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Although schizophrenia literally interpreted means “the splitting of a mind”, this disease is very different from that of a multiple personality. The correct term would be that of a psychosis, which simple means a group of manifested mental problems that may disable normal thought or behavior patterns.
The true schizophrenic will, typically, exhibit bizarre thought and speech patterns, characterized by inappropriate or non existent words. These people will be fine, carrying on a normal conversation, and then turn around and curse, scream, cry or run. Their thought patterns are not normal, and, in some instances, devoid of any emotion. These people will appear to be removed from their fellow human beings, often avoiding public situations or places.
Often times the ‘mental world’ of the schizophrenic will be alive with their own fantasies, language, odd sensations, and a general feeling of loneliness and anxiety. While some may be aware that they are ’losing touch with reality’, usually there is no distinction between truth and fantasy. This is especially true for those who are paranoid schizophrenics. Often times these patients will believe themselves to be people who they clearly are not. Examples would be Napoleon, Jesus Christ, God, The President of the US, or, more general personas.
One such individual believed herself to be pregnant with the Emergency Room Director’s child. This patient was 59 and had been surgically sterilized for over 20 years. She also claimed that her microwave was sending signals out at night to kill her, or, alternatively, that her bicycle would speak to her. These are known as paranoid schizophrenic delusions, and while, at times almost humorous, they can be very dangerous. A good example of this would be David Berkowitz, who believed his neighbor's dog told him to kill people.
Although schizophrenia may manifest itself at any time in a person’s life, the normal period of inception for women is in their early teenage years. Men usually experience their first episode in their early twenties. While not an epidemic, it is a fact that one in every one hundred people will experience some form of schizophrenia in their lifetime for which they will require treatment. The level of severity varies from mild cases to more extreme histories. While one person may have a temporary break with reality, based on a crisis or excessive stress, another person might have a full blown schizophrenic episode, lasting days, months, years or even the remainder of their natural life.
While there is no cure, as of yet, there are many available drugs and treatments for a schizophrenic patient. These include Olanzapine, Zyprexa, Seroquel, Serlect, and other drugs. Treatment will generally include intensive inpatient psychotherapy, while the patient is controlled with medications.
As we enter the year 2000 this mental condition still carries much stigma and shame. Many people still believe that a person with a mental illness is ‘crazy’ or ‘nuts’. There is little encouragement or social outlet for people with these forms of disorders. There are, however, some community support programs available on an outpatient basis which can provide rehabilitation, social skills training and job placement.
Different people respond differently to the various treatment options.
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