In the year 2022, Schizophrenia Awareness Week, is being observed from 22 to 28 May with the theme "Connecting with Hope." According to WHO, May 24 is the World Schizophrenia Day to raise awareness about the serious mental illness affecting more than 21 million people worldwide and eradicate the stigma, prejudice, myths and superstitions about it.
WHO adds that schizophrenia is the world's fourth leading cause of disability And, there is a need to enhance the quality of life for people living with schizophrenia and their carers.
According to Mayo Clinic, 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. Moreover, people with schizophrenia require lifelong treatment and care to work productively
Thus, schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects 'a person's ability to think, feel and behave clearly.' Though the exact cause of schizophrenia is not known, but as a neurological problem, a combination of genetics, environment and altered brain chemistry and brain structure play a role in creating this mental health condition.
According to specialists, schizophrenia is characterised by the following
· Childhood trauma
· Decreased participation in daily activities
· Difficulty with concentration and memory
· Disorganised speech
· Drug abuse
· Erratic behaviour
· Low self and social awareness
· Pregnancy or birth complications
· Thoughts, feelings or mental-visual experiences that seem out of touch with reality
Often one lives with this health condition supported by life-long treatment involving a combination of medications, psychotherapy, spiritual therapy and coordinated specialty care services for training and follow-up for daily life activities.
Some traits of people with mild schizophrenia could be a higher IQ, creativity, and reasoning fixations with erratic behaviour.
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