Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is characterized by a range of symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s daily functioning and quality of life.
Around 24 million people, or 1 in 300 persons (0.32%) globally, suffer from schizophrenia. Adults (2) had a rate of 1 in 222 (0.4%). It is not as prevalent as many other mental illnesses. The most common time for onset is in the late teens and twenties, and it often occurs earlier in males than in women. (World Health Organization)
Symptoms:
Delusions: Delusions are false beliefs that are not based on reality. An example of a delusion is when a person believes that they are being watched or that someone is trying to harm them.
Hallucinations: Sensations that are not real but are experienced by the person with schizophrenia. These can include hearing voices, seeing things that are not there, or feeling sensations in the body.
Disorganized thinking and speech: A person with schizophrenia may have difficulty organizing and expressing their thoughts. Their speech may be illogical or unrelated to the topic being discussed.
Abnormal motor behaviour: This can manifest as unusual movements or repetitive behaviours that serve no apparent purpose.
Negative symptoms: These refer to a decrease or absence of normal functioning. Examples include a lack of motivation, social withdrawal, reduced emotional expression, and decreased speech.
Schizophrenia does not have a single identifiable cause, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The condition is believed to result from genetic and environmental factors. Exposure to viruses or malnutrition before birth and complications during pregnancy or birth may contribute to its development. Additionally, psychosocial stress can play a role in the onset and progression of schizophrenia. Heavy cannabis use is also linked to an increased risk of the disorder.
It is crucial to take decisive action on schizophrenia, and it demands the active cooperation of governments, healthcare systems, communities, and individuals alike.
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