Schizophrenia - Patient Education Home

C Believing that someone else's thoughts have been put into your mind.
C Believing that your thoughts have been removed from your head.
C Believing that you are being controlled.
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2. Changes in the way you understand what you hear and see. This means
hearing or seeing something that is not real. These sensations may seem very
real to you. They are called hallucinations and are different from delusions.
3. Changes in mood or feelings. Many times you may show few or no feelings.
Sometimes you may show feelings that do not make sense to others, such as
laughing at something sad or crying over something funny.
4. Changes in your self image. You may not have a clear feeling or idea of who
you are as a person.
5. Ability to make decisions. You may have trouble setting goals and making
choices. You may have less energy, interest or desire. This may keep you
from working or getting things done.
6. Changes in relationships with other people. You may have trouble relating to
other people. You may withdraw from other people and have trouble
communicating. Sometimes you may depend on others too much.
7. Changes in body movements. Sometimes you may not move, or you may
move slowly. Occasionally you may have movements that you can not
control. Sometimes you might hold your body in strange positions.
Course and treatment:
The usual course of schizophrenia includes periods of being sick (having
symptoms) followed by periods of being well (without symptoms). During the
well times you may not be able to function at the same level as before you became
sick.
There is no cure for schizophrenia. Sometimes the symptoms of schizophrenia
leave completely, especially if you follow your medical and treatment program. A
lot of research is being done about schizophrenia and new drugs such as Clozaril
are being developed.
Things you can do to help yourself:
C Tell your doctor if any of your symptoms become worse or if new symptoms
occur. Know what your symptoms are and how to get help.
C It is very important to take all of your medicine the way your doctor tells you
to, and to keep taking your medicine even when your symptoms are gone.
Medicine can help most or all of the symptoms of schizophrenia.
C Eat well and get enough rest.