can anybody tell me wht is schizophrenia?

Answer 1

Schizophrenia is NOT multiple personalities, those are two totally different illnesses!! I have a very close family member with the disease, so not only have I read up a lot about it, but I have seen first hand how people lucky enough to have it are affected by it.

Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding schizophrenia, which lead to unnecessary fear, ignorance and stigmatisation. These misunderstandings are largely attributable to the media who tend to distort the condition, and through the misuse of words relating to schizophrenia in everyday language. Below I will explain some of the most common myths.

Myth: Schizophrenia is a split personality

Fact: A split personality, in which two or more personalities exist within the same person, is a rare psychiatric illness called ‘dissociative disorder’. People with schizophrenia have only ONE personality. The word ‘schizophrenia’ comes from the Greek word meaning ‘split’ and this is perhaps where the confusion started. However, schizophrenia is a split from reality rather than a split in personality.

Myth: People with schizophrenia are violent

Fact: This is another very common and unfounded myth, which is exacerbated by the media. People who have schizophrenia are no more likely to be violent than any other group in society. There is, however, an increased risk of self-harm among people with schizophrenia. Because of the nature of the illness, violence is self-directed either through fear, delusional thinking or the decision to ‘no longer cope’ with the illness. It is fair to say that a person with schizophrenia has more to fear from the general community than the reverse, as they are often on the receiving end of quite severe stigmatisation, misunderstanding and outright discrimination.

Myth: The family causes schizophrenia

Fact: In the past, family dysfunction has been implicated in the cause of schizophrenia. Research has failed to support this causal link. The guilt and self-blame promoted by this belief presents a strong potential for harm (both for the person with schizophrenia and the carer). Accordingly, family interventions based on this idea should never be used. However, family conflict can impact on the course of schizophrenia. When people with schizophrenia live in a setting with high levels of emotional conflict, criticism, and over-protection/involvement they have an increased rate of relapse compared to people with schizophrenia who live in settings without these characteristics. Therefore family interventions that encourage effective coping strategies and teach problem-solving skills can be very beneficial.

Myth: There is no hope of people with schizophrenia recovering

Fact: A diagnosis of schizophrenia does not necessarily mean that a lifelong illness is inevitable. People do improve and recover and hope is regarded as an essential ingredient for this recovery.

There are a number of signs and symptoms that are characteristic of schizophrenia. However, the expression of these symptoms varies greatly from one individual to another. No one symptom is common to all people and not everyone who displays these symptoms has schizophrenia (as some physical conditions can mimic schizophrenia).

Generally speaking, symptoms are divided into two groups, ‘active’ symptoms (also referred to as ‘positive’ or psychotic symptoms) that reflect new or unusual forms of thought and behaviour, and ‘passive’ symptoms (also referred to as ‘negative’ symptoms), which reflect a loss of previous feelings and abilities.

Positive / Negative Symptoms:

Delusions

Delusions are false personal beliefs held with extraordinary conviction in spite of what others believe and in spite of obvious proof or evidence to the contrary. For example, a person experiencing delusions may believe that thoughts are being inserted into their mind or that they have special powers or are someone famous (for example Jesus Christ or Elvis). People may also think that they are being spied on, tormented, followed or tricked, or may believe that gestures or comments are directed specifically at them. Delusions will occur during some stage of the disorder in 90% of people who experience schizophrenia.

Hallucinations

These are unusual or unexplained sensations, which are most commonly heard but can also be seen, touched, tasted or smelt. For example, the person may hear voices repeating or mimicking their thoughts, commenting on their actions (often in a critical manner), or they may hear voices arguing with one another. Auditory hallucinations occur in 50% of people with schizophrenia, while visual hallucinations occur in 15%.

Disorganised Thinking

This is a change in patterns of thinking and is usually expressed through abnormal spoken language. For example, the person’s conversation jumps erratically from one topic to another, new words may be created, the grammatical structure of language may break down, and speech may greatly speed up or slow down. Most people with schizophrenia will experience some degree of disorganised thinking.

Disorganised Behaviour

A person with schizophrenia may display behaviour that is considered inappropriate according to usual social norms, such as wearing unusual clothing, muttering aloud in public, or inappropriately shouting or swearing.

Negative / Passive Symptoms:

Withdrawal / Loss of Motivation

This may involve lack of energy, apathy or seeming absence of interest in things which loss of motivations were once previously enjoyed. There may be feelings of isolation and difficulties keeping up with work, school or daily routine.

Loss of feelings

This may manifest itself as an inability to experience pleasure in social and recreational activities or in close relationships. The ability to express or feel emotions can be greatly reduced, and consequently relationships can be severely affected.

Poverty of Speech

The amount of speech is greatly reduced and may sometimes be vague or repetitious. People may be slow in responding to questions or they may not respond at all.

Flat Presentation

This can be indicated by unchanging facial expressions, poor or no eye contact, reduced body language and decreased spontaneous movements. A person experiencing flattened affect may stare vacantly into space and speak in a flat toneless voice.

Cognitive Impairments

Although not included in diagnostic criteria, cognitive impairments such as problems with attention, concentration and memory, are often present in people with schizophrenia.

Brain disorders, like heart disease and diabetes, are legitimate medical illnesses. Research shows there are genetic and biological causes for psychiatric disorders, and they can be treated effectively.

It is completely false that people with schizophrenia are violent. While there are some that are, most are not. Statistics show that the incidence of violence in people who have a brain disorder is not much higher than it is in the general population. Those suffering from schizophrenia are much more often frightened, confused and despairing than violent.

