Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia makes you believe you hear/see things that are not there. Some say they can talk to angles, other say demons torture them. If medication or hospitalization does not occur, they can be a danger to themselves and to other people. If medication is taken, you would not be able to tell if someone did have Schizophrenia. But, if they stop taking the medication given (if they believe they are fine and don't need to take it), a person can go so psychotic that they attack parents/loved ones/etc... This page is for those who wish to learn more about Schizophrenia

Facts:

More then 2 Million people have it

About 1% of people worldwide have Schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia are far more likely to be victims of violence and crime than to commit violent acts themselves. The only way they become violent is if they are not treated or use/abuse drugs, alcohol, etc...

It is believed to be genetic

Researchers today agree that schizophrenia is probably a result of many chemical messengers gone awry in the brain.

Clozapine is the newest drug to help people with Schizophrenia, though make sure all of the side effects are known (i.e. dizziness, seizures, low blood pressure, weight gain, and in about 1% of cases, loss of the bone marrow's capacity to make white blood cells) and the "perks" like it has been researched that people taking it were less likely to commit suicide, or how it is better then the previous medicines (less side effects, etc....)

What you can do:

Help out: Give your friend/family member support and don't let them stop taking the pills/medication.

Know the facts: Make sure you know every angle to help your friend/loved one

Don't treat them too differently. People with Schizophrenia need to leave quite but semi normal lives

TAKE THE MEDICINE!!! It may have side effects, but it "quiets the voices" Don't let them stop, even if the person believes they don't need it