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From my understanding, schizophrenia is a mental disease that affects a minority of the population. Although I am not too sure about the causes, I think it's caused by thinking very deeply about something. The resultant stress might lead to disorders of the brain, causing schizophrenia. However, I must confess that I have never gone out and looked for information on this disorder. All my knowledge comes from the handful of films that I have seen. Even after watching films that deal with the topic, we discuss the issue for a while and then forget about it. — Sanjit Kotian
I have heard vaguely about schizophrenia. It's often confused with multiple personality disorder, which is wrong, as schizophrenia and MPD are two different conditions. I am not quite sure what causes this condition. It's probably because of immense stress or some deep mental trauma. It results in altered behaviour patterns. The person may become quiet and shy. It's not necessary that the person becomes overtly aggressive, as portrayed in certain films. All this I know comes from books and a few movies that I have seen. I’m not sure if the protagonist in A Beautiful Mind suffers from schizophrenia. In the movie Deewangee, Akshaye Khanna pretends to be suffering from the condition. —Sonali Melmane/Chembur
Schizophrenia is a mental illness, where the patient often goes out of control. He or she may exhibit abnormal behavioural patterns. The patient may become excessively shy and could be reluctant to meet people. Alternatively, the patient could become aggressive and violent from time to time. Although I have never read up on the topic, I did see a play that dealt with the issue.— Shweta Dembla/Khar
Schizophrenics tend to behave like children. Their mental growth is retarded, though they age physically. They demand a lot of love. I think they need a lot of care and understanding. Ajay Devgan plays a schizophrenic in the movie Main Aisa Hi Hoon. In fact, one of my cousins suffers from the condition. I am quite curious about the new film and will make it a point to watch it to enhance my knowledge. Such topics tend to generate interest among the masses. — Prachi Patil/Virar
Facts about schizophrenia
Harish Shetty
Psychiatrist
- It's the illness of the brain that affects thinking, feeling, behaviour, movement and perception.
- It can be triggered by an event or stress in the environment.
- It is not caused by black magic, past sins or karma.
- Majority of patients need to take medicines for life.
- It affects one out of hundred people all over the world.
- Different patients recover differently. The time taken may vary due to various factors.
- Early and continuous treatment helps recover better.
- If the caretaker knows about the illness (psychological education of relatives), it helps in recovering.
- There can be a relapse despite all care.
- It can affect anybody, though people with family history are more vulnerable.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is characterised by profound disruption in cognition and emotion, affecting language, thought, perception, affect, and sense of self.
- Symptoms of schizophrenia include psychotic manifestations like hallucinations and delusions.
- Symptoms are typically divided into positive and negative symptoms.
- The diagnosis of schizophrenia requires one month with at least two positive symptoms.
- Positive symptoms are those that appear to reflect an excess or distortion of normal functions.
- Negative symptoms are those that appear to reflect a diminution or loss of normal functions.
Agencies for help
Depts of Psychiatry at Sion Hospital, Nair Hospital, KEM Hospital and JJ Group of Hospitals
Family welfare agency
Prerna: 25905959
