Adam “was a wonderfully sweet young man,” his mother said. He was a high school athlete and captain of his team, active in his college fraternity, a good student. He had graduated from college and started working while studying for a professional certification exam, when something inside him changed. Adam stopped being careful about his personal appearance. He told his parents he suspected them of communicating with each other in secret ways, such as in sign language which he couldn’t understand. He began to hear his mother’s voice in his head and he asked her why she was sending him messages. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

WHAT IS SCHIZOPHRENIA?

Schizophrenia, a disease of the brain, is one of the most disabling and emotionally devastating illnesses known to man. But because it has been misunderstood for so long, it has received relatively little attention and its victims have been undeservingly stigmatized. Schizophrenia is not a split personality, a rare and very different disorder.

Like cancer and diabetes, schizophrenia has a biological basis; it is not caused by bad parenting or personal weakness. Nor are individuals being treated for schizophrenia more prone to violence than the general public, despite media focus on exceptions.

Schizophrenia is, in fact, a relatively common disease, with an estimated one percent of the U.S. population being diagnosed with it over the course of their lives. While there is no known cure for schizophrenia, it is very treatable disease. Most of those afflicted by schizophrenia respond to drug therapy, and many are able to lead productive and fulfilling lives.

WHAT ARE ITS SYMPTOMS?

Schizophrenia is characterized by a constellation of distinctive and predictable symptoms. The symptoms that are most commonly associated with the disease are called positive symptoms, that denote the presence of grossly abnormal behavior. These include thought disorder, delusions and hallucinations.

Thought disorder is the diminished ability to think clearly and logically. Often it is manifested by disconnected and nonsensical language that renders the person with schizophrenia incapable of participating in conversation, contributing to his alienation from his family, friends, and society.

Delusions are common among individuals with schizophrenia. An affected person may believe that he is being conspired against (called “paranoid delusion”). “Broadcasting” describes a type of delusion in which the individual with this illness believes that his thoughts can be heard by others.

Hallucinations can be heard, seen or even felt; most often they take the form of voices heard only by the afflicted person. Such voices may describe the person’s actions, warn him of danger or tell him what to do. At times the individual may hear several voices carrying on a conversation. Less obvious than the “positive symptoms,” but equally serious, are the deficit or negative symptoms that represent the absence of normal behavior. These include flat or blunted affect (i.e., lack of emotional expression) apathy, and social withdrawal.

WHO GETS IT?

While schizophrenia can affect anyone at any point in life, it is somewhat more common in those persons who are genetically predisposed to the disease. The first psychotic episode generally occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood.

WHAT IS THE COURSE OF THE DISEASE?

Studies have shown that some persons with schizophrenia recover completely, and many others improve to the point where they can live independently, often with the maintenance of drug therapy. Fortunately, this accounts for the majority of cases. However, approximately fifteen percent of people with schizophrenia respond only moderately to medication and require extensive support throughout their lives, while another fifteen percent simply do not respond to existing treatment. New therapies may offer hope for the treatment of these most seriously affected sufferers.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

Hospitalization is often necessary in cases of acute schizophrenia. This ensures the safety of the affected person, while allowing for observation by trained mental health professionals to determine whether schizophrenia is the appropriate diagnosis. Hospitalization also allows for the initiation of medication under close supervision. Antipsychotic drugs (a.k.a. neuroleptics), available since the 1950s, can dramatically improve the functioning of people with schizophrenia.

Once the most troubling symptoms are controlled by medication, the person often does not require hospitalization. Depending upon the seriousness of the disease, the person may utilize day programs, rehabilitation, facilities, and be treated in an outpatient setting. This allows the psychiatrist to adjust medication dosages as necessary over the course of the disease.

The person may also need assistance in readjusting to society once his or her symptoms are controlled. Supportive counseling or psychotherapy may be appropriate for these individuals as a source of friendship, encouragement, and practical advice during this process. Relatives and friends can also assist in rebuilding the person’s social skills. Such support is very important.


Because individuals with schizophrenia may not be aware that he or she is ill, it is often necessary for a friend or relative to make certain that proper treatment is sought. A good doctor is critical. The best way to treat a friend or relative with schizophrenia is with compassion, understanding, and support. Seek help from “share and care” family support groups. You will find that “share and care” support groups will be invaluable to you and your family in gaining knowledge, getting support and in understanding what your family is going through. Do not let pride keep you from seeking help for yourself, your loved one and your family. Seeking and getting help is the first step toward recovery for the entire family. Do it today!

For more information, visit the web sites listed below:

NARSAD
The Mental Health Research Association

Schizoaffective Disorder