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The Devastating Diagnosis of Schizophrenia
The official definition of schizophrenia according to the National Institute of Mental Illness (NIHM) is as follows:
“Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality. Although schizophrenia is not as common as other mental disorders, the symptoms can be very disabling.”
This brief and to the point description of the traumatic diagnosis that is schizophrenia only brushes the surface. The pain and suffering schizophrenia often brings to those who live with the condition and their families is devastating.
A Few Brief Facts Before We Begin
Schizophrenia is one of the top fifteen leading causes of disability worldwide. What’s worse is that individuals diagnosed with the disorder have an increased risk of dying young with the average age of death in the United States for just 28 years.
Worldwide and in the U.S. the financial costs associated with schizophrenia are enormous, higher than any other chronic illness. This cost estimate takes into consideration the loss of productivity, criminal justice involvement, and social service needs.
