Do You Hallucinate, Have Trouble Expressing Emotion or Lack Concentration?

These are the signs of Schizophrenia—a medical disease that can be controlled

People who suffer with schizophrenia do not have a “split personality.” But schizophrenia may be viewed as a person’s “split” from reality. It is a chronic, severe brain disease that strikes about 1 percent of people throughout the world.

Symptoms of the illness usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. Many people have problems holding a job, caring for day-to-day needs, and establishing relationships with others.

Symptoms include:

Unusual thoughts, perceptions, delusions or hallucinations
The inability to converse, express one’s emotions, or find pleasure in day-to-day living
Problems with attention span, concentration or ability to organize or plan activities

Schizophrenia has a genetic link and may be triggered by environmental factors such as exposure to viruses or malnutrition in the womb. It is a physical-medical disease, and not the result of a moral failure, character flaw or poor parenting.

Using the latest approaches, including a variety of new medications and treatments, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network provides regular care, monitoring and support for people with schizophrenia. We’ve helped countless people lead a more independent and fulfilling life in the community.

If you or someone you love has symptoms of schizophrenia, find out how we can help by clicking on the service below.

This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM

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Lehigh Valley Hospital has campuses in Allentown and Bethlehem, Pa. and serves the Pennsylvania communities of Easton, Doylestown, Quakertown, Hazelton, Lehighton, Perkasie, Pottstown, Pottsville, Reading, Scranton, Wilkes Barre, Stroudsburg, and the Poconos and also Phillipsburg and Flemington, N.J., and western New Jersey. You don't have to travel to Philadelphia or New York for quality health care.