UNDERSTANDINGSCHIZOPHRENIA

ONE IN 100Schizophrenia can affect people of all races, cultures, socio-economic groups and occurs equally in men and women.

IMPACT ON CAREGIVERS

THERE IS HELP PEOPLE CAN AND DO GET BETTER WITH THE HELP OF:

PROPOSED RISK FACTORS INCLUDE:

a range of supports that have been shown to decrease rates of hospitalization and involvement with the criminal justice system while increasing rates of recovery.

1. Teplin LA, McClelland GM, Abram KM, and Weiner DA. (2005). Crime Victimization in Adults with Severe Mental Illness. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 62, 911-921.

2. Ratnasingham, S., Cairney, J., Rehm, J., Manson, H., & Kurdyak, P. A. (2012). Opening eyes, opening minds: The Ontario burden of mental illness and addictions report. An ICES/PHO Report. Toronto: Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and Public Health Ontario. P. 51

3. Jenkins, J.H., Carpenter-Song, E.A. (2009). Awareness of stigma among persons with schizophrenia: Marking the context of lived experience. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 197(7), 520-529.

4. Public Policy Forum, 2014. Schizophrenia in Canada: the social and economic case for a collaborative model of care. Retrieved from https://www.ppforum.ca/sites/default/files/Schizophrenia%20in%20Canada%20-%20Final%20report.pdf

5. Stuart, HL. 2005. Respite Needs of People Living with Schizophrenia: A National Survey of Schizophrenia Society Members. Toronto: Schizophrenia Society of Canada. Retrieved from

http://www.schizophrenia.ca/docs/SSCRespiteReportE.pdf

but researchers believe that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environment contribute to the development of the disorder.

Caregivers often provide

There is no known cause,

Disruption in thinking.Typically begin between the ages of 15 and 30.

Altered perceptionof themselves, others and the world around them.

Affected language.Withdrawal from friends or family and seemingly depressed.

Psychosis such as hearing voicesor delusions.

Lack of energy and being unable to sleep.

Difficulty concentrating, paranoid behaviour and unusual outbursts.

Family and friends.

Employment and education.

Supportive housing.

SYMPTOMSSchizophrenia is a mental illness, characterized by profound disruptions in thinking, affecting language, perception and sense of self.

Although there are many reported benefits for both caregivers and care recipients, without the right supports, caregiving can be challenging.

of the respondents expressed some difficulties coping with their caregiving role, with one

in ten expressing regularly feeling overwhelmed and

stressed out.5

75%

Doctors, medications and hospitals.

Community-based services, social and peer supports,

counselling and crisis services.

Healthy lifestyle, exercise and healthy eating.

Having a family history of schizophrenia.

Increased immune system activation, resulting from conditions such as inflammation or autoimmune disease.

Some pregnancy and birth complications that may impact brain development.

Taking mind-altering (psychoactive or psychotropic) drugs during teen years and young adulthood.

Knowing what to look for can help people seek

treatment and resources sooner and can result

in better outcomes.

For more information, please contact the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario at 1-800-449-6367 or visit schizophrenia.on.ca

@schizophreniasocietyon@SchizophreniaSocietyON@peace_of_minds

DID YOU KNOW?

more likely to be victims of violent crimes.1

Schizophrenia is a treatable mental illness. Access to timely treatments and supports can help people live full and healthy lives, including paid or volunteer work, fulfilling relationships and good mental health. When people have challenges accessing the care they need, or experience stigma, their risks for poor mental health increase:

Many young people have to discontinue

their education.

are employed in Canada, often paid less and hold fewer

full-time positions.4

4xshorter lifespan.2

20%

15%

Often report hostility, fearful attitudes, stereotypes and insensitivity from others.3

of caregivers who responded to a National Survey of Schizophrenia

Society of Canada members reported that caregiving had

negatively impacted their emotional health.5

67%