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About 1.1% of the population over 18 suffers from schizophrenia, which is 51 million people worldwide. In Canada, the number is  around 280,000. Since roughly 1 out of every 4,000 people develop the illness, it is estimated that 1.5 million people will be diagnosed this year worldwide ("Schizophrenia Facts and Statistics", 2017).

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Is the term "schizophrenia" becoming outdated? When surveyed, all patients with psychosis preferred the name of salience syndrome to schizophrenia, "salience" being the term that most accurately describes the experiences of those with the illness. It helps to reduce the stigma surrounding the old name (Pedersen, 2015).

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Schizophrenia typically takes affect between ages 18 and 35. It is equally common in men and women, although those who develop the illness after 45 are more likely to be women - the mood symptoms usually more prominent. Anyone can develop the illness, regardless of social status or lifestyle ("ARCHIVED: Chapter 3: A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada – Schizophrenia", 2012).

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Although unlikely, the effect of schizophrenia on a young person's life can be devastating. The common symptoms make it very difficult to keep social connections and interfere greatly with education. It is likely they will live with these symptoms their entire life.

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While there is no known cure for the disorder, appropriate treatment can alleviate some of the symptoms/prevent relapses and newly developed medications reduce the long-term damaging effects to the brain. An intensive treatment program includes:

1. "Antipsychotic medication, which forms the cornerstone of treatment for schizophrenia

2. Education of the individual about his / her illness and treatment

3. Family education and support

4. Support groups and social skills training

5. Rehabilitation to improve the activities of daily living

6. Vocational and recreational support

7. Cognitive therapy

8. Integrated addictions program"

("ARCHIVED: Chapter 3: A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada – Schizophrenia", 2012)

Long-Term Prognosis: Although these methods can eliminate some symptoms, most patients will continue to live with symptoms the rest of their lives.

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Although the exact cause is unknown, symptoms of the illness are believed to be caused by a functional abnormality in the brain's neurotransmitters. There are both genetic and environmental factors that can lead to the development of the disorder. Immediate family members of those with it are 10 times more likely to develop it (though opinions on this are varied), while prenatal or perinatal trauma, season/place of birth, and viral infections may be contributors as well ("ARCHIVED: Chapter 3: A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada – Schizophrenia", 2012).

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Delusions of persecution, reference, grandeur, control, etc

Auditory and visual hallucinations (tend to be worse when alone)

Disorganized behaviour (behaviour appears bizarre, lack of impulse control)

Lack of interest/enthusiasm and emotional expression

Speech difficulties/abnormalities

Isolation, social withdrawal

Lack of self care, daily functioning

(Smith & Segal, 2017)

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Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that can easily be misdiagnosed. Ensuring an accurate diagnosis can include:

Physical Exams. To check for complications and rule out other problems that could be causing symptoms (medication, substance abuse, medical condition, etc)

Tests and Screenings. Could include tests for drugs and alcohol or MRI/CT scans

Psychiatric evaluation. Observing the patient's appearance and demeanor to determine mental state, asking about symptoms, thoughts, mood, substance use, etc.

(All conducted by a medical professional) ("Schizophrenia - Diagnosis", 2017)

There are also several online tests for symptoms commonly associated with schizophrenia.

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First recognized as a distinct disorder by German physician Emile Kraepelin in 1887, schizophrenia was then known as "dementia praecox" (or "early dementia"). It was later changed in 1911 by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler to schizophrenia (meaning "split mind"), although his term was not meant to convey the idea of split or multiple personality - a common misunderstanding by the majority of the public. Thanks to research and the understanding of the illness we have today, people living with schizophrenia have a better chance of leading a normal life, now more than ever (Burton, 2012).

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"In 1996, the total direct cost of schizophrenia in Canada was estimated to be $2.35 billion, or 0.3% of the Canadian Gross Domestic Product. This includes health care costs, administrative costs of income assistance plans, value of lost productivity, and incarceration costs attributable to schizophrenia." ("ARCHIVED: Chapter 3: A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada – Schizophrenia", 2012) The intensity and length of treatment makes this mental illness one of the most costly.

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Influential People said to have Schizophrenia

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Influential People said to have Schizophrenia

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Vincent van Gogh

Syd Barrett (Musician & Founder of Pink Floyd)

Eduard Einstein (Son of Albert Einstein)

Peter Green (Guitarist & Founder of Fleetwood Mac)

Jack Kerouac (Novelist, poet, and painter)

While living with schizophrenia, these talented people chose to do extraordinary things with their lives. This goes to show that people aren't defined by their mental illness.