Schizophrenia
“Schizophrenia” is a term used to describe a complex, disabling mental illness. The illness varies in severity from person to person and from one time period to another.
What causes schizophrenia?
The exact cause is not yet known. Genetic factors are involved in this illness, and it can also be triggered by illness and highly stressful events.
What are the symptoms of Schizophrenia?
It is different for each person. Someone who has it will show some or many of these symptoms:
- Thoughts that are loose, or do not seem to relate to one another
- Bizarre, withdrawn, or childish behavior
- Tense feelings
- Decreased concentration
- Hearing or seeing things that others do not
- Being out of touch with reality, or not able to tell real from unreal experiences
- Delusions (beliefs that reflect a distortion of reality)
- Emotions seem to be absent or might seem to be the wrong ones for the setting
- Loss of function, social withdrawal, intense fear
- Odd speech habits such as talking to self in public, disorganized speech
- Decrease in energy or drive
- Little focus on hygiene
- Rocking back and forth at times
How is it treated?
There are number of ways to treat of schizophrenia. Treatment is often long term and may include:
- Medicines
- Community support programs
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Counseling
- Skills training
- Medical and Psychiatric follow-up and support
- Hospitalization
- Crisis services
Is there a cure?
At this time, there is no cure for the illness. Many people with the right treatment do lead happy, healthy, lives. Active research is helping to learn more about the causes and cures for schizophrenia.
Where can I get more information?
If you have other questions, please ask your doctor or nurse or call the Psychiatric Nursing Inpatient Unit at (608) 263-7525.
Or in acute crisis you can call:
Mental Health Center of Dane Co.
625 W. West Washington Ave
Madison WI 53703
(608) 280-2600
Or for information you can call:
Alliancefor the Mentally Ill of Dane Co.
NAMIDaneCounty
2059 Atwood Avenue
(608) 249-7188
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 04/14/2010
Copyright © 04/14/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4386
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