Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects about 1% of Americans. People with this condition may hear fictional sounds, see imaginary scenery, or have unrealistic feelings about others’ beliefs.
These feelings can scare people and lead to abnormal behaviors.
Although there is no definitive treatment for this disease, it can be controlled by treatment methods. Contrary to common misconceptions, schizophrenia is not a multiple personality disorder.
The symptoms of it include:
- Hallucinations: Hear or see imaginary things;
- Delusions: Strongly false beliefs;
- Paranoia: Fearing that others are plotting against you
- Lack of awareness to the symptoms
Some other symptoms, such as the lack of pleasure from everyday life and withdrawal from social activities, may cause depression.
How Does Schizophrenia Affect Thoughts?
People with schizophrenia may have difficulty organizing logical thoughts and communications. They may not have enough focus and jump from one branch to another in their thoughts.
How does schizophrenia affect the person’s behavior?
It affects many social behaviors in many ways. These people are misunderstood against other people’s behavior and speech and are quickly excited or silent. Many of these people have difficulty keeping their living environment clean. Of course, they rarely show violent behaviors against others.
Who gets schizophrenia?
Anyone can get this disease. Its prevalence is unmatched in different ethnic groups and in men and women.
Symptoms of this disease usually begin between the ages of 16 and 30, although men may start earlier. It rarely begins in childhood or after age 45.
The risk of developing this disease is higher in people who have schizophrenia among their family members.
What Causes It?
Scientists do not know the exact cause. But studies have shown that genes and personal experiences in life may be the cause of the disease.