What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a type of mental illness that causes individuals to interpret reality abnormally. This can affect a person’s thinking, feeling, and behaviour. Individuals living with Schizophrenia may have a hard time distinguishing between what is real and what is not.
What are some symptoms of Schizophrenia?
▪ Delusions: These are false beliefs that are not based in reality.
▪ Hallucinations: These usually involve seeing or hearing things that don't exist.
▪ Disorganized thinking (speech): Disorganized thinking is inferred from disorganized speech. This might include responses to questions that seem irrelevant and nonsensical to an observer.
▪ Extremely disorganized or abnormal motor behaviour: This behaviour is often unpredictable and can range from excessive movement to complete lack of response.
▪ Lack of Drive: This refers to the reduced desire partake in daily activities. This can include neglect of personal hygiene, a lack emotional response, social withdrawal.
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Understanding Schizophrenia
What causes Schizophrenia?
It's not known exactly what causes schizophrenia. However, researchers believe that a combination of brain chemistry, genetics and environmental factors contribute to the development of the disorder.
What factors increase the risk of Schizophrenia?
▪ Having a family history of schizophrenia can increase the likelihood of an individual developing the disorder.
▪ Some pregnancy and birth complications, such as malnutrition or exposure to toxins or viruses that may impact brain development, can lead to schizophrenia.
▪ Taking mind-altering (psychoactive or psychotropic) drugs during teen years and young adulthood can trigger the disease.
When does Schizophrenia occur?
▪ In men, schizophrenia symptoms typically start in the early to mid-20s.
▪ In women, symptoms typically begin in the late 20s.
▪ It's uncommon for children to be diagnosed with schizophrenia.
▪ It is rare for those older than age 45.
Visit the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society at https://www.bcss.org/ for more.