Schizophrenic Disorders
The National Institute on Mental Health states that schizophrenia annually affects 1.1 percent of the American population age 18 and older. There are different types of schizophrenia illnesses that can plague an individual; all are serious in their condition.
Paranoid Schizophrenia
An individual inflicted with paranoid schizophrenia harbors beliefs that are grandiose and over-the-top in nature and are usually accompanied by delusions. These delusions make the patient feel as though she must protect herself from a conspiracy that has been set up to harm her. As a result, she exhibits suspicion, tenseness and a guarded demeanor. She also may hear things that are not present (auditory hallucinations). Generally, an individual suffering from paranoid schizophrenia will not exhibit the unruly speech and behavior seen in other types of schizophrenic disorders.
Disorganized Schizophrenia
Individuals with disorganized schizophrenia often experience a gradual onset of the disease instead of a sudden affliction. Disorganized schizophrenia tends to appear before age 25. An individual suffering from this disorder exhibits disturbing behavior for no apparent reason. He may display erratic and inappropriate responses (such as laughing at a funeral), delusions, no emotion and motivation, silly behavior, aimless and unproductive activity, hallucinations and loss of pleasure in otherwise pleasurable activities.
Catatonic Schizophrenia
Catatonic schizophrenic causes the individual to exhibit either periods of motionlessness (stupor) or excitement. When in a stupor, the victim voluntarily stops her movements and speech and can be extremely stubborn in changing this position, even if it is uncomfortable to her. She abruptly shifts from this state of stupor and becomes very excited, speaking loudly and swiftly or becoming violent toward herself and others.
Genetic Cause
Although the causes of schizophrenia are not completely known, it is perceived that schizophrenia is often genetically inclined. Individuals who have a parent or sibling with schizophrenia stand a 10 percent chance of developing the disease. Still, there are many schizophrenics who have no family members with the disorder.
Schizophrenia Effects
Untreated or improperly treated schizophrenia can produce dreadful effects on the victim and those in his inner circle. Relationship issues often ensue because schizophrenics tend to retreat into a world of isolation and paranoia, shutting others out. Delusions, hallucinations and disorganized actions can prevent him from performing tasks relating to his hygiene and nutrition. Many schizophrenics abuse alcohol and drugs in an effort to escape their painful symptoms. Many also smoke cigarettes heavily, which can disrupt the effectiveness of the medication they may be taking for their disorder. Schizophrenics face an elevated risk of suicide, especially during psychotic episodes, depression and the first six months of treatment.
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