Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness described by the American Psychiatric Association as "one of the most debilitating and baffling mental illnesses known." The mental disorder is characterized by a dysfunction of the thinking process, such as hallucinations and delusions, and withdrawal from the outside world.

Years of research have shown that schizophrenia is a biologically based brain disease. The most recent advances in brain imaging have confirmed imbalances of two brain chemicals – dopamine and serotonin – in those who suffer from schizophrenia. Dopamine is responsible for emotions and motivation; serotonin acts as a messenger and stimulates muscle movement, switching nerves on and off. The brains of people with schizophrenia have elevated dopamine and serotonin activity.

Despite these findings, many still believe schizophrenia is caused by poor parenting or weak will power. Contrary to popular belief, schizophrenia is not "split personality," and the vast majority of people who suffer from schizophrenia are not dangerous to others.

People with schizophrenia often experience both "positive" symptoms (psychological disturbances "added" as a result of the disorder, e.g. hallucinations) and "negative" symptoms (psychological capabilities the patient has "lost," e.g. initiative). The illness appears to be cyclical, worsening in periods known as relapse and improving during remission. At times, people suffering from schizophrenia appear emotionally healthy and stable. However, during the acute or psychotic phase, people with schizophrenia cannot think logically and may lose all sense of who they and others are. For a person with schizophrenia, everyday tasks like thinking clearly, controlling emotions, making decisions and relating to others are challenges. Symptoms commonly associated with schizophrenia include:

At any given time, between 1 percent and 2 percent of the world's population – including 1 to 2 million American adults – is afflicted with schizophrenia. It is the single most destructive disease to young lives. Men and women are at equal risk of developing this illness; however, most males become ill between 16 and 25 years old; females develop symptoms between ages 25 and 30.

Conventional antipsychotic drugs, such as haloperidol, chlorpromazine, and fluphenazine have been available since the mid-1950s. These drugs primarily block dopamine receptors and are effective in treating the "positive" symptoms of schizophrenia.

The newer antipsychotics, serotonin-dopamine antagonists (SDAs) block both serotonin and dopamine receptors, thereby treating both the "positive" and "negative" symptoms of schizophrenia.

Early Warning Signs of Schizophrenia*

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks – or if the behavior seems extreme or unusual – seek medical help immediately.

• Hearing or seeing something that isn't there
• A constant feeling of being watched
• Peculiar or nonsensical way of speaking or writing
• Strange posturing
• Feeling indifferent to very important situations
• Deterioration of academic or work performance
• A change in personality
• Increasing withdrawal from social situations
• Irrational, angry or fearful responses to loved ones
• Inability to sleep or concentrate
• Inappropriate or bizarre behavior
• Extreme preoccupation with religion or the occult

Remember that the appearance of these warning signs does not necessarily mean that a person has schizophrenia. Only a qualified health professional can make a diagnosis.

* Adapted from the National Mental Health Association.