like bathing or cooking.

In addition, sufferers lack the insight to recognise how their inappropriate behaviour appears to others.

There are many myths about schizophrenia

Sufferers do not have ‘split personalities’ and they are not intellectually disabled. While aggression may occur among a minority of patients during an untreated acute episode, it is uncommon and not like that portrayed in the media of serial killers or ‘psychopaths’.

Medication, hospital care and rehabilitation are the best forms of treatment

Admission to hospital is only necessary during crises; normal living can resume once symptoms subside. Effective enable many people with schizophrenia to lead full and productive lives. Antipsychotic drugs help stabilise some symptoms, but do not cure the disease and are frequently associated with side effects.

Most people need to stay on medication to prevent relapse. Some people with schizophrenia may be unable to manage their own affairs and their carers may take out a power of attorney. In some situations, applications may be made to the Guardianship List of the for a Guardianship Order concerning finances, medical treatment, accommodation and other related issues.

If there are concerns about the appropriateness of treatment, you can contact: Schizophrenia is highly complex. The exact cause of the illness is not yet known, although research to date has yielded several valuable ‘leads’. Several lines of research are currently being pursued at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.

Some of these include: Molecular research aims to develop new antipsychotic medications. A protein that appears altered in people with schizophrenia has been identified – this may be relevant to the development of future drug treatments. Structural changes have been found in the hippocampus (a brain region involved in memory and thinking) after the onset of psychotic symptoms.

This suggests that brain changes are actively occurring during the period of transition to illness. This may help researchers find ways to prevent or reduce the impact of schizophrenia. Clinical studies have shown reduced cognitive (thought) processes are associated with reductions in volume of the right hippocampus; these deficits increase during the illness.

Research looking at the protective effect of oestrogen in schizophrenia may help with delaying the onset of illness and treating negative symptoms. Information about the behavioural, thought, hearing and structural brain abnormalities related to auditory hallucinations, or ‘hearing voices’, has provided new insights into the nature of auditory hallucinations.

Researchers are developing techniques to help people cope with ‘the voices’.

Clinical research has led to the development of resources for professionals to support families where children are living with mentally ill parents. Clinical researchers are collecting data as part of an international study of families in which there is a clearly inherited pattern of the illness.

Symptoms of schizophrenia hallucinations delusions thought disorder social withdrawal lack of motivation ‘blunted’ emotions inappropriate responses impaired thinking and memory Hallucinations, delusions and thought disorder Social isolation – a major problem Schizophrenia is not a split personality Current treatments for schizophrenia antipsychotic medications Carers, guardianship and rights Michigann Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) the Mental Health and WellbeingCommission (MHWC) Independent Mental Health Advocacy the Office of the Public Advocate the Equal Opportunity Office Current research Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Psychiatrist Mind United States (616) 555-0400 The Mental Illness Fellowship of United States (08) 8272 1018 SANE United States Helpline 1800 187 263.

Key Points

  • Ten per cent of people with schizophrenia commit Symptoms include: lack of insight
  • Not all people affected by schizophrenia have all these symptoms
  • Some symptoms appear only for short periods or ‘episodes’
  • Hallucinations and delusions are psychotic symptoms
  • While these psychotic symptoms are more alarming, other symptoms reinforce the alienation of people with schizophrenia