Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a biologically based brain disease. Most people with schizophrenia start experiencing symptoms from the ages of 15-25 for men and 25-35 years for women.

People who have schizophrenia can have a hard time interpreting reality. It can also cause a marked change in thinking, perceptions and behaviour. It has nothing to do with ‘split personality’ or ‘multiple personality’.

Schizophrenia symptoms are split into two kinds: “positive” and “negative”
Positive symptoms are things that are “added” to someone’s personality
Negative symptoms are things that are “lost”, masked or hidden.

Positive symptoms can be:

-hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and speech, agitation

Negative symptoms can be:

-lack of drive or motivation, apathy, social withdrawal and being emotionally unresponsive

Like other mental illnesses people diagnosed with schizophrenia may experience some, all, or a combination of these symptoms.

Doctors and scientists believe schizophrenia happens as a result of a disturbance in the development of the brain. The most popular theory right now is that schizophrenia is caused by genetic factors, although environmental factors may play a role. It is not caused by physiological conflict or stress or drug use. People who have schizophrenia in their family who use drugs may increase their chances of developing it.

There is no cure for schizophrenia but there are a lot of medications for many of the symptoms. Some medication can help a person overcome some or all symptoms. Talk therapy and support groups are also helpful, particularly in helping people adjust to their illness.

If you think you may have schizophrenia, please see a medical profession to be properly diagnosed and to receive support.
If you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and are looking for support, please see our resource links to find information.