Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects around 1 in 100 people. It is characterised by unusual or bizarre thoughts and emotions that others consider inappropriate. Schizophrenia is not a 'split personality', nor is it an intellectual disability. The term refers to changes in the person's mental and social functioning, when their thoughts and perceptions become disordered.
Symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions and problems with feelings, behaviour, motivation and speech. People may have disorganised thoughts and difficulty concentrating. A collection of such symptoms is sometimes termed psychosis, and can occur in other disorders as well, for example in severe depressive illnesses.
No single cause for schizophrenia has been identified, but a number of different factors are believed to contribute to the condition. Research suggests that certain substances in the brain are involved in the development of the disorder, particularly the neurotransmitter dopamine. Some families show a genetic vulnerability to the illness, perhaps by passing on a gene which is related to dopamine levels. No evidence has been found to support the suggestion that family relationships cause schizophrenia, although some people with schizophrenia may be sensitive to any family tension, which could be associated with relapses.
Environment and lifestyle may also play a role. Stressful incidents will often precede the onset of schizophrenia or an episode of psychosis in a vulnerable person. Some research has also shown an association between substance use and schizophrenia. However, it seems that stress and substance use do not necessarily cause a psychotic illness, but may trigger symptoms in someone who was already vulnerable to the disease.
There is no known cure for schizophrenia. Anti-psychotic medications help to reduce the severity of symptoms, but many do have side-effects and it may take time to find the best treatment for the individual. Counselling and social support are also valuable in learning to manage the illness and in dealing with practical issues.
Schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses may require periods of hospitalisation, when symptoms need to be stabilised or when the illness first develops. Between such episodes, most people with these illnesses live in the community.
Symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions and problems with feelings, behaviour, motivation and speech. People may have disorganised thoughts and difficulty concentrating. A collection of such symptoms is sometimes termed psychosis, and can occur in other disorders as well, for example in severe depressive illnesses.
- Hallucinations - feelings or sensations which do not exist in the external reality, such as hearing voices or seeing things. Voices can be familiar or unfamiliar; a single voice or several voices that talk to each other or comment on the person's behaviour. Visual hallucinations can involve people, figures or flashes of light. Less commonly, people will experience tactile hallucinations, where they think they are being touched, feel an electric shock, or have a sensation of something creeping around under the skin.
- Delusions - beliefs or thoughts which are bizarre and differ from most people in the person's culture and community. Examples include outlandish ideas, unfounded jealousy, believing they have extreme power or knowledge, believing they are being controlled by an external force, believing their thoughts are being broadcast aloud.
No single cause for schizophrenia has been identified, but a number of different factors are believed to contribute to the condition. Research suggests that certain substances in the brain are involved in the development of the disorder, particularly the neurotransmitter dopamine. Some families show a genetic vulnerability to the illness, perhaps by passing on a gene which is related to dopamine levels. No evidence has been found to support the suggestion that family relationships cause schizophrenia, although some people with schizophrenia may be sensitive to any family tension, which could be associated with relapses.
Environment and lifestyle may also play a role. Stressful incidents will often precede the onset of schizophrenia or an episode of psychosis in a vulnerable person. Some research has also shown an association between substance use and schizophrenia. However, it seems that stress and substance use do not necessarily cause a psychotic illness, but may trigger symptoms in someone who was already vulnerable to the disease.
There is no known cure for schizophrenia. Anti-psychotic medications help to reduce the severity of symptoms, but many do have side-effects and it may take time to find the best treatment for the individual. Counselling and social support are also valuable in learning to manage the illness and in dealing with practical issues.
Schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses may require periods of hospitalisation, when symptoms need to be stabilised or when the illness first develops. Between such episodes, most people with these illnesses live in the community.
The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia: http://www.schizophrenia.org.au
SANE Australia: http://www.sane.org
The Schizophrenia Research Institute (formerly NISAD): http://www.schizophreniaresearch.org.au
The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre: www.eppic.org.au
Mental Health First Aid: www.mhfa.com.au/documents/guidelines/8195_MHFA_psychosis_guidelines.pdf
SANE Australia: http://www.sane.org
The Schizophrenia Research Institute (formerly NISAD): http://www.schizophreniaresearch.org.au
The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre: www.eppic.org.au
Mental Health First Aid: www.mhfa.com.au/documents/guidelines/8195_MHFA_psychosis_guidelines.pdf
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