What Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder characterized by abnormal social behavior and the inability to recognize reality. It typically develops in early adulthood or late adolescence, with symptoms that may include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, reduced motivation, and social withdrawal. Schizophrenia affects about one percent of the world’s population and is one of the most disabling conditions known. It can be managed through medication, counseling, and other forms of treatment, but there is no known cure. The symptoms of schizophrenia vary from person to person, so it is important to speak with a doctor if you have any concerns about your symptoms or think you may have the condition. Common signs and symptoms include:
Hallucinations (hearing voices or seeing things that are not there)
Delusions (believing things that are obviously untrue)
Disorganized thinking (confused speech or thoughts)
Lack of motivation (difficulty starting or completing tasks)
Social withdrawal (avoiding contact with other people)
Abnormal movement (agitated body movements or lack of coordination)
If left untreated, schizophrenia can lead to severe complications such as depression, substance abuse, self-harm, homelessness and suicide attempts. Therefore it is important to seek help as soon as possible if you suspect someone close to you may be suffering from schizophrenia. A combination of medication and therapy provided by experienced mental health professionals can help manage the illness over time.
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