how does one develop schizophrenia, when does it tend to show up (what age), and what causes it? also, if you know any good websites i can use for references, please list them. thank you =D
2007-10-23 09:36:31 · 6 answers · asked by music ♥ 5 in Health ➔ Mental Health
It tends to be genetic and can show up anytime, not sure.
Take my dad for instance. He seemed normal his entire life, until he hit college, at 20 or 21 he started acting differently, like to the point he was scaring others. He went to the doctors and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He is now 43 and still refuses help. He will not take meds or go to counselling even tho he badly needs help.
http://www.schizophrenia.ca/english/index.php
http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=3-100
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml
Here are a few good websites that have info on schizophrenia.
2007-10-23 09:48:04 · answer #1 · answered by Annie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Schizophrenia is a brain disease, just like diabetes is a disease of the pancreas.
It usually manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood, but there are cases where it can occur after age 40.
There are various theories as to what causes it. The current theory says that dopamine (a neurotransmitter in the brain) is involved. Also, all people with schizophrenia carry a gene for it, but NOT ALL PEOPLE WITH THE GENE DEVELOP it. What makes people develop it? Various factors - there is no "perfect formula" but it varies with each person.
Illegal drugs do not CAUSE schizophrenia, but they do worsen its symptoms and can be a trigger for a first schizophrenic episode.
There are lots of other factors.
Here are a few websites to check out:
www.schizophrenia.com
www.nimh.nih.gov/health/ topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml
Hope that helps. The "NIMH" website is particularly good. You can also check out www.nami.org
2007-10-23 10:07:04 · answer #2 · answered by Emily J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Schizophrenia is a label that covers a whole spectrum of disorders; it is not a single disease. I am a schizophrenia paranoia patient and if you want to know more about this disorder from the pen of a sufferer then go to my profile and read the questions and answers on the subject there. Or e-mail me with your questions. It is good to get a good overall view of the disorders.
Type in "schizophrenia" into Yahoo! web search and a number of informative links comes up. Wikipedia has a good summary.
Good luck in your understanding of the disorders, good mental health, peace and Love!
2007-10-23 10:54:57 · answer #3 · answered by Mad Mac 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
schizophrenia usually shows up between the ages of 18 and 22. It is a brain disorder, considered on the Axis to be a mental illness. The causes for this disease are really up for speculation. Go onto WebMD and look it up there. Good luck to you.
2007-10-23 09:46:23 · answer #4 · answered by Azure M 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well it is a disorder of an unknown cause characterized by a separation between thought processes and the emotions, a distortion of reality
2007-10-23 12:13:16 · answer #5 · answered by storm 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it ususally shows during puberty the most. It can decrease in effect the older you get
2007-10-23 09:44:37 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