Primary Effects of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a devastating illness that affects all areas of life. Although they are often confused, schizophrenia is not split-personality disorder. It is a separate disease that impacts millions of Americans, often leaving these victims as social outcasts. Learning the primary effects of schizophrenia can help us understand and reach out to those who suffer from this debilitating condition.

Thought Processes

Schizophrenia is characterized by altered thought patterns. Although unique to each sufferer, the common alterations include paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, confusion and illogical rationales. These alterations are known as "positive" symptoms.

Socialization

Schizophrenia also has "negative" symptoms that include the inability to properly react to emotions and difficulty carrying out normal speech.

Sleep Patterns

Schizophrenia is often accompanied by profound sleep-pattern disturbances, particularly severe insomnia.

Physical Health

Due to impaired mental function, schizophrenics often cause themselves harm or fail to address serious health concerns.

Facts

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, schizophrenia affects approximately 1.1 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in any given year. Also, schizophrenics have a 5 to 6 percent greater risk of early death and a 10 to 13 percent higher rate of suicide than the general population.

Resources

• Schizophrenia Research Group
• National Institute of Mental Health