Schizophrenia This is the most severe type of mental disorder both in terms of the grave handicap caused to sufferers and the number of people affected by it. It can appear at any age, but its onset tends to be between adolescence and the age of thirty. Neither the symptoms nor the development of the disturbance are the same for everyone. For example, the symptoms may appear suddenly or be progressive, impairing mental ability and emotional stability. Contrary to what is generally believed, schizophrenia is not synonymous with a split personality or having a violent character.
Many schizophrenics suffer from psychosis, and an inability to distinguish reality and imagination.
This makes it difficult to communicate with other people. Other symptoms include difficulty in expressing one's emotions, forgetfulness, an inability to concentrate, all of which increase the sufferer's social alienation. Like other chronic illnesses, schizophrenia requires constant medical treatment and a great deal of family and social support. Rehabilitation and temporary hospitalization are also part of the treatment regime. Although big strides have been made over the last few years regarding treatment, there is still no cure on the horizon.