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"The schizophrenic mind is not so much split as shattered. I like to say schizophrenia is like a waking nightmare."

Elyn Saks

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Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that negatively impacts a person's way of thinking, behavior, emotions, and even perception of reality.

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Researchers have yet to pinpoint an exact cause of schizophrenia, but study shows it may be linked to genetics.

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Believes there is multiple genetic mutations

40% more likely to get it if both your parents have it

50% chance of having it if you have an identical twin with the disorder

Gene mutations are linked if your family has no history of schizophrenia

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Exposure to viral infections before birth increases your chance

Lack of nutrition from mother in womb

Usage of Methamime and LSD distorts your thinking and behavior that are linked to having schizophrenia, especially at a young age or using the drugs very frequently

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In people with schizophrenia, ventricles are larger in the brain.Medial temporal lobes( deals with memory) are smaller. Also, they tend to have fewer connections between their brain cells. Parts of the brain that deal with communication are different in schizophrenic patients than in people without.

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What does it feel like to have schizophrenia?

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What does it feel like to have schizophrenia?

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Psychological: hallucination (imbalance of chemicals in brain) , depression, voice hearing, paranoia

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Cognitive: delusion, memory loss, disorientation, believes thoughts aren't their own, confusion

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Behavioral: social isolation, compulsive behavior,  aggression, lack of restraint, etc.

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Other symptoms: fatigue, rapid speech, lack of emotional response, loss of interest in activities, anxiety, impaired motor coordination

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About 1.1% of citizens develop schizophrenia in the U.S. over their lifetime

Most likely to appear from ages 16-30

Most common in men with a 1.4:1 ratio

Signs can show in early childhood, but is rare for children under 13

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Not curable.
However, there are medications such as antipsychotics. Also, they have individual therapy, family therapy, and interventions that help them to work on their social skills.