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"Prior to onset, my father had been a very loving and caring parent. By the time he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, I was receiving calls and letters that were openly delusional and references to the government and a conspiracy that involved my family and things like that. "

The World Health Organization has identified Schizophrenia as one of the ten most debilitating diseases affecting human beings.

Schizophrenia is a devastating brain disorder that affects approximately 2.2 million American adults, or 1.1 percent of the population age 18 and older. Schizophrenia interferes with a person's ability to think clearly, to distinguish reality from fantasy, to manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others.

Another serious thought disorder is Schizoaffective Disorder. The symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder look like a mixture of two kinds of major mental illnesses - mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder) and schizophrenia.

While there is no cure for Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder, they are highly treatable and manageable illnesses. However, people may stop treatment because of medication side effects, disorganized thinking, or because they feel the medication is no longer working.

Stigma is another major problem facing both the sufferer and family members. Those involved with schizophrenia are concerned about the dozens of misconceptions about the illness. Many believe that people with schizophrenia are violent and dangerous, which is not true. One parent stated that he was often accused of abandoning his daughter when he took her to the hospital. Another parent said that clerks in stores ignored her son when he asked for help or tried to make a purchase. Some religious groups hold the view that the illness is one of God's punishments.

If you think you or a family member have a thought disorder, you should seek information and treatment. At HealthyPlace.com, we believe that the more you understand about Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder and issues like antipsychotic medications, the more likely you are to get the full benefit of treatment. We want to help you learn as much as you can about Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder and to offer you support in your or your loved one's recovery.

Re: Any Ideas on this Disorder?
BillH wrote: "

When trying to get through to a schizophrenic, you have to get evidence, build a case for the rational view, and help them to believe it for true progress to be made, at least from what I've seen. This WILL take a great deal of work, but until he has a breakthrough that allows him to doubt the story in his own mind, he'll keep believing what his own mind tells him, Continue reading here and post your comments if you can help.

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Psychosocial Treatment of Schizoaffective Disorder

When Someone You Love Has a Mental Illness

"This book contains what so many mental health books lack: advice. The majority of books on mental health offer a medical or personal description of various mental health conditions. This book tells someone who loves or cares for a mentally ill friend or relative how to help and handle them."

Buy the book. Other books on Thought Disorders.

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