- Schizophrenia is a disease of the brain which affects a
person’s
ability to think, feel, and relate to the environment.
- Schizophrenia
affects 1.5 percent of the general population. It is twice as common
as Alzheimer’s
disease, five times more common than Multiple Sclerosis, and sixty times
more common than Muscular Dystrophy.
- Schizophrenia is not caused by bad parenting
or a personal weakness. Rather, it is a biological illness of the brain.
- Schizophrenia is not a form of Mental Retardation. Mental Retardation
is a developmental disability present from birth that affects one’s
intellectual capacity. On the other hand, Schizophrenia is a mental illness
typically having its onset in adolescence or early adulthood.
Diagnostic
criteria for Schizophrenia (DSM-IV):
- Individuals must have two or more positive symptoms
or a combination of one positive symptom and one or more negative symptoms
for at least one month.
- Social or occupational dysfunction needs to be
present. Ability to function at work, in interpersonal relations, or
self-care will be noticeably below abilities prior to the onset of the
illness.
- Signs
of the illness must persist for at least six months. During this time
some symptoms may subside; however, positive symptoms may be exhibited
in a less severe form.
Symptoms
| Negative Symptoms |
Positive Symptoms |
- Lack of fluency of speech/thought
- Lack of emotional expression
- Lack of motivation and drive
- Lack of capacity to enjoy
|
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disorganized speech
- Disorganized behavior
|
Causes
- Research studies suggest there is a genetic link in Schizophrenia.
The probability of developing Schizophrenia as the offspring of two parents,
neither of whom has the disease, is 1 percent. The probability of developing
Schizophrenia as the offspring of one parent with the disease is approximately
13 percent. The probability of developing Schizophrenia as the offspring
of both parents with the disease is approximately 35 percent.
- Research
has demonstrated that persons with Schizophrenia have functional (including
brain chemicals) and structural differences in the brain.
- It is clear that
genetics is not completely responsible for causing Schizophrenia. Environmental
influences appear to play a role as well. Some environmental influences
that have been suggested to be a possible contributor to the development
of the illness are birth injury and prenatal complications, viral illnesses
in the mother during pregnancy, or other toxins during pregnancy.
- Overall,
Schizophrenia appears to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental
factors.
Treatments
- Medication, known as antipsychotics, is the primary form
of treatment for those diagnosed with Schizophrenia.
- Social and occupational
rehabilitation are often used in conjunction with medication.
- Support groups
for individuals affected by Schizophrenia and their family members are
helpful in facilitating recovery.
Suggested Readings
Surviving Schizophrenia: A Family
Manual by Torrey M.D.,
E. Fuller
The Broken Brain by Andreasen, M.D., Nancy
Schizophrenia
and Manic Depressive Disorder by Torrey, Bowler, Taylor, & Gottesman
Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Causes and
Treatments by Bernheim,
Kayla F.
Coping With Mental Illness in the Family by Hatfield, Agnes
If you or someone you know would like more information on
mental illness or wish to request an educational presentation, please contact:
NAMI IOWA (Alliance for the Mentally Ill
of Iowa)
5911 Meredith Drive Suite E
Des Moines IA 50322-1903
Phone: (515) 254-0417 or (800) 417-0417 IOWA ONLY
Fax: (515) 254-1103
Email: info@namiiowa.com
