A few Facts about Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is:
- Schizophrenia is a medical illness. It is a brain disease, the result of biochemical changes in the brain.
- Schizophrenia afflicts one in 100 people. In BC there are 40,000 people with schizophrenia and 3,500 people in the Greater Victoria Regional District.
- Symptoms include disordered thinking, delusions, paranoia, hallucinations, changes in emotions and behavior.
- There is no known cure for schizophrenia.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia greatly improves recovery.
- With proper medical treatment, many people with schizophrenia can lead rewarding, satisfactory lives. Many others, however, will require lifelong support.
- 40 to 50% of people with schizophrenia attempt suicide. Approximately 12% succeed.
Schizophrenia is Not…
- A split personality.
- Caused by childhood trauma.
- The result of any actions or personal failures of the individual.
