The myths and stigma surrounding schizophrenia stand like a wall between those suffering with the illness and the rest of the world. Schizophrenia is not a split personality. It is a biochemical brain disorder which results in confused thinking, delusions, hallucinations, and a lack of energy and motivation. Schizophrenia strikes one in every hundred people. Schizophrenia patients occupy one in every twelve hospital beds in Canada more beds than are needed for any other illness, with the exception of cardio-vascular disease.
Schizophrenia is the most disabling single illness for young people.
It typically strikes people in their late teens or early twenties and usually continues for the rest of their lives. It is commonly referred to as Youth's Greatest Disabler. Schizophrenia is presently not curable. However, there have been many recent developments in medications that can substantially alleviate symptoms. Unfortunately, because schizophrenia affects the brain and produces disordered thinking, many persons with schizophrenia who are seriously ill do not accept that they need treatment.