Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious disorder which affects how a person thinks, feels and acts. Someone with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is imaginary; may be unresponsive or withdrawn; and may have difficulty expressing normal emotions in social situations.
Contrary to public perception, schizophrenia is not split personality or multiple personality. The vast majority of people with schizophrenia are not violent and do not pose a danger to others. Schizophrenia is not caused by childhood experiences, poor parenting or lack of willpower, nor are the symptoms identical for each person.
Behaviors that are early warning signs of schizophrenia may include:
- Hearing or seeing something that isn’t there
- A constant feeling of being watched, suspiciousness that people are talking about them
- Peculiar or nonsensical way of speaking or writing,talking irrelevantly
- Strange body positioning
- Feeling indifferent to very important situations
- Deterioration of academic or work performance,quitting school or job
- A change in personal hygiene and appearance
- A change in personality
- Increasing withdrawal from social situations
- Irrational, angry or fearful response to loved ones
- Inability to sleep or concentrate
- Inappropriate or bizarre behavior
- Extreme preoccupation with religion or the occult
If you or a loved one experience several of these symptoms for more than 4 weeks, seek help immediately.
