The word SCHIZOPHRENIA was coined by a Swiss Psychiatrist, Dr. Eugen Bleuler, and is defined literally as "splitting of the mind". This disease is NOT the same as split personality as some would think. The splitting describes what happens in the mind of the individual afflicted with the disease. Schizophrenia is a brain disease that is characterized by disturbance in a person's thoughts and behavior. Imagine yourself thinking different thoughts all at the same time, or seeing and hearing things which are not quite real, appear so disorganized that you cannot make a sense out of it. How would you feel? It is frightening. This is the experience of a person with schizophrenia and it causes significant distress not only to the person experiencing it but to other people as well because of the inappropriate behavior they exhibit.

Is it demon possession? What causes it?

Now this is a controversial question. Most of us know that in the Bible, there were mentioned persons who behaved abnormally and were demon possessed. During the middle ages, people who behaved abnormally were also regarded to be possessed and managed crudely. The behavior was explained to be caused by something supernatural. However, as time went by scientists discovered that the human brain has areas where our feelings, thoughts, behavior, and volition can be localized. In these areas are found chemical neurotransmitters that are responsible to maintain their functioning. The discovery of chemical neurotransmitters in the brain like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine shed more light in explaining the symptoms of schizophrenia. Imbalance in these chemicals in certain parts of the brain will disturb their functioning thus causing the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, there are other causes that have been mentioned by scientists. These are trauma early in the life of the individual, infection, abuse of illicit substances, genetics, and life's stresses. So, too much thinking can just be one factor in the development of the disorder.

How will I know if someone has schizophrenia?

There are characteristic symptoms that you have to identify to say that the person has schizophrenia. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) a person should have at least two of the following symptoms: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior and negative symptoms. That seems a lot so we will have to explain these to you.

Delusions are false beliefs. Sometimes persons with schizophrenia would think that he/she is God or that one has supernatural powers, and other bizarre beliefs. Sometimes they would believe that somebody is out to kill or harm them when in fact that is not true so they will keep themselves locked up in their houses.

Hallucination is a disturbance in perception. The person will see, hear, taste, feel or smell things which are not really existent. Persons with schizophrenia will hear voices of people talking even if no one is around or the place is completely quiet. They sometimes they see objects which does not exist in their surroundings. Some would tell you that they feel something crawling on their skin.

Disorganized speech. Normally, the idea and manner of our speech are logical so we can convey our message to other people effectively. For people with schizophrenia, they have difficulty conveying ideas logically. They would sometimes jump from one topic to another or would repeat words or phrases meaninglessly. Sometimes, they make up their own words. They just have difficulty conversing with you.

Disorganized behavior are those which are not usually appropriate and acceptable given a particular setting or culture. Persons with schizophrenia are described to behave oddly. Sometimes, they are called "weird" or are "out of this world" because of the inappropriateness of their behavior. Persons with schizophrenia behave inappropriately because they have their own reality. Because they operate in their set of reality and are not mindful of what is happening in the real world some of the things they do, like singing loudly in a meeting, will not be appropriate and acceptable for us. Some would assume certain posturing (catatonic posturing) without moving for long periods.

Now, it is not enough that these symptoms are present in the person. Some medical conditions can also bring about these symptoms. The person should not have other conditions that can explain these symptoms for one to say that it is indeed schizophrenia. The duration of presence of the symptoms should also be taken into consideration. Usually, these symptoms will persist for more than six months. If the symptoms are present for only less than 6 months, then the person may be suffering from other psychotic disorders.

There is also a deterioration in functioning of the individual. They have difficulty carrying on with their usual tasks at home and in the community. They have difficulty taking care of themselves. Because of these their relationships are strained since the family and loved ones could not explain their lack of motivation.

How common is it?

The NIMH sponsored Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study reported a lifetime prevalence rate of around 1-2 %. This means that if you have 100 persons in a room, you will find 1-2 persons having schizophrenia.

Who are at risk of having schizophrenia?

There were studies done to determine who are at risk of having it. Men and women can be equally affected. However, onset for men is earlier, usually at 15-25 years of age. In women, age of onset is usually at 25-35 years of age. It is rare to have schizophrenia before 15 years old and after 50 years old. It has been observed, though, that men are more likely to have negative symptoms. Women with schizophrenia have better functioning and outcomes than men.

So, children can also get this?

Yes, we have what we call childhood onset schizophrenia. Studies were done to determine risk factors for children and adolescents so that it can be prevented and treated early on. However, as of yet, there are no predictive signs that may point out to the development of the disorder later. Early signs and symptoms may include being socially withdrawn, quiet, passive, and introverted. The person may be preoccupied with bizarre thoughts, and sometimes has inappropriate responses. Again, these are not predictive that the person will develop schizophrenia later in life. What is important to create a healthy atmosphere for the child.

My friend always tells me that she hears a buzzing sound and see things when they shouldn't be there. She's becoming very anxious lately. When do you usually bring someone to the doctor?

It is best to bring your loved one as soon as you see subtle changes in the person's behavior and personality. This way, that person can be assessed early on and prevention and treatment can be given right away. We do not want further deterioration in the person's functioning. This will also prevent the person from experiencing distress and further losing his/her self-esteem.

My father has schizophrenia. How high is the chance that I will get it?

There is a genetic predisposition to having schizophrenia. If only 1 sibling is affected chances of another sibling getting it is 8%. If only 1 parent has it, there is only 12 % chance of an offspring getting it, and 40% if both parents have it. If an identical twin has it, the other twin has 50% chance of getting it.

If one already has schizophrenia can he still be cured?