Behavioral And Emotional Health

We may think of stressful events as unpleasant ones, such as losing a job or having difficulties at home or at school. But changes for the better can also cause stress, like a new baby, a wedding, and a new house. In an ideal world, maybe we could get away from stressful situations, or change […]

To understand what stress does to us, imagine you lived tens of thousands of years ago, at a time when humans were threatened by hungry animals such as saber-toothed tigers and wolves. Our caveman ancestors had to be able to react instantly, either by fighting the beasts or running away. So humans evolved the ability

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on schizophrenia: British Columbia Schizophrenia Society  http://www.mentalhealth.com Canadian references to healthcare but an excellent practical site; with clearly written information The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)  Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6263) http://www.nami.org National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Office of Communications and Public Liaison Information

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. The person finds it difficult to tell the difference between real and imagined experiences, to think logically, to express feelings, or to behave appropriately. People with schizophrenia may hear internal voices not heard by others or may see things that

Schizophrenia is a complex illness, and no single cause has been found. There are several theories about the causes, which include: Heredity. Schizophrenia runs in some families. A person can inherit a tendency to develop the illness, especially if a parent has the disorder. The risk for inheriting schizophrenia is 10 percent in those who have

Schizophrenia affects about one percent of all people. Schizophrenia affects individuals who span the full range of intelligence and education, from the most intelligent to the most simple minded. No cultural group is immune to schizophrenia, but the content of delusions varies in different parts of the world, according to one study. In Europe, people

There are no chemical tests for schizophrenia. Doctors make the diagnosis based on the symptoms and an interview with the individual. A number of brain imaging techniques are becoming useful in determining if parts of the brain are damaged. These techniques include: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses magnets to produce cross-sectional images of the

Because the progression and symptoms of schizophrenia vary from one person to another, treatment must be an individualized decision. Schizophrenia cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed in many people. Treatment options include: Antipsychotic medications Atypical medications Other useful medications Electroconvulsive (“shock”) therapy Psychotherapy Family support Rehabilitation Antipsychotic Medications Antipsychotic medication has been

The families of people with schizophrenia are on the “front line.” While the community has support groups, the family is the main one. Often the role is difficult. The person may deny there is a problem and resist efforts at treatment. How-To Information: Here is some advice for helping a person with schizophrenia Remember that

The outlook for people with schizophrenia has improved over the last 25 years. Although the illness cannot be cured, most people go on to lead independent, satisfying lives. The outcome in schizophrenia varies greatly. About 30 percent of individuals are independent, working full time, and raising families. About 50 percent of individuals can live relatively

Here are some frequently asked questions related to schizophrenia: Q: My son constantly forgets his medication. How I can help? A: Try organizing his medications with medication calendars or pillboxes that are marked with each day. Purchase an electronic timer that beeps when medications should be taken. Plan for him to takes the medication at a