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Queensland Government
Link to Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
 
Queensland Health
Health services > Mental health

What Is Schizophrenia?



Schizophrenia is a mental illness affecting the normal functioning of the brain. It is characterised by psychotic symptoms and a diminished range of expressions of emotion.
First onset is usually in adolescence or early adulthood. It can develop in older people, but this is not as common. Some people may experience only one or more brief episodes in their lives. For others, it may remain a recurrent or life-long condition
Schizophrenia can be diagnosed when at least two different types of psychotic symptoms persist for a month, and some degree of lingering symptoms continue for at least six months. Symptoms may include:
  • Delusions
  • Hallucinations
  • Disorganised thought, speech or behaviour
  • Diminished emotional expression
  • Decreased motivation

Schizophrenia affects one person in every hundred.  Most of these symptoms can be managed with medication and psychological help.
 More information on schizophrenia can be found at the following websites:
  • Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia URL - (formerly the Schizophrenia Fellowships Council of Australia) represents people affected by severe mental illness.
  • SANE Australia URL - a national charity helping people affected by mental illness through education, applied research and campaigning for improved services and attitudes.
  • Schizophrenia Research Institute URL - a non-profit, NHMRC accredited, independent research institute undertaking world-class studies to understand the causes of schizophrenia.
  • Mental Illness Fellowship of North Queensland Inc URL - provides support to people living with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, their families and carers.
  • Schizophrenia Fellowship of Queensland URL - provides support to people living with schizophrenia and contains links to Fellowships across Australia, creating a more cohesive national network.
  • Schizophrenia URL - provides information, support and education related to schizophrenia.
  
Remember, you should seek professional help from a mental health professional, mental health service, your GP or health provider when problems arise.  For general health information, referral & teletriage services call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for the cost of a local call.

Call 13 HEALTH 13 43 25 84 (local call costs)


 

Fact:People affected by schizophrenia have one personality,just like everyone else. It is a myth and totally affected have a so-called split personality

Remember, you must seek professional help from a mental health professional,mental health service,your GP or health provider when problems arise


Last Updated: 21 September 2011
Last Reviewed: 24 April 2008