What is Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception and behavior. The American Psychiatric Association states that this disorder affects less than one percent of the population and some criteria for diagnosing schizophrenia as listed in DSM 5 includes delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and diminished emotional response. To be diagnosed with schizophrenia two or more of the symptoms must be prevalent for at least a month or longer. Schizophrenia causes significant impairment in building social relationships beyond immediate family as well as finding work. Despite popular beliefs about schizophrenia, the majority of people with the disorder aren’t violent or dangerous. Although there is no cure for schizophrenia yet, researchers have made countless advancements in creating safer ways to treat the disorder and finding the cause by studying genetics as well as conducting behavioral research. By using advanced imaging, researchers are also able to watch the brain's structure and function during these studies and can develop much more effective therapies from the information gathered. It’s believed that genetic and environmental factors along with life stresses play a role in the onset of the disorder. While treating schizophrenia it’s very important to have emotional support from family members and/or friends which has been shown to improve the overall mental health of the person with schizophrenia and the family members.

The picture above gives a simple idea of what schizophrenia is.

Hurley, K. (2018, February 13). What is Schizophrenia? DSM-5 Schizophrenia Definition & Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.psycom.net/schizophrenia-dsm-5-definition/

Parekh, R., M.D. (2017, January). What is Schizophrenia? Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia