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Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is not “split” or “dual personality”. It is only very rarely associated with violence.

Schizophrenia causes disintegration of most of the brain’s functions, effecting thinking, behaviour, feelings and perception.

There are two groups of symptoms, one is known as positive, the other negative. The positive, more acute form of the illness is characterised by feelings that one’s thoughts are interfered with, put put into or taken out of the mind; that one’s body movements or feelings are being controlled by others; that voices give a running commentary on your thoughts.

The negative type in characterised by lack of motivation, drive and energy; by loss of emotion and an inability to relate to others. This combination may lead to the sufferer being seen as lazy.

Treatment is a combination of long term medication, support to the patient and their carers.

Short term hospitalisation may be required but most sufferers are able to function in the community.