Schizophrenia is not split personality, weak personality, intellectual disability, or laziness. It is a significant mental illness. Patients often experience difficulty distinguishing between reality and fantasy, lose the ability to think logically, have impaired emotional responses, and struggle to follow social norms. Additionally, they typically lose their memory and normal speech abilities. Like other physical and mental illnesses, schizophrenia has organic causes. Research has shown that neurotransmitter systems in the brain, such as the dopamine and serotonin systems, play a role in the onset of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population, most commonly appearing between the ages of 15 and 25. It is rare before age 12 and after age 40.
Understanding Schizophrenia
Modern medications can largely control the symptoms of schizophrenia, but some symptoms persist in most patients throughout their lives. Only about 20% of patients fully recover from the illness. Some patients experience only one episode, while others have recurring episodes with normal periods in between. For some, symptoms fluctuate but never completely disappear.
Schizophrenia Treatment and Challenges
Medication can control most symptoms of schizophrenia. However, some patients do not benefit from existing treatments, cannot afford their medications due to economic reasons, or choose to discontinue treatment due to side effects.
By highlighting the key aspects of schizophrenia, this article aims to provide valuable information for those seeking to understand this complex mental illness. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing schizophrenia and improving the quality of life for those affected.