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Context

• May 24 is World Schizophrenia Day.

Details

• Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness affecting more than 21 million people worldwide according to the World Health Organization.
• The purpose of this day is to spread awareness about this illness and eradicate the myths and superstitions around mental illnesses in general.
• National Schizophrenia Foundation declared May 24 as World Schizophrenia Day to honor Dr. Philippe Pinel, from France, a major figure in the early efforts to provide humane care and treatment for the mentally ill.

Schizophrenia

• Schizophrenia is a psychiatric condition where certain chemicals in certain areas of the brain are out of balance. If that happens there can be a lack of co-ordination between thoughts, actions, and emotions.
• The term ‘schizophrenia’ literally means “a splitting of the mind” and was coined in 1910 by Swiss psychiatrist Dr. Paul Eugen Bleuler.
• Schizophrenia starts in early adulthood or late adolescence, typically between the ages of 15 to 28.
• Men also have a higher risk of suffering from the illness than women. Men have an earlier onset age than women.
• They also tend to suffer from a more severe form of the disease with more negative symptoms, less chance of a full recovery and a worse outcome.
• Symptoms: Perception-wise, a person may think other people are talking about him or her, or hear voices. The person may also feel sad and irritable, or that he or she is constantly being watched. Behaviour-wise, the person may have difficulty sleeping, talk to him or herself, and behave aggressively.
• Treatment and help: Medication is the main form of treatment, as it can help with abnormal biochemical balances in the brain and relieve symptoms like hallucinations. Psychotherapy can help a person make sense of his or her illness and deal with the impact of the illness on their lives. Rehabilitation and counselling helps the person build social relationships and independent living skills.

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