Approximately 1 percent of the population develops schizophrenia during their lifetime, and more than 2 million Americans suffer from the illness in a given year. Schizophrenia affects men and women equally, but the disorder often appears earlier in men, usually in the late teens or early twenties. Women, however, usually are not affected until their late twenties or early thirties. Children can also be affected with schizophrenia, however it is very rare.

To treat schizophrenia, there is a combination of different approaches. Education, although not medical, can make a big difference. When the person and their families both understand the illness and its causes and effects, then dealing with the symptoms becomes easier. Antipsychotic medications reduce the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia and usually allow the patient to function more effectively and appropriately. These types of drugs are the best treatment available now, however, they do not “cure” schizophrenia or ensure that there will be no further psychotic episodes. The dosage of this medication is individualized for each patient, since people may vary a great deal in the amount of drug needed to reduce symptoms without producing troublesome side effects. A large majority of people show a substantial deal of improvement when using the antipsychotic drugs. (mentalhealth)

Brain chemistry can also play a major role in the cause of schizophrenia. Neurotransmitters have always been thought to be involved in the development of schizophrenia. It has not yet been proven, but is highly likely that the disorder is associated with some imbalance of the complex, interrelated chemical systems of the brain, possibly involving the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate. Enlargement of the fluid-filled cavities, or ventricles in the interior of the brain, and decreased size of certain brain regions are abnormalities in the brain structure that may be able to cause schizophrenia. (nimh)

An additional factor in helping treat schizophrenia is friends and family members, for this are probably where the patients support system comes from. There are numerous situations in which patients with schizophrenia may need help from people in their family or community. In many cases it will be the family or friends that will notice something wrong with a person and will be the first to help them take the necessary medical treatment need

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