Schizophrenia

In general, about 1 percent of people of a population suffers from schizophrenia. It usually begins gradually in young adulthood. The usual symptoms of the illness are as follows. A person in teenage or twenties, functioning reasonably, becomes quiet and aloof. Close relatives and friends can sense that the person is not being himself and appears distant. This is associated with poor hygiene and decline in functioning at school, work, etc. This is then followed by more overt symptoms, which are bizarre behavior and disorganized thoughts. For example a person might become suspicious of relatives or friends and accuse them of putting poison in his/her food, without any basis for it whatsoever.

People with schizophrenia act socially inappropriately for e.g. they might laugh or cry at the wrong time. Many of them hear voices even when no one is around and sometimes talk back to the voices. Otherwise they are awake and alert with good memory. They know time, date etc. and can recognize people correctly.

Once the illness occurs, for the great majority if not for everyone, it lasts for the rest of their life. At times they are relatively better, at others their behavior, thoughts and actions are more bizarre, lasting for several weeks. Patients have poor understanding of their own illness and many times they completely deny that anything is wrong and thus refuse treatment.

In short-term treatment with medicines is effective for acute episodes, even though the patient does not get completely well. American and British studies have shown that long-term treatment also prevents relapse with a greater probability of improved mental state leading to an overall better quality of life.