Schizophrenia

Is a person suffering from Schizophrenia mad? (Skitso) This is a regular question that pops up from people who have been diagnosed as to being Schizophrenic.

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that usually strikes in late adolescence or early adulthood, however in saying that it can happen at any time in life. Each individual has their own way of dealing with illness and Schizophrenia is not exempt. Symptoms of the disease may differ in each person but most people who have the disease will show one or more of the following symptoms.

Delusions: These are beliefs that are false such as feeling that people are following or trying to harm them, believing other people can read their minds i.e. knowing what they are thinking, or beliefs that they have special powers or abilities. This is not the case in all patients because as stated earlier each individual may differ. Another sign is Hallucinations: This usually takes the form of hearing voices that are not there, but for people with schizophrenia all this becomes so real and true to life where they believe and actually see, smell, taste, and feel things that are not truly there. This can be frightening to say the least. However treatment for Schizophrenia helps a patient most profoundly.

Schizophrenia and one of the symptoms is the display of bizarre behaviour where an individual behaves in a way that seems inappropriate or strange to other people. It is because of this that the onlooker will see the Schizophrenia sufferer as to being mad. In some cases it is hard to understand/communicate with a sufferer i.e. comprehend what they say, meaning, whatever is said does not make the slightest bit of sense.

For example, topic of conversation changes with little or no connection between sentences. The affect this condition has on a person can leave them disinterested in life as well as not attending to personal hygiene. A person who has Schizophrenia may suffer a decline in their level of functioning; for example, they may not be able to hold down a 9 to 5 job which may require a level of skill or concentration. More information on Schizophrenia can be obtained from your doctor or in leaflets from your clinic or hospital.

No matter the condition or ailment you must never use another persons medication - or go off their advice as this can be very dangerous indeed. The only person you should listen too or take advice from is either your doctor or another expert in the field of medical matters. This is the most vital of safety precautions a person suffering from an illness can take to ensure that they are recieving the right treatment to treat a particular cause.