Schizophrenia is a disturbance of the brain's functioning. It can seriously distrub the way people think, feel and relate to others. About one person in 100 develops schizophrenia. Men and women are affected equally; however, men tend to have their first episode of schizophrenia in their late teens or early 20s. With women, the onset is usually a few years later. In most cases, the illness can start so gradually that people will begin to have symptoms, but they and their families may not be aware of the illness for a long time. In some cases, however, the onset is rapid.
People with schizophrenia may hear internal voices not heard by others or may see things that are not really there. These experiences can seem threatening and can make the person fearful and withdrawn. Individuals also may have trouble organizing their thoughts and expressing themselves. Their speech and behaviour can be disorganized in a way that they may be conerning to others.
Source: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
For more information visit the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health website at http://www.camh.net/ or call the Community Crisis Centre at (519) 973-4435.
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