schizophrenia

=//Schizophrenia// -= is a mental illness that affects more than 2 million American adults. Schizophrenia makes it hard for people to do certain things. For example: They may not relate well to other people.
 * They may not be able to think clearly.
 * They may not know the difference between what is real and what is not real.
 * They may have trouble managing emotions.
 * They may have a hard time making decisions.

**What happens?**
Here are some things that can happen in people with this disease: They may develop an extreme focus on religion or the occult.
 * They may hear or see things that are not there.
 * They may feel as if they are being watched.
 * They may experience a change in self-care or personal appearance.
 * They may experience a change in personality.
 * They may feel angry or fearful toward loved ones.
 * They may act in ways that are strange or out of place.

No one knows the exact causes of schizophrenia. Experts have found that certain factors may increase the risk. These factors may be found in a person's genes. Imbalances of certain chemicals in the brain are thought to lead to symptoms of the illness. Medicine plays a key role in balancing these chemicals.

Currently, there is no physical or lab that can diagnose schizophrenia. The diagnosis is usually based on clinical symptoms. Physical testing can rule out other conditions such as seizures or a brain tumor. There is research being done on evaluating possible diagnostic tests, but these are still in the trial stages.

Who Get's Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia can affect both men and women. It is usually seen in men between the ages of 15 and 25 and in women between 25 and 35. Research also indicates that a child with 1 parent who has schizophrenia is 10 times more likely to get the disease than a child who doesn't have a parent with it.

Signs and Symptoms

 * **Hallucinations** may be seen, heard, felt, tasted, or smelled. Hearing voices that other people do not hear is the most common type of schizophrenia symptoms.
 * **Delusions** can make someone believe things that are false, even when someone else explains the truth. Delusions can make people feel that someone is "out to get them."
 * **Disordered thinking** happens when a person has little or no ability to "think straight." Thoughts may come and go quickly. Or it may be hard to focus on one thought for very long.
 * **Flat emotions** occur when a person stops showing the signs of normal emotions or speaks in a voice that sounds flat with little or no expression. A person may lose interest in life and withdraw from family, friends, and social events.

Possible Treatments
Most people improve when they take medicines. These medicines are usually long-term. __Therapy and Counseling__ Some of these programs focus on social areas: > > Education of family members allows them to: > Family and peer support can be a big help to those who have schizophrenia.
 * Work counseling
 * Job training
 * Problem-solving skills
 * Money management skills
 * Daily activity and life skills
 * Social skills training
 * Understand problems related to the illness
 * Learn ways to reduce the patient's chance of symptoms returning
 * Know the different kinds of outpatient and family services available after the patient is released from the hospital

[|Pictures of the Brain] (This shows you the brain in schizophrenia).

Prevalence of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is the fourth-leading cause of disability in people ages 15-44.



(Internet Mental Health)

"About Schizophrenia." __Geodon__. 2007. Pfizer. 17 Jan. 2008 .
 * Sources:**

Long, Phillip W. "Schizophrenia." __Internet Mental Health__. 18 Jan. 2008 <[|http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-ps01.html>.]

"Schizophrenia Symptoms." __Schizophrenia.Com__. NARSAD. 17 Jan. 2008 .