Persons with schizophrenia occupy more hospital beds than those with any other illness, except cardiovascular disease. In fact, one in every 12 hospital beds in Canada is used by someone suffering from Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is one of the most disabling disease for young people. It typically strikes individuals in their late teens or early twenties and it is usually a lifelong illness. It is commonly referred to as Youth's Greatest Disabler.
Schizophrenia has no known cure.
It includes identifying the right medication for the individual, as well as appropriate community support and regular medical follow-up. The available medications are only partially effective as they do not completely eliminate the symptoms and, in many cases, have debilitating side effects including stiff muscles, restlessness, dry mouth and blurred vision. As the disease disorders their thinking, many people with Schizophrenia, who are seriously ill, do not recognize their illness and will not consent to receiving treatment. Schizophrenia drastically affects individuals' quality of life. Many people with schizophrenia are in prison and it is estimated that about one-third of the homeless have the disease or another of seven mental disorders.