SCHIZOPHRENIABy: Julianne Swinney

WHAT IS SCHIZOPHRENIA?

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder. People with schizophrenia have problems

such as hearing internal voices. They believe that other people are reading

their minds, controlling their thoughts, or wanting to harm them.

Their speech and behavior can be out of control.

WHO CAN GET SCHIZOPHRENIA?

Men Women

Men can get Schizophrenia in their early years.

Late teens or early twenties.

Women can get Schizophrenia in their later years.

Twenties or early thirties.

SYMPTOMS

Positive symptoms Negative symptoms

Positive symptoms- Psychotic behaviors not seen in healthy people. People with positive symptoms often "lose touch" with reality.

Hallucinations Delusions Thought disorders Movement disorders

Negative Symptoms- Disruptions to normal emotions and behaviors. These symptoms are harder to recognize.

"Flat affect" (a person's face does not move or he or she talks in a dull or monotonous voice)

Lack of pleasure in everyday life

Lack of ability to begin and sustain planned activities

Very little speaking

CAUSES Genes

Environment Different brain chemistry Different brain structure

VIOLENCE

People who have schizophrenia are not usually violent.

If someone becomes violent they usually direct it to a family member and it takes

place at home. People with schizophrenia can attempt

suicide. About 10% die from suicide.

WORKS CITED

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/index.shtml