Men's Health

Schizophrenia

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People with schizophrenia sometimes hear voices others don't hear, believe that others are broadcasting their thoughts to the world, or become convinced that others are plotting to harm them. These experiences can make them fearful and withdrawn and cause difficulties when they try to have relationships with others.

Schizophrenia is the most chronic and disabling of the mental disorders, equally affecting about 1 percent of women and men worldwide. The illness typically appears earlier in men (in their late teens or early 20s) than in women, who are generally affected in their 20s or early 30s.

This is a time of hope for people with schizophrenia. Although the causes of the disease have not yet been determined, current treatments can eliminate many of the symptoms and allow people with schizophrenia to live independent and fulfilling lives in the community.

Additional Information on Schizophrenia:

Publications

1.   Schizophrenia - This fact sheet provides a very brief but easy to understand explanation of the symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis of schizophrenia.

   http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/ken98-0052/default.asp

2.   Schizophrenia - This publication provides an overview of schizophrenia including the signs, symptoms, treatment options, and where to go for help.

   http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/schizophreniamenu.cfm

3. Schizoaffective Disorder (Copyright © MHA) - This publication presents general information on symptoms and methods of treatment for schizoaffective disorder: a mixture of mood disorders and schizophrenia.

   http://mentalhealthamerica.net/index.cfm?objectid=C7DF97FD-1372-4D20-C8F0FBF1C87...

4. Schizophrenia: Newer Medicines (Copyright © AAFP) - This on-line publication provides information on schizophrenia, how it is treated, and new drugs for treatment. Schizophrenia is a chronic, disabling illness that may be caused by abnormal amounts of certain chemicals in the brain.

   http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/mentalhealth/treatment/266.h...

5. Schizophrenia: What You Need to Know (Copyright © MHA) - This fact sheet provides information on the causes, symptoms and treatments of schizophrenia.

   http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/information/get-info/schizophrenia/schizop...

Organizations

1.   National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, HHS
2. American Psychiatric Association
3. Mental Health America
4. National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression
5. World Fellowship for Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of June 2007