FACT 1: SCHIZOPHRENIA
is a biochemical brain disease which results in disordered thinking,
delusions, hallucinations, and a lack of energy and motivation.
Because the disease disorders their thoughts, many persons who
are seriously ill with schizophrenia do not accept that they need
treatment.
FACT 2: SCHIZOPHRENIA
exists in all societies, all cultures and all races at the same
rate. It is not caused by bad parenting. It strikes one in every
100 people. Based on the present population in Canada, this means
that up to 280,000 people will develop schizophrenia, and 27,000
people in Alberta.
FACT 3: SCHIZOPHRENIA
is the most disabling single disease of young people. It typically
strikes people in their late teens or twenties and usually continues
for the rest of their lives. It is commonly referred to as Youth’s
Greatest Disabler.
FACT 4: SCHIZOPHRENIA
treatments are only partially effective an often have very unpleasant
side effects. The development of new anti-psychotic medications
has given hope to many for whom older medications were ineffective.
FACT 5: SCHIZOPHRENIA
drastically affects people’s quality of life. Many people in prison
have the disease, as do many of the homeless. Forty percent (40%)
of people with schizophrenia try to commit suicide; ten percent
(10%) succeed.
FACT 6: SCHIZOPHRENIA
is a major burden for families as care is off-loaded onto them
by the federal, provincial and municipal governments. All governments
deny people with schizophrenia proper care when they close hospital
psychiatric beds and fail to provide safe affordable housing and
appropriate community supports. Families often break up as a result
of the stress of trying to cope.
FACT 7: SCHIZOPHRENIA
is the most misunderstood disease. It is not ‘split’ personality
or multiple personality. Most people with schizophrenia are not
aggressive, dangerous or homicidal. Studies show that with proper
treatment these individuals are no more likely to be violent than
anyone else.
FACT 8: SCHIZOPHRENIA
suffers from very low public awareness. People with schizophrenia
and their families suffer as a consequence because of too little
care, too little research, too little understanding.
FACT 9: SCHIZOPHRENIA
research in Canada is funded at about one-tenth the rate of other
major diseases.
FACT 10: SCHIZOPHRENIA
is a treatable disease of the brain. People with schizophrenia
are PEOPLE (with schizophrenia).
