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Schizophrenia: “Schizophrenia is a devastating brain disorder that affects approximately 2.2 million American adults, or 1.1 percent of the population age 18 and older. Schizophrenia interferes with a person’s ability to think clearly, to distinguish fantasy from reality, to manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others. The first signs of schizophrenia typically emerge in the teenage years or early twenties. Most people with schizophrenia endure it chronically or episodically throughout their lives, and are often discriminated against because of a lack of public understanding about the illness. Schizophrenia is not caused by bad parenting or personal weakness. A person with schizophrenia does not have a ‘split personality,’ and almost all people with schizophrenia are not dangerous or violent towards others when they are receiving treatment. The World Health Organization has identified schizophrenia as one of the ten most debilitating illnesses affecting human beings.” (NAMI National @ http://www.nami.org)
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Bipolar Disorder: “Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a serious brain disorder that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. It affects 2.3 million adult Americans, which is about 1.2 percent of the population. It affects men and women equally. Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mania and depression that can last from days to months. Bipolar disorder is a chronic and generally life-long condition with recurring episodes that often begin in adolescence or early adulthood, and occasionally even in children. It generally requires lifelong treatment. Generally, persons who cope with bipolar disorder have symptoms of both mania and depression (sometimes at the same time).” (NAMI National@http://www.nami.org)
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Major Depression: “Major depression is a serious medical illness affecting 9.9 million American adults, or approximately 5% of the adult population in a given year. Unlike usual emotional experiences of sadness, loss, or passing mood states, major depression is persistent and can significantly interfere with an individual’s thoughts, behavior, mood, activity, and physical health. Among all medical illnesses, major depression is the leading cause of disability in the
U.S.
and many other developed countries. More than twice as many women as men cope with major depression each year. All ethnic, racial and socioeconomic groups may experience depression. About ¾ of those who experience a first episode of depression will have at least one other episode in their lives. Some individuals have several episodes in the course of a year. If untreated, episodes commonly last anywhere from 6 months to a year. Left untreated, depression may lead to suicide.” (NAMI National@http://www.nami.org)
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Links:
Nami National
Nami of Lee County
Nami of Collier County
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