Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia can be thought of in terms of experiencing episodes during which reality is perceived differently. This might mean hallucinating; seeing or hearing things that other do not, or having delusions where a person has unfounded beliefs that they are perhaps being persecuted or that they are famous.
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects about one in a hundred people at some point in life.
The first acute episode where symptoms of schizophrenia are experienced can be a devastating experience, particularly as both the person experiencing the illness and their family and friends will be unprepared. The highest incidence of first experience of an episode is in the late teens and early 20's, which is a time of change anyway, making it difficult to understand what is happening to a relative or friend who is developing schizophrenia.
When severe, an acute episode of experiencing symptoms can lead to intense panic, anger, depression, elation or over activity, perhaps punctuated by periods of withdrawal. It is not surprising that other people, particularly family and friends find the changes incomprehensible and are themselves devastated.
Whilst these episodes can be difficult to deal with, there are treatments to help relieve these symptoms, and most people will be able to function normally for long periods at a time.
About a quarter of people who develop schizophrenia recover within five years, and go on to lead a normal life. Approximately two-thirds of those who develop the condition experience fluctuating symptoms over many years, which is difficult but can be managed. About ten to fifteen percent experience severe long term incapacity.
One common misconception is that schizophrenia related to the idea of 'split personality'. In fact 'multiple personality', the correct term, is very rare and has nothing to do with schizophrenia (it is now called as Dissociative Identity Disorder).
The recent discovery of new forms of treatment may lead to further improvement in rates of recovery, particularly if everyone involved, for instance, both the person with schizophrenia and their family or partner, learns to understand how to manage the illness and cope with the stress that the experience can cause.
