FOX 2 News To Broadcast 30-Minute Special

“Seeking Help” Explores Mental Health Issues in St. Louis

FOX 2 News will broadcast a local half-hour special, “Seeking Help,” Monday, April 27th at 6:30 P.M.

A large percent of people suffer from a diagnosable mental illness, such as depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other afflictions. Hosted by anchor/report Vic Faust, “Seeking Help” will have experts from the medical field to explore the prevalence and severity of mental health disorders, symptoms, and treatments.

Between 4:30 P.M.-7:00 P.M., a crisis call center (1-800-782-2222) will be accessible for anyone seeking information or assistance. Experts from the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) St. Louis will be on site to answer calls and offer useful information and guidance.

Often mental health patients or family members suffer with guilt, anger and regret, desperate for help, but not knowing where to turn. “Seeking Help” will touch on and tell viewers where to find help in the St. Louis area.

Recent international stories have drawn attention to the mental health of those in the aviation field. Monday on FOX 2 News at 9P, in conjunction with the “Seeking Help” special, reporter Chris Hayes will investigate how airlines in the U.S. monitor the psychological condition of pilots.

About KTVI-TV:

 
KTVI FOX 2 is a top-performing FOX Broadcasting affiliate, producing over 63 hours of live news and local programming each week. FOX 2 has been the home of the St. Louis Rams for 20 years. For more information, visit www.fox2now.com.

ABOUT TRIBUNE MEDIA:
 
Tribune Media Company (NYSE: TRCO) is home to a diverse portfolio of television and digital properties driven by quality news, entertainment and sports programming. Tribune Media is comprised of Tribune Broadcasting’s 42 owned or operated local television stations reaching more than 50 million households, national entertainment network WGN America, available in approximately 73 million households, Tribune Studios, and Gracenote, one of the world’s leading sources of TV and music metadata, powering electronic program guides in televisions, automobiles and mobile devices. Tribune Media also includes Chicago’s WGN-AM, and the national multicast networks Antenna TV and THIS TV. Additionally, the Company owns and manages a significant number of real estate properties across the U.S. and holds other strategic investments in media. For more information please visit www.tribunemedia.com.

Read the latest information on HeartLine

Today marks our last post in recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week 2011. We hope you’ve taken the opportunity to learn more about mental illness and what you can do to help those who may be suffering. We leave you with four important statistics that relate directly to Oklahomans.

• Mental health problems affect 1 in 5 American families

• 60 to 90 percent of all suicidal behaviors are associated with some form of mental illness or substance use disorder.

• Oklahoma is ranked 13th in the country for deaths by suicide.

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24 in Oklahoma.

These stats are sobering, but know that help is available. HeartLine call specialists are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week to help those in crisis. As a reminder, here are our numbers.

• 2-1-1 for information and referral
• 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-SUICIDE for suicide prevention
• 848-CARE for compassionate listening
• 1-800-522-4700 for the Oklahoma Problem Gambling Helpline

For more information on mental illness and mental health, visit the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Seoul – Nami Island

The beauty of Nami Island is indescribable. This small charming Island is a popular tourist destination in Seoul. Known for its stunning scenery, this is a must-visit attraction and you need to set aside half a day for your visit. Nami in winter is simply picturesque

Nami Island (Namiseom or Naminara) is a small ‘doraemon pocket lookalike‘ island situated 63 km from Seoul in the middle of the Han River. This charming Island is famous for the ‘Winter Sonata’ film locations back in 2002. Apparently, Nami Island declared its cultural independence on March 1, 2006. Like other independent republics, Naminara Republic has its own national flag, anthem, passport, postage stamps, telephone cards, written characters, papers, and currency. Do not fret, passport is not required to get to the island but admission fee applies.

Getting to Gapyeong Wharf

The best and cheapest option is by rail. You may refer refer to the Real time rail map for your route.  Click here for quick guide.

• By Rail (Journey time: Approx. 100 mins)

Depending on your point of origin, I took the above route to reach Gapyeong station. FromChungmuru >> (Transfer to) Oksu  >> (Transfer to) Sangbong >> Gapyeong. Do note that fromSangbong to Gapyeong, you are traveling on Gyeongchun Line, operated by KORAIL. You will noticed that Sangbong station or Gapyeong (Gyeongchun line) does not exist in your subway map because they operate individually. However, you only need to tap-in your T-Money cardfrom the origin station (eg. Chungmuru) and tap-out at the exit (eg. Gapyeong). No additional ticket needed. The train ride cost me 1950KRW.

While transferring at Sangbong to Gyeongchun Line, please take note of the line that you are heading to. In this case you are heading to Gapyeong. When I was there, apparently both track were heading to Gapyeong station. There was a bit of confusion but thanks to the local guy, he told me that both tracks were heading towards Gapyeong.

From Gapyeong Station, I took the cab to Nami Wharf. The taxi stand is located outside the station. The cab driver understood well enough regarding the existence of Nami Island ferry terminal. This short cab ride will cost you less than 3000KRW per trip.

KORAIL. The train look exactly like a normal subway train. Apparently Gyeongchun Line was operated recently in 2010.

Gapyeong Station

• By Shuttle Bus

There are Shuttle buses departing from Insadong and Namdaemun (w.e.f 1 Jan 2015).

Depart from Insadong (Tour bus stop near Tapgol park) at 9.30am. Returning to Insadong from Nami Island at 4.00pm. To do so, you need to book your ticket in advance OR be there as early as 9.00am to purchase your tickets, subject to availability. Round trip will cost 15000 won per adult.

Depart from Namdaemun. Sungnyemun Square Bus Stop (In front of Namdaemun Market).

Please refer here for more information.

