General Information
Those with schizophrenia can often be prone to hear voices that other people don't. They may believe other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. Withdrawal and extreme agitation are common with the disease, as these symptoms often make the person feel terrified and alone.
People with schizophrenia may not make sense when they talk. They may sit for hours without moving or talking. It can sometimes be difficult to tell when a person has schizophrenia as they may seem perfectly fine until they talk about what they are really thinking.
Depending on the severity of the disorder, a normal family life and ability to function within societal norms can become a struggle. Many people with schizophrenia have difficulty holding a job or caring for themselves, so they rely on others for help.
Treatment helps relieve many symptoms of schizophrenia, but most people who have the disorder cope with symptoms throughout their lives. However, many people with schizophrenia can lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia. In the years to come, this work may help prevent and better treat the illness.
People with schizophrenia may not make sense when they talk. They may sit for hours without moving or talking. It can sometimes be difficult to tell when a person has schizophrenia as they may seem perfectly fine until they talk about what they are really thinking.
Depending on the severity of the disorder, a normal family life and ability to function within societal norms can become a struggle. Many people with schizophrenia have difficulty holding a job or caring for themselves, so they rely on others for help.
Treatment helps relieve many symptoms of schizophrenia, but most people who have the disorder cope with symptoms throughout their lives. However, many people with schizophrenia can lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of schizophrenia. In the years to come, this work may help prevent and better treat the illness.
What Causes Schizophrenia?
Scientists have long known that schizophrenia runs in families. The illness occurs in 1 percent of the general population, but it occurs in 10 percent of people who have a first-degree relative with the disorder, such as a parent, brother, or sister. People who have second-degree relatives (aunts, uncles, grandparents, or cousins) with the disease also develop schizophrenia more often than the general population. The risk is highest for an identical twin of a person with schizophrenia. He or she has a 40 to 65 percent chance of developing the disorder.
However, it typically takes more than genes to cause the disorder. Scientists think interactions between genes and the environment are necessary for schizophrenia to develop. Many environmental factors may be involved, such as exposure to viruses or malnutrition before birth, problems during birth, and other undefined psychosocial factors.
In small ways the brains of people with schizophrenia look different than those of healthy people. For example, fluid-filled cavities at the center of the brain, called ventricles, are larger in some people with schizophrenia. The brains of people with the illness also tend to have less gray matter, and some areas of the brain may have less or more activity. Studies of brain tissue after death also have revealed differences in the brains of people with schizophrenia. Scientists have found small changes in the characteristics of brain cells that likely occurred before birth. Some experts think problems during brain development before birth may lead to faulty connections. The problem may not show up in a person until puberty. The brain undergoes major changes during puberty, which are thought to trigger psychotic symptoms. Scientists continue to research the disease and exactly why, and how it is caused.
However, it typically takes more than genes to cause the disorder. Scientists think interactions between genes and the environment are necessary for schizophrenia to develop. Many environmental factors may be involved, such as exposure to viruses or malnutrition before birth, problems during birth, and other undefined psychosocial factors.
In small ways the brains of people with schizophrenia look different than those of healthy people. For example, fluid-filled cavities at the center of the brain, called ventricles, are larger in some people with schizophrenia. The brains of people with the illness also tend to have less gray matter, and some areas of the brain may have less or more activity. Studies of brain tissue after death also have revealed differences in the brains of people with schizophrenia. Scientists have found small changes in the characteristics of brain cells that likely occurred before birth. Some experts think problems during brain development before birth may lead to faulty connections. The problem may not show up in a person until puberty. The brain undergoes major changes during puberty, which are thought to trigger psychotic symptoms. Scientists continue to research the disease and exactly why, and how it is caused.
Other Notable Schizophrenics
- Tom Harrell, Jazz Musician
- Meera Popkin, Broadway Star
- John Nash - Mathematician/Nobel Prize Winner
- Albert Einstein's son - Eduard Einstein
- Dr. James Watson's son (Dr. Watson is co-discover of DNA and Nobel Prize winner)
- Alan Alda's Mother (Alan Alda is the famous TV actor from the series MASH)
- Andy Goram - Scottish Soccer Player/Goal Keeper
- Lionel Aldridge - Superbowl-winning Football Player
- Peter Green, Guitarist for the band Fleetwood Mac
- Syd Barrett of the band Pink Floyd
- Alexander "Skip" Spence and Bob Mosley - both members of the 1960's rock group Moby Grape (and Jefferson Airplane for Skip Spence)
- Roger Kynard "Roky" Erickson, of the Austin-based 1960's group TheThirteenth Floor Elevators
- Joe Meek - 1960's British record producer
- James Beck Gordon (Jim Gordon) - James Gordon had been, quite simply, one of the greatest drummers of his time
- Charles "Buddy" Bolden - Jazz Musician
- Antoin Artaud - Dramatist, Artist
- Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of Abraham Lincoln (past-President of the United States)
- Vaclav Nijinsky, Famous Russian Dancer