Schizophrenia is probably the most distressing and disabling mental disorder. The first signs of schizophrenia tend to surface in adolescence or young adulthood. Symptoms are confusing and can be distressing to family and friends.
People with schizophrenia suffer from problems with their thought processes. These lead to hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, and unusual speech or behaviour. Symptoms affect the ability to interact with others, and often people with schizophrenia withdraw from the outside world.
Contrary to popular belief, people with schizophrenia do not have 'split personalities'. Another common belief is that people with schizophrenia are dangerous. In fact, they can be dangerous, but mostly only during the acute phases of their disease. It is fair to say that people with schizophrenia are far more likely to be victims of violence and crime than to commit violent acts.
Go to our special website about Schizophrenia where you can find lots of useful information.
