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Schizophrenia

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People with schizophrenia sometimes hear voices others don't hear, believe that others are broadcasting their thoughts to the world, or are convinced that others are plotting to harm them. These experiences can make them fearful and withdrawn and cause difficulties when they try to have relationships with others.

A lifelong illness, schizophrenia is the most disabling of all mental disorders. It affects about 1 percent of men and 1 percent of women and men worldwide. In men, symptoms usually first appear in their late teens or early 20s. For women, they tend to start in the mid-20s to early 30s.

This is a time of hope for people with schizophrenia. Although the causes of the disease are not yet known, current treatments can relieve many of the symptoms and allow people with schizophrenia to live independent and fulfilling lives in the community.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   Schizophrenia - This fact sheet provides a very brief but easy to understand explanation of the symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis of schizophrenia.

   http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/ken98-0052/default.asp

2.   Schizophrenia - This publication provides an overview of schizophrenia including the signs, symptoms, treatment options, and where to go for help.

   http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/schizophreniamenu.cfm

3. Schizoaffective Disorder (Copyright © MHA) - This publication presents general information on symptoms and methods of treatment for schizoaffective disorder: a mixture of mood disorders and schizophrenia.

   http://mentalhealthamerica.net/index.cfm?objectid=C7DF97FD-1372-4D20-C8F0FBF1C871...

4. Schizophrenia: Newer Medicines (Copyright © AAFP) - This on-line publication provides information on schizophrenia, how it is treated, and new drugs for treatment. Schizophrenia is a chronic, disabling illness that may be caused by abnormal amounts of certain chemicals in the brain.

   http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/mentalhealth/treatment/266.ht...

5. Schizophrenia: What You Need to Know (Copyright © MHA) - This fact sheet provides information on the causes, symptoms and treatments of schizophrenia.

   http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/information/get-info/schizophrenia/schizoph...

Organizations

1.   National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, HHS
2. American Psychiatric Association
3. Mental Health America
4. National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression
5. World Fellowship for Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders

= Indicates Federal Resources