The term literally means "split mind," but the disease is not that of a split personality. There are many symptoms of schizophrenia. Symptoms, only some of which are present in any one individual, occur in thoughts, perceptions, feelings, movements, and interpersonal relationships. Persons suffering from this disorder may experience hallucinations. Hallucinations are the experience of hearing, smelling, feeling, or seeing something that is not really there to hear, smell, feel, or see (Royal College of Psychologists). The most common hallucinations are

are available for the treatment of schizophrenia. These drugs, available since the mid-1950's, have for the first time enabled schizophrenic individuals to function without experiencing fear or troublesome symptoms. Most drugs work by blocking the path of dopamine. These are antipsychotic drugs. The drugs usually suppress positive symptoms like delusions and hallucinations, which would go away in a few weeks (Royal College of Psychologists). Unfortunately there are side effects. They can produce stiffness, shakiness, or they may cause slowing up, fatigue, apathy, and weight gain. Tardive dyskinesia is the worst drawback to taking antipsychotic drugs. It is a

loss of motor control, especially in the face. It is lasting and involuntary muscle movements of the mouth, jaw, and tongue. It is acquired if the drug has been taken over along period of time, usually about a year. Often it goes away if the use of the drug has stopped, but sometimes it does not. There are some new drugs available. Some cause less side effects. They may even help some of the negative symptoms. People on medication usually remain on it for a very long time if not forever since schizophrenia is a chronic illness. Not every schizophrenic patient benefits from antipsychotic drugs, and not every patient needs them. Long term drugs can be given by injections, which last for a month or more.

There are still more symptoms. These are ones that affect the person's emotions,

Schizophrenia has been one of the most heavily researched disorders. It is not yet known exactly what causes it, but there are several contributing factors. Approximately

opposite to a situation than what would be expected. They may laugh at something horrible or cry at something funny. They may have or show no emotions at all. The person can become withdrawn, and isolate themselves. They might avoid social situations. These are negative symptoms. This is where something normally present is absent.

Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder. It can last from six months to a lifetime. It usually lasts for a long time. People suffering from this disease experience symptoms on and off. Sometimes they may appear to be normal and other times their symptoms may be very obvious. Schizophrenia has been split into different types. Most often five dif

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