Schizophrenia

Don't let Schizophrenia ruin your life! Find the Light here at our Online Support Group!

What I know personally about Schizophrenia is that it is a horrible affliction. After watching "A Beautiful Mind", starring Russell Crowe, I became all too familiar with it. Reading the book "A Beautiful Mind" was definitely an eye opener. It is nothing like the movie. John Nash wasn't as warm and fuzzy as the movie portrayed.

Anyway, the movie is an excellent source for this type of illness, yet it portrays a very RARE individual that beat it supposedly without medication. Now, not all Schizophrenics have this mind power, but the movie inspires anyone with a thought disorder to beat the odds and realize their full potential. Read on for some fascinating facts. Oh, let me say one more thing, if you have suffered from the Manic symptoms of Bipolar, you can relate to this illness.

Intro To Schizophrenia-A life Example

Can you relate to this?:

"Adam "was a wonderfully, sweet young man," his mother said. He was a high school athlete and captain of his team, active in his college fraternity, a good student. He had graduated from college and started working while studying for a professional certification exam when something inside him changed. . . Adam stopped being careful about his personal appearance. He told his parents he suspected them of communicating with each other in secret ways, such as in sign language which he couldn't understand. He began to hear his mother's voice in his head and he asked her why she was sending him messages. . . he was diagnosed with schizophrenia", http://www.schizophrenia.com

If you can relate to this, you may have Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia, a disease of the brain, is one of the most disabling and emotionally devastating illnesses known to man. Because there is so little known about it, and because it is so SCARY, there has been little research on Schizophrenia. Unfortunately, sufferers have been dealing with a terrible stigma therefore, they may or may not go to get help.

Schizophrenia Defined

According to http://www.schizophrenia.com Schizophrenia is not a split personality, but a rare and very different disorder. Like cancer and diabetes, schizophrenia has a biological basis; it is not caused by bad parenting or personal weakness. Schizophrenia is, in fact, a relatively common disease, with an estimated one percent to one and a half percent of the U.S. population being diagnosed with it over the course of their lives. While there is no known cure for schizophrenia, it is a very treatable disease. Most of those afflicted by schizophrenia respond to drug therapy, and many are able to lead productive and fulfilling lives.

Schizophrenic Symptoms

Schizophrenia is characterized by a myriad of distinctive and predictable symptoms. The symptoms that are most commonly associated with the disease are called positive symptoms, that denote the presence of grossly abnormal behavior. These include thought disorder, delusions, and hallucinations.

Thought disorder is the diminished ability to think clearly and logically. Often it is manifested by disconnected and nonsensical language that renders the person with schizophrenia incapable of participating in conversation, contributing to his alienation from his family, friends, and society.

Delusions are common among individuals with schizophrenia. An affected person may believe that he is being conspired against (called "paranoid delusion"). "Broadcasting" describes a type of delusion in which the individual with this illness believes that his thoughts can be heard by others.

Hallucinations can be heard, seen, or even felt; most often they take the form of voices heard only by the afflicted person. Such voices may describe the person's actions, warn him of danger or tell him what to do. At times the individual may hear several voices carrying on a conversation. Less obvious than the "positive symptoms" but equally serious are the deficit or negative symptoms that represent the absence of normal behavior. These include flat or blunted affect (i.e. lack of emotional expression), apathy, and social withdrawal.

Schizophrenia Treatment

"Hospitalization is often necessary in cases of acute (severe) schizophrenia. This ensures the safety of the affected person, while allowing for observation by trained mental health professionals to determine whether schizophrenia is the appropriate diagnosis. Hospitalization also allows for the initiation of medication under close supervision. Antipsychotic drugs (also called neuroleptics), available since the 1950s, can dramatically improve the functioning of people with schizophrenia. Once the most troubling symptoms are controlled by medication, the person often does not require hospitalization. Depending on the seriousness of the disease, the person may utilize day programs, rehabilitation facilities, and be treated in an outpatient setting. This allows the psychiatrist to adjust medication dosages as necessary over the course of the disease. The person may also need assistance in readjusting to society once his or her symptoms are controlled. Supportive counseling or psychotherapy may be appropriate for these individuals as a source of friendship, encouragement, and practical advice during this process. Relatives and friends can also assist in rebuilding the person's social skills. Such support is very important." http://www.schizophrenia.com

How can we help you with Schizophrenia?

The Find the Light organization has put together some valuable support options and resources. Please check out our  Members-Only Message Board. You can also email me for a more personal touch. WE DO NOT SELL OR DISTRIBUTE EMAIL ADDRESSES. We are a not for profit site so there is no interest in giving away valuable user information. I hold all information on my private server that is controlled by us. You can be assured your privacy with Find the Light Online Support Group.