About Schizophrenia

If knowledge is power, here are some interesting facts about schizophrenia:

• More than 3.1 million Americans now have schizophrenia. There are more Americans with schizophrenia than there are residents of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming combined.
• Schizophrenia can be found in approximately 1% of the world’s population, regardless of racial, ethnic or even economic background.
• Three-quarters of persons with schizophrenia develop the illness between 16 and 25 years of age.
• The disorder tends to “run” in families, but only among blood relatives.
• To be diagnosed as having schizophrenia, one must have associated symptoms for at least six months.
• Treatment and other economic costs due to schizophrenia are estimated between $32.5 and $65 billion annually.
• Between one-third and one-half of all homeless adults have schizophrenia
• Fifty percent of people diagnosed with schizophrenia have received no treatment