tion of the thought process that existed. (Szasz,1982, p.4, p.29) In 1900, the term schizophrenia, now used worldwide, was used to describe the condition that one out of every hundred people had. This statistic remains the same today. Through research and years of study, the world has a better understanding of schizophrenia, its forms, characteristics, symptoms, types, possible causes, and treatments, if any. ( Pierce, 1990. p.263 ) Schizophrenia has no actual definition, but it describes a series of events and actions that a person ususally experiences. Schizophrenia is a psychosis. ( Smith, 1992, p.23-25 ) Psychosis describes a disorder where a group of mental disturbances happen. Schizophrenia is described to be a psychosis because it causes the victim to lose the ability to be in touch with society and its functions. For example, a person may begin to “see” animals that are not there, or may begin to characterize themselves as a famous person from the past such as Queen Elizabeth or King Edward. ( Kvarnes, Parloff, 1983, p.220-223) There are many aspects that characterize schizophrenia. Schizophrenics usually behave in a strange or abnormal manner where the mind is separated from reality and the difference between what is real and not is unknown. A schizophrenic therefore has distorted ideas about who they are and about life. Feelings of withdrawal, worthlessness and emptiness also appear to exist. Once a schizophrenic’s thoughts and feelings become distorted, the most observed series of symptoms ususally follow and occur: Delusions, hallucinations, and chaotic speech. ( Young, 1988, p.37-38 ) Delusions and hallucinations are two symptoms that are commonly associated with schizophrenia, eventhough it should be taken into account that some schizophrenics may never experience a delusion or hallucination. A delusion is an untrue belief that isn’t logical and has no common sense. It is also almost impossible...
