Schizophenia

Schizophenia is the fourth leading cause of disability usual starts in the late teens or early twenties, and then persists for life-time. Usually this illness starts with a  prepsychotic phase of social and academic /occupational  impairment. A few months or years later , a psychotic phase develops(with delusions,hallucinations,or bizarre/disorganized speech and behaviours).Antipsychotic medication shortens the duration of this psychosis,and prevents recurrences.Usually it takes years before individuals can accept  that they have Schizophrenia and need medication.

Antipsychotic medication dramatically improves social functioning. Unfortunately,
even on antipsychotic medication, most individuals with Schizophrenia cant return to gainful employment due to the intellectual impairments caused by  this illness(e,g:,poor concentration, poor memory, impaired problem-solving,inability to “Multi-task” and apathy).

Life-long treatment with antipsychotic medication is essential for recovery  from Schizophrenia.Most individuals with Schizophrenia qualify for government disability
pensions.

Schizophrenia often interferes with a persons ability to think clearly ,to manage emotions, make decisions and related to others .

PositiveSymptoms, or “psychotic” symptoms, include delusions and hallucinations.Delusions cause individuals to believe that people are reading their thoughts of ploting against them .Hallucinations cause people  to see things  that are not present.

NegativeSymptoms include lack of expression ,an inability to start  and follow through with activities ,and a lack of pleasure or interest in life

CognitiveSymptoms relate to thinking processes.For example,people have difficulty with prioritizing tasks ,certain kinds of memory functions,and organizing their thoughts.A common problem associated with  Schizophreniais lack of insight in to the condition itself.This is not a willful denial but rather of the mental illness itself