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Schizophrenia




Ashley - Living With Schizophrenia


What is it?


Schizophrenia affects 2 to 3 million Americans, or one percent of the population. It is a serious mental illness that affects a person's thinking, emotions, and behavior. This medical condition is characterized by hallucinations and delusions, however, there are other symptoms as well. There are sub-types of schizophrenia: paranoid, catatonic, disorganized, undifferentiated, and residual. Most of the time, males develop the illness around age of 18, and age 25 for females. There is no cure for this illness, however, there is treatment.

Common Misconceptions

People who have schizophrenia do NOT have split personality, and violence is not a symptom of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is not caused by bad parenting or a dysfunctional family. Recovery is possible. An individual with schizophrenia can lead a productive, independent, fulfilling life.

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