You've probably heard the term “schizophrenic” or “schizo” used to describe a person or action that just doesn't make sense any other way. Since the word does mean “split mind”, it's understandable to think that it can be the cause of split personalities or inexplicable acts of violence. This, however, isn't entirely true; the illness is much more complicated than that. To possibly dispel some myths and just because I think it's interesting, here are some basic facts about the disorder.
The most distinctive
symptoms of schizophrenia are hallucinations and delusions. Simply
put, they will perceive things that aren't there and have ideas about
the world and themselves that aren't true. A
visual example could be the way Russell Crowe (“John
Nash”) would see a
roommate and his niece in A
Beautiful Mind, as
well as believing he was on some sort of mission from the government.
Schizophrenics may also
have odd body movements (catatonia, rocking back and forth, etc) and
outbursts of emotion that don't fit the current situation. These
could be things like laughing at a funeral or getting really angry
and upset with someone out of the blue. Sometimes they won't express
emotion at all, or not enjoy things they used to. Depending on the
severity of the symptoms, a person's faulty thought processes may
prevent them from working or handling the functions of daily life.
Eventually they can learn to be independent, but many require a
caregiver at least some of the time.
There is no “one
form” of schizophrenia, and schizophrenics don't always behave the
same way even “within forms”. One person who has it can be
thought to be evil incarnate (i.e. Hitler, possibly) while another is
nice but “not all there” (my friend's mom). These types are:
Paranoid-This
is the type most people think of when they hear the term
“schizophrenia”. They will have hallucinations and delusions that
someone is out to get them, that they're being plotted against
because they have some sort of special skill that someone else wants.
Most schizophrenics aren't
violent, but sometimes these delusions and hallucinations will lead a
person feel threatened or think of themselves as being some sort of
“higher power”.
Disorganized-
This is the kind of schizophrenia that causes the garbled,
nonsensical speech and odd behavior many people think of when they
think of mental illness. Their thought processes are so disorganized
that they have problems with basic hygiene and daily living, as well
as inappropriate and erratic reactions. Think of the person who talks
to himself and wears a thick coat in July and you have an idea. They
don't have as many delusions or hallucinations as other types, but it
does happen.
Catatonic-
This is characterized by bizarre, involuntary physical movements (or
lack thereof). They might look like they're moving in slow motion or
stuck in a strange pose.
Occasionally
they'll mimic the speech and behavior of those around them. Remember
how your little brother would tease you by repeating everything you
say? A catatonic schizophrenic may do this too, but it's completely
involuntary. Don't slap them or tell Mom like you did with him.
Residual-This is
a sort of “remission”, where a person who had symptoms before,
but no longer does.
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