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"Prior to onset, my father had been a very loving and caring parent. By the time he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, I was receiving calls and letters that were openly delusional and references to the government and a conspiracy that involved my family and things like that. "

The World Health Organization has identified Schizophrenia as one of the ten most debilitating diseases affecting human beings.

Schizophrenia is a devastating brain disorder that affects approximately 2.2 million American adults, or 1.1 percent of the population age 18 and older. Schizophrenia interferes with a person's ability to think clearly, to distinguish reality from fantasy, to manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others.

Another serious thought disorder is Schizoaffective Disorder. The symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder look like a mixture of two kinds of major mental illnesses - mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder) and schizophrenia.

While there is no cure for Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder, they are highly treatable and manageable illnesses. However, people may stop treatment because of medication side effects, disorganized thinking, or because they feel the medication is no longer working.

Stigma is another major problem facing both the sufferer and family members. Those involved with schizophrenia are concerned about the dozens of misconceptions about the illness. Many believe that people with schizophrenia are violent and dangerous, which is not true. One parent stated that he was often accused of abandoning his daughter when he took her to the hospital. Another parent said that clerks in stores ignored her son when he asked for help or tried to make a purchase. Some religious groups hold the view that the illness is one of God's punishments.

If you think you or a family member have a thought disorder, you should seek information and treatment. At HealthyPlace.com, we believe that the more you understand about Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder and issues like antipsychotic medications, the more likely you are to get the full benefit of treatment. We want to help you learn as much as you can about Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder and to offer you support in your or your loved one's recovery.

New Here and Was Wondering Something
Diseased wrote: "

Hello, I have been diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder 3 years ago when I was 17. I am now 20 and have been pretty good on taking my meds up till 2 weeks ago, I stopped taking them and I have been doing good. Now this is my question, am I cured now?, or could it be that I've been handling my stress good so no symptoms.

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Surviving Schizophrenia: A Manual for Families, Consumers, and Providers (4th Edition)

Since its first publication in 1983, Surviving Schizophrenia has become the standard reference book on the disease and has helped thousands of patients, their families and mental health professionals. In clear language, this much–praised and important book describes the nature, causes, symptoms, treatment and course of schizophrenia and also explores living with it from both the patient and the family's point of view. This new, completely updated fifth edition includes the latest research findings on what causes the disease as well as information about the newest drugs for treatment and answers to the questions most often asked by families, consumers and providers.

Buy the book. Other books on Thought Disorders.

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