10 Warning Signs Of Schizophrenia

October 20, 2017 Sam

Know The Signs of Schizophrenia. It’s More Common Than You Think.

For many living in the United States, mental health is still a topic that is difficult to discuss. Whether it pertains to their friends or their own mental health, many people are still apprehensive to seek help. This limited dialogue often results in limited awareness of symptoms and treatments of mental illnesses. Schizophrenia, in particular, is one of these illnesses.

Schizophrenia is defined as a chronic, severe, and disabling mental disorder characterized by deficits in thought processes, perceptions, and emotional responses. Contrary to popular belief, schizophrenia is not the same as multiple identity disorder (often referred to as “split personality”). Every year in the United States, schizophrenia afflicts 1 in 4,000 people. This equates to 100,000 cases in the United States, and 1.5 million cases worldwide each year. The lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia is 1 in 100.

Unfortunately, at this time there is no cure for schizophrenia. Treatment is limited to management of the disease.

The disorder is much more common than most people realize. You may even know someone that exhibits behavior you find odd, but they are in fact suffering from schizophrenia. Here are the warning signs that you or someone you know may be developing or suffering from schizophrenia.

1. Depression

Quick Fact: Schizophrenia affects 21 Million people worldwide.

Depression is extremely common, which makes it a particularly overlooked symptom of schizophrenia.

Often, this is the primary symptom that someone that is suffering from or developing schizophrenia will exhibit. The affected person will often be misdiagnosed not just by their doctor, but by their friends, as well. Depression as experienced by people suffering from schizophrenia is a result of an overall disturbance of mood. Much like those suffering from bipolar disorder, schizophrenics may also experience episodes of mania. (Continues on Page 2)

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