Most experts agree that a genetic susceptibility, combined with other risk factors, leads to a psychiatric disorder. In other words, mental illnesses have a physical cause. It is not something one can control. A serious mental illness cannot be willed away. Ignoring the problem does not make it go away, either. It takes courage to seek professional help.

Schizophrenia is often confused with multiple personality disorder. Actually, schizophrenia is a brain disorder that robs people of their ability to think clearly and logically. The estimated 2.5 million Americans with schizophrenia have symptoms ranging from social withdrawal to hallucinations and delusions. Medication has helped many of these individuals to lead fulfilling, productive lives.

Answer 2

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric prognosis that describes a intellectual ailment characterised via impairments within the belief or expression of truth and/or via enormous social or occupational disorder.

Answer 3

schizophrenia is a mental disease marked by a breakdown in the relation between thoughts, feelings, and actions, and often with delusions and retreat from social life

Answer 4

Schizophrenia is a complex brain disorder which affects one in 100 (about 190,000) Australians. The illness is characterised by a breakdown of thinking, emotions and a loss of contact with reality. It usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and occurs at equal rates across all races, cultures, classes and sexes. About 20 to 30 per cent of people with schizophrenia experience only a few brief episodes, for others it may become a chronic condition.

Symptoms can vary
Symptoms of schizophrenia include:

Hallucinations
Delusions
Thought disorders
Social withdrawal
Lack of motivation
'Blunted' emotions
Inappropriate responses
Lack of insight.
Not all people affected by schizophrenia have all these symptoms. And some symptoms appear only for short periods or 'episodes'.

Hallucinations and delusions explained
Hallucinations and delusions are psychotic symptoms. Hallucinations can involve hearing, seeing, tasting, feeling or smelling something that does not exist and which the sufferer is unable to distinguish from reality. Similarly, delusions (unfounded beliefs of persecution, guilt or grandeur) seem utterly real to the person experiencing them. Thought disorders manifest as disconnected, illogical speech.

Social isolation - a major problem
While these psychotic symptoms are more alarming, other symptoms reinforce the alienation of people with schizophrenia. They are often unable to participate in normal social events or conversations and lack sufficient motivation for simple activities like bathing or cooking. In addition, sufferers lack the insight to recognise how their inappropriate behaviour appears to others.

Schizophrenia is not a split personality
There are many myths about schizophrenia. Sufferers do not have 'split personalities', and they are not intellectually disabled. While aggression may occur among a minority of patients during an untreated acute episode, it is usually self-directed.

Current treatments for schizophrenia
Medication, hospitalisation, and rehabilitation are the best forms of treatment. Hospitalisation is only necessary during crises; normal living can resume once symptoms subside. Effective antipsychotic (neuroleptic) medications with minimal side effects, enable many people with schizophrenia to lead full and productive lives. Antipsychotic drugs help stabilise some symptoms but do not cure the disease. Some people need to stay on the drugs to prevent relapse.

Carers, guardianship and rights
If people with schizophrenia are unable to manage their own affairs, their carers may take out power of attorney. The Public Trustee and Guardianship and Administration Board can assist to manage finances in some circumstances. If there are concerns about the appropriateness of treatment, the Health Services Complaints Commission, the Office of the Public Advocate, or the Equal Opportunity Office may provide help.

Current research
Schizophrenia is highly complex. While research to date has yielded several valuable 'leads', the exact cause of the illness is not yet known. Several lines of research are currently being pursued at the Mental Health Research Institute. Some of these include:
Biochemical research in Australia aims to develop new antipsychotic medications.
A protein that appears altered in people with schizophrenia has been identified - this may be relevant to the development of future drug treatments.
Structural changes have been found in the hippocampus (a brain region involved in memory and thinking) after the onset of psychotic symptoms. This suggests that, during the period of transition to illness, brain changes are actively occurring. These findings may help researchers find ways to prevent or reduce the impact of schizophrenia. Clinical studies have shown reduced cognitive (thought) processes are associated with reductions in volume of the right hippocampus; these deficits with duration of illness.
Laboratory research examining the protective effect of oestrogen in schizophrenia, may have implications for delaying the onset of illness and treating negative symptoms.
Information gathered on the behavioural, thought, hearing and structural brain abnormalities related to auditory hallucinations or 'hearing voices', have provided new insights into the nature of auditory hallucinations. Researchers are developing techniques to help people cope with 'the voices'.
Clinical research has led to the development of resources for professionals to support families where children are living with mentally ill parents.
The Institute monitors 8,500 people throughout Australia who are receiving the antipsychotic drug, clozapine, which can cause blood related side effects in a small percentage of consumers. Related research is examining the mechanisms underlying this side effect.
Clinical studies have shown reduced cognitive (thought) processes are associated with reductions in volume of the right hippocampus. The reduced thought processes become worse over the course of the illness.
Where to get help
Your doctor
The Richmond Fellowship
Schizophrenia Fellowship
SANE Australia Helpline Tel. 1800 18 SANE (7263)
Community mental health centres
Things to remember
Schizophrenia is a complex brain disorder which affects about 190,000 Australians.
Sufferers do not have 'split personalities', and they are not intellectually disabled.
The cause of the illness is not yet known but research has yielded several important clues. Researchers are actively investigating different aspects of this disease.
The newer generation of drugs help stabilise psychotic symptoms - with minimal side effects - but do not cure the disease.

Answer 5

SCHIZOPHRENIA IS A SICKNESS THAT CAUSES SOMEONE TO TURN INTO SOMEONE ELSE AND TO ACTUALLY BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE SOMEONE ELSE.
BASICALLY THEY HAVE AN ALTER PERSONALITY, LIKE JEKYL AND HYDE!
HOPE THIS HELPED