Information for Patients

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that five million Americans suffer from serious forms of mental illness. Schizophrenia is one of the most disabling of these conditions. Approximately one in every one hundred people is affected by schizophrenia, which makes it twice as common as Alzheimer's, five times more common than multiple sclerosis, sixty times more common than muscular dystrophy).

People who suffer from schizophrenia may have trouble functioning in daily life because of strange thoughts which interfere with normal activities. These problems may include voices talking to them, commenting on their actions, or telling them what to do. Patients may believe people are persecuting them or trying to harm them. They often lose interest, withdraw from contact with others, and become impoverished in their emotions and thinking. These symptoms impair their ability to work, to attend school, and to relate to friends and family. Thus these symptoms produce much personal suffering to patients and their families, and they are also costly to society.

In 1987, the University of Iowa was awarded a $9 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health in order to create a Mental Health Clinical Research Center dedicated to the study of schizophrenia. It is one of the largest of such centers in the country.

How can I help?
Support research into the causes of schizophrenia.

How was schizophrenia discovered?
The history associated with defining schizophrenia as a disease dates back to the early days of psychiatry. To learn more about the history of schizophrenia and how these early psychiatrists still influence today's thinking, visit this page.

Where can I find out more about mental health?
Links to the web sites of other organizations involved in mental health research, education, and support.

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Latest update May 7, 2005 Webpages maintained by Hans J. Johnson. E-mail the webmaster