One of the most serious disorders that affects the brain is schizophrenia. It impacts the way an individual thinks, acts, and feels, creating problems with social interactions and distinguishing what is real from what is imagined. While schizophrenia is rare, it dramatically affects a person’s ability to live a relatively normal life without treatment. Below is a basic guide to this condition. 

When Does Onset Begin? 

Schizophrenia symptoms typically emerge during the teen years; however, some individuals are not diagnosed until they are in their twenties or thirties. Symptoms tend to manifest earlier in men than women, with males usually diagnosed in their teens or early twenties. Females are often diagnosed in their twenties or thirties. While the exact causes of the mental illness are still unknown, contributing factors are thought to include genetics, brain chemistry, structure, and development as well as environmental factors and drug use.

What Are Common Symptoms? 

Symptoms of this form of mental illness are categorized in three ways: positive, negative, and disorganized. Positive or psychotic symptoms include delusions, such as friends plotting against affected individuals, as well as hallucinations, such as seeing things that are not there and hearing voices. These symptoms range from mild to severe. Negative symptoms include emotional flatness, such as a disinterest in speaking, making plans with friends and family, or expressing feelings. Disorganized symptoms revolve around problems with memory, thought and speech organization, and repetitive behaviors.

Do People With Schizophrenia Have Multiple Personalities? 

One of the most common misconceptions about schizophrenia is that it results in split or multiple personalities. The affected individual may feel they have lost touch with reality, but it does not cause the person to take on another personality. While those with the disorder can act erratically, they are rarely violent. Medication remains the best way to manage this chronic mental health problem.

Schizophrenia is among the mental health disorders treated by the compassionate doctors at Lincoln Psychiatric Group. As a mental health care leader in Lancaster County, NE, since 1971, this Lincoln-based center provides diagnoses and treatments, including medication management and therapy. Call (402) 476-7557 today to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, or visit the website for more service information. Get additional tips on Twitter.