This is a serious mental illness that occurs in many countries including Anguilla. Approximately 45 million people worldwide of all cultures have this condition.

What is Schizophrenia?
This is an illness of the brain that causes severe mental disturbances that disrupt normal thought, speech and behaviour. After years of research we now know that brain chemistry and brain activity are different in a person who is suffering from schizophrenia compared to a person without schizophrenia.

What causes schizophrenia?
The brain is made up of nerve cells, called neurons, and chemicals called neurotransmitters. An imbalance of one neurotransmitter, dopamine, is thought to cause symptoms of schizophrenia. Recent studies suggest that serotonin another neurotransmitter, may also play a significant role in causing symptoms of schizophrenia.
Most experts agree that schizophrenia most likely results from a complex interplay of genetic, behaviour and other factors.
Genetics plays a role as schizophrenia runs in families, but there is no single “schizophrenic gene”.
Research has shown that stressful situations influence the development of schizophrenia.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?
Not everyone with schizophrenia has exactly the same symptoms. Some symptoms include:
Hallucinations- these occur when a person senses things that are not really there; however, they seem very real to the person experiencing them. The most commonly experienced hallucination is hearing voices. People also have hallucinations where they see, feel, smell or taste something that in not there.
Delusions-these are beliefs of paranoid or bizarre nature that are untrue, but believed by the person experiencing them to be very real. Some people who experience delusions believe that they are being controlled by something beside themselves, or believe other people are listening to their thoughts.
Disorganized speech-includes incoherent speech and speech in which ideas shift from one subject to another seemingly unrelated subject. Other types of disorganized speech include responding to questions in an irreverent way, reaching illogical conclusions and making up words.
Disorganized behaviour-individuals often look strangely dressed. They may also display socially inappropriate behaviour, such as repeating gestures or motions in a bizarre manner. Disorganized behaviour also includes withdrawing from others, not speaking for long periods of time, and maintaining odd and uncomfortable body postures for a long time.
If you see individuals with these symptoms you should either take them for medical attention or notify the health authorities as these individuals seldom seek help on their own.

Treatment
Anti-psychotic medications are frequently prescribed to people with schizophrenia to alleviate symptoms. Your doctor will prescribe a medication based on each individual case.
Contrary to what most people believe, individuals with schizophrenia are not violent and should not be placed in prison unless they commit a criminal offense that requires that form of punishment. It is inhumane, and certainly a violation of the individual’s human rights, to imprison a schizophrenic person just because he or she is diagnosed with this condition.
Education of the family is important as they have a vital role to play in the treatment of individuals with schizophrenia. Rehabilitation for individuals with schizophrenia is also required so that treatment can be successful. Early treatment is essential for achieving the best recovery.

Conclusion
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects individuals of all cultures. Once the diagnosis is made and early treatment instituted recovery is possible. Like all chronic illnesses the individual must continue to adhere to treatment plans if he/she is to remain symptom free. Families, the community and the government must work together to ensure that individuals with schizophrenia receive the very best therapy at all times.

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