FAQS |
01. What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is an extremely complex mental illness: in fact it is probably many illnesses masquerading as one. A biochemical imbalance is believed to cause symptoms.
02. What causes schizophrenia?
The precise cause of schizophrenia remains unknown. Changes in key brain functions, such as perception, emotions, and behavior, indicate that the brain is the biological site of schizophrenia. Some researchers suspect neurotransmitters (the substances through which cells communicate) may be involved. There may be changes in dopamine, serotonin, or other neurotransmitters. The limbic system (an area of the brain involved with emotion), the thalamus (which coordinates outgoing messages), and several other brain regions may also be affected.
03. Can it be cured?
There is as yet no cure, but there are good and effective treatment options, and recovery of a quality of life is possible.
04. How is Schizophrenia Treated?
Currently, there is no method for preventing schizophrenia and there is no cure. Minimizing the impact of illness depends mainly on early diagnosis and, appropriate psychosocial treatment and medication.
05. Why may there be resistance to taking medication?
People with schizophrenia sometimes lack insight into their illness, thus do not see the need for medication. Also, medication sometimes has unpleasant side effects and this may discourage individuals from continuing to follow their prescription.
06. Why is it important to get help early?
The earlier someone is stabilized on medication, the better the outcome for the illness. Early treatment can prevent unnecessary suffering and hospitalization.
07. What happens if proper medical care is not provided?
The illness gets worse. With proper medical care, recovery is possible.
08. Why don’t people with schizophrenia seek help for themselves?
There may be a variety of reasons why a person with schizophrenia does not seek help, including lack of insight due to the illness; the brain is not functioning as it should; it cannot “tell” the person what is wrong. Also, society’s prejudices about mental illness discourage people from disclosing their symptoms. There is fear of the stigma of mental illness and subsequent rejection and isolation. Read More...