Schizophrenia awareness

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 13, 25 August 1987, Page 10

Schizophrenia awareness

The local Health Watch Committee would like to make the people of the Waimarino aware that this week is schizophrenia awareness week. "Schizophrenia" describes a group of severe mental illnesses which effect about one percent of the total population. Such illnesses have the effect of distorting the way a person thinks, feels or perceives things. These symptoms can lead to a withdrawal from the outside world. During acute phases

schizophrenic people often have false beliefs (delusions). They may think they have special powers and can control certain events or they may think they are somebody famous. Sometimes they can hear voices taunting them or giving them instructions. They may experience strange sensations such as being detached from their body. Sometimes they believe their thoughts are being broadcasted so that everyone else knows that they are thinking. Schizophrenia does not

mean having a split personality', it creates a disordered or fragmented personality. Some people may have only one or two attacks in their lifetime, however for most sufferers attacks recur at intervals throughout their lives. A common problem during the period between attacks is loss of motivation. Sufferers may not have the initiative or drive they previously had and everyday events can be unusually stressful, sometimes even frightening. Physical energy can be drained away by the illness, and to some extent by the medication that is necessary to contain it. Paranoia and other preoccupations make socialising difficult, maybe even impossible. People with schizophrenia are seldom violent. They are more likely to be withdrawn, oversensitive people, struggling to cope with a multitude of difficulties not properly understood by other people. Schizophrenia victims are often young people in their late teens or early adult years. The causes of schizophrenia are not fully understood, although it seems that biochemical and genetic factors play a part. No-one is born with schizophrenia - but some are born with a predisposition to it. Stressful environments can trigger attacks once the illness has developed. TV One will be screening programmes on schizophrenia throughout the week-.