The staff has been exceptionally respectful and courteous, and I've gained a lot of self-confidence. I especially like that I was able to have a way to get back and forth, from my home to here.
A Client of Vermilion Behavioral Health Center
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness. People with this illness have disturbed and disorganized thinking, language, and behavior. They may see, hear, or feel things that are not really there. Sometimes the speech of a person with schizophrenia makes no sense. Schizophrenia generally causes significant problems in day-to-day living.
The term schizophrenia literally means "split mind" because those who have it seem to have normal mental function in some areas but are markedly disturbed in others. For example, a person may talk in bizarre ways but be able to do math calculations. Schizophrenia should not be confused with multiple personality disorder (now called dissociative identity disorder), in which a person has at least two, and perhaps many, distinct personalities.
About one percent of people have schizophrenia. It affects men and women equally.
How does it occur?
There are many theories about the cause of schizophrenia. The genes a person inherits from his or her parents may be partly responsible. Stress in a person's environment can trigger episodes. Some scientists believe that something might happen before birth, such as a viral infection in the womb, that causes schizophrenia decades later.
Special scans, such as PET (positron-emission tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), have been used to examine the brains of people with this illness. These pictures show that some parts of the brain work abnormally in people with schizophrenia.
Lab studies have shown that nerve cells in some parts of the brains of schizophrenics may be misaligned or damaged. Another possible cause is that chemicals carrying signals between nerve cells may be out of balance.
Schizophrenia is not caused by family problems or bad parenting. However, stress does appear to make things worse for people with this illness.
What are the symptoms of Schizophrenia?
No single symptom defines this condition, but there are a few important signs:
Having hallucinations, which means hearing voices that no one else can hear, seeing people or objects that are not there, or feeling something that is not there
Having delusions, which means false beliefs; for example, you might believe there is a plot against you by powerful people, or you might think that you have special powers no one else has
Dressing inappropriately, like wearing winter gloves in the summer
Neglecting personal hygiene and grooming, such as not bathing or combing your hair
Withdrawing from social contact and not speaking to anyone
Having other people often tell you that they cannot follow or understand what you are saying
Growing very distrustful of people without good reason
Being very bland or blunted emotionally
Not being able to work with or relate to other people
Giving up on achieving anything
The tendencies of people with schizophrenia to withdraw and to lack motivation and energy are referred to as negative symptoms of the illness. Hearing voices, having delusional thoughts, and displaying disruptive behavior are positive symptoms.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor or therapist will ask about your symptoms. He or she will make sure that you do not have a medical problem and that your symptoms are not caused by mind-altering drugs, such as LSD, cocaine, amphetamines, or marijuana.
There are several different types of schizophrenia. The kinds of thoughts you have and the ways you act determine the type.
How is it treated?
Medications are the most important part of the treatment of schizophrenia. Many medications are available that can make a big difference in your life. These medicines can cause some side effects, but you and your doctor will watch for them closely.
It is very important to take your medication even when you are feeling and thinking well. Without the medication, you are very likely to have a relapse. It will be up to you, your family, and your doctor to decide if you can do without the medication.
Schizophrenia changes the way you relate to others and the way you think about everyday activities. Therefore, you will probably need a therapist or case manager to help you manage your daily needs. You may need to spend some time in a hospital if you are thinking about hurting yourself or someone else.
What can I do for myself?
Understand that although this may be a lifelong illness, a lot of research is being done to develop better ways to treat schizophrenia. Treatment for this illness can greatly improve your quality of life.
Apply for assistance. The federal government may provide financial support and medical treatment to people disabled by schizophrenia.
Stay away from drugs and alcohol. They can make this illness worse.
Learn about schizophrenia and what signs and symptoms indicate that it may be getting worse.
Talk with your doctor or therapist about what you may be experiencing.
Sometimes this illness makes you afraid of even your doctor or therapist. Watch for this and be honest with your doctor or therapist about it.
Contact organizations like the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) and the National Mental Health Association (NMHA). They can provide information, education, and access to support groups.
Who do I contact for help?
If you would like more information or to schedule a confidential screening, please contact one of our facilities in your area.
