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| Schizophrenia: causes and symptoms |
In Canada, one in every 100 people is diagnosed with schizophrenia. This disease strikes people all over the world, in all cultures and social classes.
Schizophrenia is a serious, chronic and very complex mental disorder. This illness can seriously disrupt the way a person feels, thinks and reacts to what surrounds him or her.
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| They are withdrawn and prefer to remain alone |
Although it is not yet possible to cure it, schizophrenia can be treated. With early screening and rigorous treatments, many affected people can enjoy a productive life.
Symptoms of schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that results from an imbalance in the chemical systems of the brain. Schizophrenia is not synonymous with a duplication of personality.
Symptoms usually develop gradually, although they may appear suddenly. Friends and parents are often the first to take them up. Signs of schizophrenia can be very obivious but also can be very subtle and hard to detect.
Diagnosing schizophrenia
delusions: the belief that people are plotting against us
hallucinations: hearing or seeing things that are not there
disorganized behavior
changes in how to respond to the surrounding environment
the absence of expressions or emotions
problems of concentration
an abridged speech without details
the difficulty of planning with a view to achieving
memory problems
confusion in terms of reflection and discourse
difficulty in holding a conversation
repetitive movements (back and forth) as well as senseless behaviors.
Affected individuals may become depressed or be subject to mood swings, as is the case for bipolar disorder. They also present an increased risk of suicide.
Causes of schizophrenia
The causes of schizophrenia are still unknown. This disease appears to be the result of a combination of problems, involving some genetic vulnerability and environmental factors. The risk of suffering from schizophrenia is higher in cases where a family member suffers from schizophrenia.
Who is affected?
This disease affects men and women equally.
The first symptoms are in men between 16 and 25 years of age and in women between 16 and 35 years
Are people with schizophrenia violent?
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| The majority of people who suffer from schizophrenia are not violent |
The majority of people who suffer from schizophrenia are not violent. On the contrary, they are rather withdrawn and prefer to remain alone. Substance abuse or the presence of paranoid and psychotic symptoms may increase the risk of violence.
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