Schizophrenia
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Definition:
Schizophrenia is a
chronic, severe, and disabling mental disorder that affects approximately 1 percent of the population
at some point in their lifetime. The disorder often develops earlier in men, usually in the late teens
or early twenties, while women typically develop the disorder in their twenties
and early thirties. People with schizophrenia often experience hallucinations
(usually hearing voices not heard by others) or delusions (believing that other people
are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them).
Persons with schizophrenia usually have disturbed interpersonal
relationships. They are often fearful and withdrawn, with disorganized speech and behavior.
Treatment almost always includes medications. Newer medications are more
effective than older ones and have fewer side effects.Also Known As:
Thought disorder, paranoid schizophrenia (which
is actually a subtype), psychosis
Common Misspellings:
skizophrenia, schisophrenia
Related Resources:
Schizophrenia
- What is it?
Information from the National Institute of Mental Health on Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia - It's Not What You
Think
Schizophrenia has nothing to do with split personality. It is a serious
treatable mental disorder.
Schizophrenia Resources
Internet resources concerning Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders.
Atypical Antipsychotic Medications
The atypical antipsychotic medications are the first line treatment for
Schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia-Related Gene Site
Reported
Researchers are closing in on the genetic basis for schizophrenia.
Elsewhere on the Web:
Schizophrenia
- MEDLINE Plus
The National Library of Medicine has compiled these resources on the subject of
Schizophrenia.
Have
a Disorder, Build a Website - Schizophrenia
Some amazing efforts from people suffering from a debilitating diseaseThe
Experience of Schizophrenia
Ian Chovil helps us understand schizophrenia from the inside out
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