At the bottom of this section on Paranoid Schizophrenia is a comprehensive resource of web links that when followed will take you to a wealth of helpful information from all over the world.  Please take the time to investigate further.

You may wish to consider joining an Internet Forum, Bulletin Board, or chat Room dedicated to discussing the disease. Recent research has shown that people who communicate like this on a regular basis have a better chance of recovering from the disease.  I have included a link for this as well.  Has to be worth a try don't you think?

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that was so eloquently portrayed in the Russell Crowe film 'A Beautiful Mind'.  It severely impacts how one thinks, feels, and acts. It is a disorder that makes it difficult for a person to tell the difference between real and imagined experiences, to think logically, to express normal emotional responses or to behave appropriately in social situations. Unfortunately there are many myths about schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia do not have a 'split personality'

Schizophrenia can be draining on both the person with schizophrenia and their families. People with schizophrenia often have difficulty functioning in society, at work and in school. Family members may have to help out financially and make sure that medication is taken as prescribed.

No cure for schizophrenia has been discovered, but with proper treatment, many people with this illness can lead productive and fulfilling lives.

The film 'A Beautiful Mind' is certainly worth mentioning when talking about Schizophrenia as it is a touching, emotionally charged film detailing the life of a brilliant academic who suffers from schizophrenia. This affliction slowly takes over his mind and we watch as his life crumbles apart around him. He abandons his students, alienates his colleagues and replaces his research with a fruitless and all-consuming obsession. Eventually he is taken into hospital where he is forced, with the help of electric-shock therapy and regular medication, to accept his condition and attempt to repair the shattered fragments of his life.

He succeeds. Of course he succeeds, this is Hollywood and Hollywood likes a happy ending. In this case the happy ending is that, as an old man and after years of struggle, the poor academic is awarded the Nobel Prize. One interesting point though; it's a true story and our hero is none other than John Forbes Nash Jr.  A brilliant  mathematical genius.  Click here for typical reviews of the film.

Schizophrenia is not caused by poor parenting, bad mothers, a personal weakness, or a "split personality." It is not a symptom of a character flaw. Nobody with this serious disorder can simply "get over it" or ignore the hallucinations and delusions.

Most importantly, schizophrenia is not your fault. It is a serious disease of the nervous system; a thought disorder that affects a person's ability to function in every day activities. It affects one's work, one's family, and one's social life.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

In healthy people, the brain functions in such a way that incoming stimuli are sorted and interpreted, followed by a logical response (e.g., saying "thank you" after a gift is given, realizing the potential outcome of arriving late to work, etc.). Conversely, the inability of patients with schizophrenia to sort and interpret stimuli and select appropriate responses is one of the hallmarks of the disease.

Treating Schizophrenia

This is a time of hope for people with schizophrenia and their families. Research is gradually leading to new and safer medications and unravelling the complex causes of the disease. Scientists are using many approaches from the study of molecular genetics to the study of populations to learn about schizophrenia. Methods of imaging the brain’s structure and function hold the promise of new insights into the disorder.

The outlook for people with schizophrenia has improved over the last 25 years. Although no totally effective therapy has yet been devised, it is important to remember that many people with the illness improve enough to lead independent, satisfying lives. As we learn more about the causes and treatments of schizophrenia, we should be able to help more patients achieve successful outcomes.

Because relapse of illness is more likely when medications are discontinued or taken irregularly, it is very important that people with schizophrenia work with their doctors and family members to adhere to their treatment plan. Adherence to treatment refers to the degree to which patients follow the treatment plans recommended by their doctors. Good adherence involves taking prescribed medication at the correct dose and proper times each day, attending clinic appointments, and/or carefully following other treatment procedures. Treatment adherence is often difficult for people with schizophrenia, but it can be made easier with the help of several strategies and can lead to improved quality of life.

Always look on the bright side of life...

This is Andy Goram - Scottish Soccer Player/Goal Keeper - It has been reported in the UK Newspapers that Scottish goalkeeper Andy who has played for Rangers (and more recently as a sub with the Manchester Union Soccer club) was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He is regarded as Scotland's top goalkeeper and among the best in Europe despite the knee injuries which have dogged him throughout his Rangers career. His superb reaction saves and bravery have earned him World Cup recognition since earning his first Scotland cap while an Oldham Athletic player in 1986.

Click on the link to learn about other famous people who refused to let schizophrenia control their lives.  CLICK HERE!

People recover from schizophrenia every single day. Many only have a once off episode.

The medication is slowly but surely getting better. Newer 'atypical' forms of medication are better and have less side effects than the older versions.  Recent progress in the development of new medications to treat schizophrenia is very hopeful.

The stigma of the disease is lifting. Thanks to the internet, people worldwide are becoming increasingly well informed and understanding about the nature of the disease.  Schizophrenia has been recognised as a brain disease.

Scientists are getting closer to explaining the cause which should help treatment. Scientists are narrowing in on a possible virus and problems with brain receptors which may provide better treatment.

There is a wealth of online information about schizophrenia. Many of these resources have been developed and are maintained by others who live with schizophrenia, or a family member. Here, we provide links to several sites that you will find interesting.

www.schizophrenia.com

www.sane.org.uk

(This is a direct link to the Schizophrenia information this organisation provides)

www.mentalhealth.org

(A free online booklet from this organisation for people who want to know more about Schizophrenia)