What is schizophrenia?

In recent years, the American public has become increasingly aware of just how prevalent and serious mental health conditions are in this country. Millions of Americans suffer from such mental disorders as bipolar disorder, anxiety attacks and depression. Many people who live with these conditions are able to treat the issues through medication and therapy. However, some mental conditions are so serious that the individuals who are suffering with them are unable to go about their day-to-day life, and many are unable to work as a result. Schizophrenia is one of the most serious of mental illnesses.

What is schizophrenia? Well, it is complicated to precisely define this mental illness, but the National Institute of Mental Health describes it as a condition in which the person behaves like there is loss of touch with reality. In essence, this mental illness can have a huge impact on the way a person thinks and feels, which in turn can impact how the person behaves.

Some of the symptoms of schizophrenia are delusions and hallucinations, as well as problems focusing on tasks or even memory impairment. This disorder will impact each individual who is diagnosed with it in a unique way.

For those North Carolina residents who may be living with schizophrenia, the inability to work due to the condition can cause quite a bit of financial stress. Fortunately, these individuals may be able to qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits for mental conditions. Qualifying for these benefits may enable a person with schizophrenia to get the therapeutic help and prescription medications they need to address this serious mental health condition.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health, “Schizophrenia,” accessed on April 30, 2017