Schizophrenia is a chronic, serious, disabling brain disorder that affects people all over the world. It affected more than 2.4 million American adults over the age of 18. (National Alliance on Mental Illness) “People with this disorder may hear voices that others cannot hear. They may believe that other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. This can terrify people with the condition and make them withdrawn or extremely agitated. (National Institute of Mental Health) Schizophrenia has existed throughout history, when people believed that those who suffered from the illness were possessed by demons and were feared. It has been found that it is easier for people to deal with the idea of ​​cancer than it is to deal with the idea of ​​a loved one displaying strange behavior, hallucinations, and strange ideas like those of a patient with cancer. schizophrenia. Most mental disorders are not well understood by many, as are the causes of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is an illness that often requires lifelong treatment, but there is hope of finding a better treatment for this illness that many fear. Schizophrenia is characterized by a wide range of unusual behaviors that disrupt the lives of people who have it, as well as the people around them. Schizophrenia can occur in anyone, regardless of race, gender or social class. (Bengston, 2013) Scientists know that schizophrenia is hereditary. The disease occurs in 1 percent of the population, but it affects 10 percent of people who have an immediate family member with the disease. The risk is highest with identical twins. If one suffers from this disease, then there is a 45 to 60 percent chance that... middle of paper ... will it affect them and their family members. People experiencing symptoms for the first time need support from family and friends, as it can become a lonely experience. Of all forms of abnormal behavior, no disorder is more difficult than schizophrenia. It is one of the most disruptive disorders because it affects the person's ability to function and the symptoms that are part of the illness affect the individual and their environment. Family members must be able to understand and cope with the fact that schizophrenia can cause the individual to lose hope in themselves and their ability to function normally in society, as well as to have suicidal thoughts. Having the love and support of family and friends will help them get through treatment and achieve positive results. They will be able to lead a successful and completely normal life.