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What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is an illness, a medical condition. It affects the normal
functioning of the brain, interfering with a person’s ability to think,
feel and act. Some do recover completely, and, with time, most find
that their symptoms improve. However, for many, it is a prolonged
illness which can involve years of distressing symptoms and disability.
People
affected by schizophrenia have one ‘personality,’ just like everyone
else. It is a myth and totally untrue that those affected have a
so-called ‘split personality’.
What are the symptoms?
If not receiving treatment, people with schizophrenia experience persistent symptoms of what is called psychosis. These include:
 Confused thinking
When acutely ill, people with psychotic symptoms experience disordered
thinking. The everyday thoughts that let us live our daily lives become
confused and don’t join up properly.
Delusions
A delusion is a false belief held by a person which is not held by others of the same cultural background.
Hallucinations
The person sees, hears, feels, smells or tastes something that is not
actually there. The hallucination is often of disembodied voices which
no one else can hear.
Other associated symptoms are low motivation and changed feelings.
What causes Schizophrenia?
The causes of schizophrenia are not fully understood. They are likely
to be a combination of hereditary and other factors. It is probable
that some people are born with a predisposition to develop this kind of
illness, and that certain things — for example, stress or use of drugs
such as marijuana, LSD or speed — can trigger their first episode.
How many people develop Schizophrenia?
About one in a hundred people will develop schizophrenia at some time
in their lives. Most of these will be first affected in their late
teens and early twenties.
How is Schizophrenia treated?
Treatment
can do much to reduce and even eliminate the symptoms. Treatment should
generally include a combination of medication and community support.
Both are usually essential for the best outcome.
 Medication
Certain medications assist the brain to restore its usual chemical
balance. This then helps reduce or get rid of some of the symptoms.
Community support programs
This support should include information; accommodation; help with
finding suitable work; training and education; psychosocial
rehabilitation and mutual support groups. Understanding and acceptance
by the community is also very important.
How do I find out more?
It
is important to ask your doctor about any concerns you have. SANE
Australia also produces a range of easy-to-read publications and
multimedia resources on mental illness. For more information about this
topic see:
- Translations
Find a translated version of this factsheet.
- The SANE Guide to Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Illness
Explains what it means to have a psychotic illness such as
schizophrenia, examining effective treatments and what family and
friends can do to help.
- Schizophrenia DVD or Video Kit (37 minutes)
People who've experienced illness and their carers talk about the things which have helped them cope better. The SANE Guide to Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Illness included. See above for details.
- SANE CD ROM: Guide to Psychosis
Using
sounds and images it explains what psychosis means, how it feels for
those who experience it and their families and friends and what
treatments help.
- Voices: The Auditory Hallucinations Project
An Audio CD that explains how it feels to hear voices and what can be done to help.
- Tell Me I’m Here by Anne Deveson
Writer,
journalist and filmmaker tells the moving and courageous story of what
happened to her family when her son Jonathan developed schizophrenia.
- Recovered, Not Cured by Richard McLean
A
visual and verbal journey exploring the author's experience of
schizophrenia: the first signs, reactions from friends and family, how
he sought help and the challenges of recovery.
To order visit the SANE Bookshop at www.sane.org or call 1800 18 SANE (7263)
SANE Australia . . . Schizophrenia
 ©SANE Factsheet 2
This Factsheet may be freely downloaded, copied and distributed on
condition no change is made to the contents. SANE Australia is not
responsible for any actions taken as a result of information or
opinions contained in the Factsheet. SANE Australia is a business name
of Schizophrenia Australia Foundation.
[Version English, 2005)
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