Schizophrenia is surely the most misunderstood mental illness and the most stigmatized today. It can be characterized by strange manifestations – auditory and visual hallucinations, delusions or incoherent remarks – but also by symptoms such as depression, apathy or cognitive disorders (memory, motor and attention).
In France, schizophrenia affects about one in 100 peoplewithout distinction of sex, social background or geographical origin. 57% of patients treated are men43% are women.
According to the association PositiveMindersbehind the creation of the Schizophrenia Days in 2004, 85% of the 10,000 new cases diagnosed each year are between 15 and 25 years old.
Everything is decided before 25 years
On average, young people access a diagnosis only 2 to 4 years after the appearance of the first disorders (in the best of cases) due to stigmatization and denial of the disease. In total, 30% of people suffering from schizophrenia are not even followed up at all.
But if the diagnosis is made in time, the chances of getting out of the disease are good. 60% of young people with psychosis recover socially within two years with early intervention. In 80% of cases, symptoms improve as soon as they are treated. It is established that 50-70% of people with schizophrenia recover. Conversely, only 15% of young people reintegrate socially within two years by following a traditional path.
A prevention campaign to fight against the excesses of social networks
At a time of the democratization of social networks and the liberation of speech around topics around mental health, psychologists and psychiatrists warn against unhealthy attraction and self-diagnosis on social networks.
On the occasion of Schizophrenia Days, the association PositiveMinders launched on March 15 the campaign “schizOdyssey“, 100% digital with testimonials from patients, relatives… Through these portraits, the association wants to raise awareness about the symptoms of the disease, friends, and also the struggles of patients who want to get out of it.
More info on the campaign: Schizinfo
IN VIDEO: the report of Top Santé TV
Source : PositiveMinders, press release March 2022.
Read also:
- Schizophrenia: what are the risk factors?
- Schizophrenia: an interactive experience to better understand the disease
- The same virus causing schizophrenia and mononucleosis?
