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Schizophrenia is the most
complex, chronic and disabling of the major mental illnesses.
Because of the disorder’s complexity, few generalizations hold true for
all people diagnosed as schizophrenic. Approximately 1 % of the
population will develop schizophrenia during their lives. This
disorder affects men and women with equal frequency. The first
psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia are often seen in the teens or
twenties in men and in the twenties or early thirties in women.
Less obvious symptoms, such as social isolation or withdrawal or unusual
speech, thinking, or behavior may precede and/or follow the psychotic
symptoms.
With schizophrenia a person may see and feel things that other people
don’t experience. Not everyone with this condition will feel and
act the same way. But, usually will have one or more of the
following signs:
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Hallucinations |
A
person may sense things that in reality do not exist, such as
hearing voices telling the person to do certain things, seeing
people or objects that are not really there, or feeling that
something is touching their body. Hearing voices is the
most common type of hallucination in schizophrenia. |
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Delusions |
Delusions are false perceptions, which the person believes to be
true, even in the face of reason. Such as, believing that
someone or group is out to get them, that their mind is being
controlled by another, or the TV is sending them messages.
These are common symptoms of schizophrenia. |
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Disorganized Thinking |
Often
the schizophrenic person’s thinking is affected by the disorder.
The person may not be able to concentrate on one thought and may
be easily distracted, and unable to focus attention. The
lack of logical continuity of thought can make conversation very
difficult and contribute to social isolation. |
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Emotional Expression |
Persons with Schizophrenia sometimes exhibit what is called
“inappropriate effect.” This means showing emotion that is
inconsistent with the person’s speech or thoughts. A
“flat” or “blunted” effect is a severe reduction in emotional
expression. A schizophrenic person may not show signs of
normal emotion, and use a monotonous tone of voice and
diminished facial expression. Even though the diagnosis of
schizophrenia can be devastating to the person and the family,
it is important to remember that with appropriate treatment, a
person with schizophrenia may be able to live a normal
productive life. |
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