Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions and extremely disordered thinking and behavior that impairs daily functioning and can be disabling. (Mayo Clinic)
Symptoms
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disorganized Speech
- Grossly Disorganized or catatonic behavior
- Negative Symptoms
Causes
- Some genetic (There is no clear understanding of inheritance patterns)
- More common in northern climates
- People born in winter
Age of Onset
- Late teens to early twenties
Treatment
- Anti-psychotic medication, job placement, group and individual therapy
Fast Facts:
- 1 in 100 people have schizophrenia in the world
- Usage of marijuana as a teenager greatly increases the chance of developing schizophrenia
"I have schizophrenia. I am not schizophrenia. I am not my my mental illness.
My mental illness is a part of me"
-- Johnathan Harnisch
Schizophrenia Resources and Support Centers:
Online Support Groups:
https://sczaction.org/peer-support-groups/
- Schizophrenia Alliance: A peer and self-help group for those living with schizophrenia. Helps restore dignity and purpose for those working towards a recovery from schizophrenia. No dues, confidential, and members remain anonymous.
- Students with Psychosis: No-cost global organization supporting students living with schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis.
https://www.inspire.com/groups/scz-action/
- Schizophrenia Spectrum Support: An online space and support group for those dealing with health conditions
https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Support-Groups/NAMI-Connection
- NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group: (18+) A free peer-led support group that is available to all adults living with mental health conditions and psychosis.
- Offers several support forums and is an online community run by medically-trained volunteers. A source of education, support and information.
Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator:
https://www.samhsa.gov/esmi-treatment-locator
- Individuals who experience the first onset of mental illness symptoms, which could include problems of perception, should contact a treatment facility that is able to provide effective treatment that can lead to better outcomes and enable people to live full, healthy, and productive lives
https://www.behavioralhealthflorida.com/provider/
- Finds a psychiatrist (around Orlando area) to help you or a loved one suffering from schizophrenia
- Schizophrenia treatment program in Florida
Finding a Doctor Who Treats Schizophrenia:
Finding A Mental Health Professional, National Alliance on Mental Illness:
800-950-6264
Advocacy, Support, and Additional Resources for People With Schizophrenia:
Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America:
855-640-8271
American Brain Coalition:
763-554-2913
Treatment Advocacy Center:
703-294-6001
Schizophrenia Organizations, Statistics and Facts:
National Alliance on Mental Illness:
800-950-6264
National Institute of Mental Health:
866-415-8051
Brain and Behavior Research Foundation:
800-829-8289
American Psychiatrics Association:
202-599-3900
Schizophrenia Research Forum:
Schizophrenia and Financial Assistance for Treatment:
Getting Help Paying for Your Meds, National Alliance on Mental Illness:
800-950-6264
Healthwell Foundation:
800-675-8416
PAN Foundation:
866-316-7263
NeedyMeds:
800-503-6897
The Assistance Fund:
855-845-3663
