Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that has been recognized throughout recorded history. It affects about 1 percent of Americans.

People with schizophrenia may hear voices other people don't hear or they may believe that others are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. These experiences are terrifying and can cause fearfulness, withdrawal, or extreme agitation. People with schizophrenia may not make sense when they talk, may sit for hours without moving or talking much, or may seem perfectly fine until they talk about what they are really thinking. Because many people with schizophrenia have difficulty holding a job or caring for themselves, the burden on their families and society is significant as well.

Available treatments can relieve many of the disorder's symptoms, but most people who have schizophrenia must cope with some residual symptoms as long as they live. Nevertheless, this is a time of hope for people with schizophrenia and their families. Many people with the disorder now lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia and to find ways to prevent and treat it.

    

Has anyone at this forum had any experience with a Schizophrenic that they would like to share?
I'd be really interested to hear, as this disorder has always caught my fancy.
I will be volunteering at a mental health facility for a few days next month, I shall hope to interact with one such person there.

Don't fall into the misconception that schizophrenia is multiple personality syndrome. That's a huge misdomenor with the media. The most basic definition is someone that struggles with separating fantasy from reality. I don't know where you got your information Moonpeach but:

"Because many people with schizophrenia have difficulty holding a job or caring for themselves, the burden on their families and society is significant as well."

Is a bit harsh, I've worked with an organization called the Mad Tea Party for years. We're basically people with mild mental disorders helping our more moderate and severe peers. Schizophrenia is one of those disorders that gets blown way out of proportion. Only for some severe cases can schizophrenics be dangerous to themselves and others.

Think of living your life in a waking dream. Not knowing what's real or not, that is horrifying. Because of this I found most schizophrenics I've worked with are timid, withdrawn, and heartbreakingly ashamed of their illness. You may work with some who are defensive and wary as well. I don't think they'll put a volunteer with severe cases.

I majored in psychology in college, and always found schizophrenia to be a fascinating disorder. It's true that many people confuse schizophrenia with Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), but they are separate conditions.

Schizophrenia must affect people to varying degrees, as 1 in 100 people have the disorder but not all exhibit severe symptoms.

I am not schizo but my dad was. It was weird growing up with him. He used to "turn" into a teen every once in a while and we'd argue over the silliest things. I remember once when I was a teenager, I was sitting in the living room with him. We were watching tv. I did not utter a single word. Out of the blue, he starts yelling to my mom (like a little kid), that I was laughing at him and calling him names. I never did such thing.
Also after I got married, and moved out, he started hanging out with 19 year olds, got a mohawk haircut, and started wearing those big baggy jeans with big baggie shirts. I was a funny sight.

My birth mother has paranoid schizophrenia. We were raised in a foster home and later adopted out.I know who she is and I try to keep in touch.
It's difficult since she is 'paranoid' of us too.No matter what we do to try to help it does no good.In her head she thinks we 'want' something from her ect.

Whats tragic is we don't want anything but to help,but she does not realize how bad she is and would rather stay in 'her safe place'

I have a sister (half) and she has that and MPD.I no longer keep in contact with her.

From what I understand it can be passed down,in some way or another.My brother,I and two of my children have bipolar/manic depression.My youngest does not show any signs of anything.We've tried all sorts of drugs and antidepressants.They just switched my middle son to a stronger dose of his meds.

My e brother in law is fully schizophrenic.He is in a hospital in tulsa.He no longer even knows who we are,and can't bathe himself.It's so sad.He used to be 'normal'. It can really do a number on a family.Especially when you love the people so much,but they no longer can communicate properly with you.