What is Schizophrenia?
It's a mental illness that affects the way a person:

• THINKS. For example, the person may have trouble concentrating or organizing thoughts.

• FEELS. Emotions may come out inappropriately (crying at a joke, for example). Or, the person may become unable to express feelings at all.

• ACTS. Without treatment, people with schizophrenia may have problems keeping a job or building healthy relationships.

*Scientists are not sure if schizophrenia is a single illness with one cause -- or several illnesses with different causes.

Why learn about Schizophrenia?
Because it's a common illness that is generally:

• MISUNDERSTOOD.
  • People often mistake the symptoms of schizophrenia for laziness, drug dependence or antisocial behavior.
  • People with schizophrenia have a hard time recognizing -- or admitting -- they are ill and in need of treatment and support.
• TREATABLE. With the proper medical and social support, many people with schizophrenia can lead fulfilling productive lives.

What are the Symptoms of Schizophrenia?
Symptoms vary from person to person. They may last for 6 months or more -- often comign and going in cycles. Symptoms often include:

Delusions. These are false beliefs. For example, a person with schizophrenia may claim that aliens control his or her thoughts. Others may believe they are famous people.

Hallucinations. People with schizophrenia may:

• hear imaginary voices that give commands or make insults
• see, feel, taste or smell things that are not there

• Behavioral Problems. A person with schizophrenia may:
  • act childishly
  • make odd, repetitive movements (such as constant shaking of the head)
  • dress inappropriately (long coats in the summer, or shorts in the winter)
  • become catatonic (not move for hours on end)
  • ignore personal hygiene
• Withdrawal. People who have schizophrenia often:
  • avoid eye contact
  • give up goals
  • reject friends and family
  Their unusual behavior and odd speech may cause others to shy away. This adds further to their isolation.

What Causes Schizophrenia?
The answer is not known. However, scientists strongly suspect:

• Heredity. Schizophrenia runs in families. However, it's most likey that people inherit a tendency to develop the disease -- not the disease itself.
• Brain Chemistry and Structure. Studies on this aspect of schizophrenia are very active and promising. For example, studies show that:
  • Excess amounts of dopamine (an important brain chemical) may play a role in schizophrenia.
  • People with schizophrenia have evidence of abnormal brain structure.
• Complications During Pregnancy and Birth. Some scientists think a viral infection during pregnancy may increase the chances of a child developing schizophrenia later in life. Or, such an infection may help trigger an inherited tendency to develop the disease.

• Myth. Poor Parenting Causes Schizophrenia
  • This is simply not true. The fact is, parents of people with schizophrenia often play a key role in treatment. They need support and understanding -- not blame.
• Myth. People with schizophrenia are violent
  • Studies show that people receiving treatment for schizophrenia are no more likely to become violent than anyone else. However, some patients who do not take their medication may be at greater risk of harming themselves or others.
• Myth. People with schizophrenia have split personalities
  • Not at all. Multiple personality disorder is completely different from schizophrenia and is rare.
    
    
    When is it time to get help?
    The answer is not always clear. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
    • Schizophrenia usually develops over time. It often takes years for the disease to develop. People with schizophrenia may seem "normal" much of the time.
    • People often do not recognize their own illness. They may deny that anything is wrong. Because of this, people with schizophrenia are less likely to reach out for help.
    • Friends and Family need to take action. Encouraging a person with schizophrenia to seek treatment takes courage and love. the support of family and friends is often the best hope for someone with schizophrenia.
    Diagnosing Schizophrenia can be a Challenge
    The process generally involves:
    • Taking a Patient History. This gives the health-care provider a clearer picture of the patient's social, emotional and intellectual development. It often involves:
      • talking with the patient
      • talking with the patient's family
      • psychological testing
    • Ruling Out Other Causes. Behavior that seems like schizophrenia could be the result of:
      • drug abuse
      • a head injury
      • brain tumors
      • odd, but harmless habits or behaviors
      • other mental illnesses or emotional problems
    • Doing Medical Tests. Various tools are available to study the brain's structure and function. These inlude:
      • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
      • CT scan (computed tomography)
      • EEG (electroencephalogram)

• Antipsychotic Medications. There are a number of medications to treat schizophrenia. They work by helping to correct chemical imbalances in the brain. The result is:
  • fewer hallucinations and delusions
  • increased ability to think clearly and logically
  NOTE: To avoid relapse, it's critical for people with schizophrenia to follow their healthcare provider's instructions for taking medications. Any side effects should be reported as directed. In some cases, side effects can be eased or eliminated.
• Individual and Group Therapy. Psychotherapy can do a lot to help people with schizophrenia (and their families) gain:
  • an understanding of the disease
  • support and reassurance
  • skills to deal with the emotional and practical challenges of the disorder
• Community Support Programs. Outpatient programs provide rehabilitation, social and job training, money management skills and more! (NOTE: The Center provides Community Support Programs in Fort Smith, Ozark and Waldron.)
• Each Person Responds Differently to Treatment. It's important to know that:
  • Some people recover completely.
  • Some people have only one episode of schizophrenia their entire lives.
  • Many people successfully manage their symptoms and are able to live quite well.
  • Some patients need lifelong support. This can include hospitalization.
    
    

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    Medications have come a long way!
    Treatment options now include recently approved drugs
    that work where other drugs have not helped.
    In addition, new drugs are on the horizon!

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    Family and Friends Can Help!
    a loved one with schizophrenia -- and themselves! For example: Establish Structure This helps create a safe and secure environment. Help the person stick to a daily routine of dressing, eating and grooming. Also, set clear rules about kitchen clean-up, television watching, etc.
    
    Help Your Loved One Stay On His or Her Medication
    
    • Acknowledge any fears, concerns and discomforts about the medication.
    • Don't nag. Set up a system (chart, pill box, etc.) that will aid memory.
    • Help your loved one learn about the medication -- benefits, side effects, etc.
    
    Set Realistic Goals
    Progress can take time. That's why it's important to set goals that are not overwhelming. The severity of your loved one's symptoms will help determine how much he or she is able to do.
    
    Pace Yourself
    Dealing with a mentally ill person can be very taxing! Accept that you may need time to yourself.
    
    Stay Positive
    Having a positive attitude will help everyone involved. Offer lots of praise when progress is made.
    
    Learn Communication Skills
    Here are some basic rules that will help:
    
    
  • Be simple and brief (repeat yourself, if necessary).
  • Stay calm -- don't argue.
  • Don't take angry words or actions personally.
  • Ask rather than demand.
    
    
  Join or Start a Support Group
  Support groups help families friends and caregivers deal with feelings of grief, anger and isolation.
  
  

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  Remember to separate the person from the illness!

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  Help is Available
  Remember -- reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you need help, you can contact:
  
  Western Arkansas Counseling & Guidance Center
  Contact Us Online
  1-479-452-6650 or
  1-800-542-1031 (toll-free in Arkansas)
  
  Your Family Health-Care Provider
  
  A Psychiatrist or other mental health professional
  
  The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
  1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
  
  The National Mental Health Association
  Mental Health Information Center
  1-800-969-6642
  
  Or check the phone book under 'Counseling,' 'Mental Health,' etc.
  
  This information is not a substitute for an informed discussion with a mental health professional or your health-care provider about the procedures, information, symptoms, medications or diagnoses described on this page.