2 ways to get to Nami Island. The conventional way or adventurer way.

For adventurers, you can take zip lining which you bring right to the Island! It cost 38,000KRW including admission visa. Fastest way to reach and you can enjoy the adrenaline rush.

The conventional way is by ferry. Get your entry visa at the counter for 10,000 won for round-trip ferry fare & tax included in ticket price. After which, proceed to the wharf entrance to board the ferry.

The Nami Maid will ferry you to the Nami Island.

• Ferry Schedule
  07:30-09:00 (30min intervals)
  09:00-18:00 (10-20min intervals)
  18:00-21:40 (30min intervals)

The weather was so cold that you can notice the blocks of ice floating on the river. The ferry ride will take about 5 mins.

Upon reaching Nami Island wharf, notice the statue wearing red top right in the middle of the river. This is one of the famous landmark to look out for. Unfortunately, the river was covered with icy snow.

Nami Island was named after General Nami, a notable figure in Korean history who courageously fought in battles but died at the age of 26.

Activities you can do there at Unchi garden aka Un-chi(Unicef+Child). Sky Bicycle, playground are some of the activities you can do.

The UNICEF train runs between the entrance of the island to the central station in the main square. 2000KRW per ride.

Wooden characters

Symbol of Nami Island, the imaginary nation.

Winter Sonata location. Bae Yong Joon & Choi Ji-woo

Trees reaching sky. Some of the location of Winter Sonata

Beautiful scenery of the lane

A stroll along the coastline. Enjoying the nature and white winter

While walking I saw this couple standing in the middle of the frozen river!

I saw more and more people on the frozen river and I decided to join in the fun. lol

Shortly after, we’ve been chase out by the police official for safety reasons. Anyway, I don’t want to die because of hypothermia in case the layer of ice breaks.

My Snow man!

There are different apartment to stay at Nami Island. This is one of them called Dahlia.

Same inner wear & shoes; a trend for korean couple

Ducks?

Ostrich!

A cafe to get a cup of coffee

err.. I don’t need to elaborate on this.

You read it right, Winter Sonata Gallery

Inside the galley contain all the photos of the winter sonata drama in 2002.

These thai girls trying to keep warm. Fireplace like this are provided at designated place

You can easily find a children story books! Even in the toilets cubicle.

If you’re up for an adrenalin rush. There’s a Bungy jumping activity, a 55-meter jumping tower near the dock to Nami Island.

The Changing Face of NAMI

Mike Fitzpatrick Is Stepping Down From NAMI

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is searching for a new executive director and one of the first challenges that its next leader will face is helping determine who NAMI represents and what principles it supports.

Mike Fitzpatrick, who has successfully led NAMI with a steady hand for ten years, announced in January that he is stepping down. He has done a great job.  The NAMI that his predecessor will inherit is a much different organization from the one that Mike took over  in 2004.

In recent years, more members with mental illnesses have joined NAMI and they have brought with them a different perspective from the group’s traditional base — parents of persons with diagnosed mental disorders.

 NAMI was formed in 1979 by parents, mostly mothers of  “consumers.” In the early days, some critics spoke bitterly about the  “NAMI Mommies” because the critics objected to NAMI’s  “parental” views, especially toward involuntary commitment and forced medication.

NAMI’s national rival, Mental Health America, was formed in 1909 when former patient, Clifford W. Beers, exposed abuses that he and other patients were suffering in state mental hospitals. From its inception, MHA has been a consumer focused and driven organization.

For many years, the differences between NAMI and MHA were stark. As more and more consumers have joined NAMI,  the gap between them has narrowed.

A simple way to see this shift is by looking at NAMI’s complicated love-hate relationship with Dr. E. Fuller Torrey, one of psychiatry’s best known and lightening rod figures. In the beginning days of NAMI,  Dr. Torrey was a much beloved NAMI spokesman. He traveled across the nation without charge, speaking at fledgling NAMI groups, and he donated the hardcover royalties of his book, Surviving Schzophrenia, to NAMI.

His influence began to wane after he launched the Treatment Advocacy Center,although NAMI officially endorsed Assistant Outpatient Treatment, one of TAC’s primary issues .

In 2002,  NAMI invited Dr. Torrey to give the keynote at its annual convention but a decade later, NAMI’s convention organizers were warned that if Dr. Torrey was invited to speak at its national convention, consumers in NAMI would protest and walk out.

This year,  NAMI has invited author Robert Whitaker to speak during an afternoon session at its convention June 27 to 30 in San Antonio. Whitaker’s most recent book, Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America, argues that  psychiatric medications are not only harmful, but in some cases can cause mental disorders.

Dr. Torrey criticized Whitaker’s book in a review that you can read here. More recently, blogger Susan Inman, expressed fears in a Huffington Post editorial that Whitaker’s views were harming individuals with mental disorders. Whitaker has his supporters and has developed an especially devoted following among consumer groups that question the “medical model” and Big Pharma’s influence. Here is a  sample.

For me, this shift away from Dr. Torrey’s views and the welcoming of Robert Whitaker as a NAMI speaker reflects how NAMI’s membership — or at least its board of directors  – has moved away from its traditional parental based roots. I would not be surprised if NAMI soon drops its long-standing support of Assisted Outpatient Treatment.

Whether you consider this shift a good or bad thing clearly depends on your individual views about such issues as AOT,  medication, involuntary treatment, Dr. Torrey and Whitaker. The point of this blog is simply this: NAMI’s views are shifting.

Because of the Newtown shooting, we are at a tipping point. Local, state and national politicians are talking seriously about the need to improve community mental health. Sadly, many politicians are hustling through laws that will increase stigma by drawing-up lists of consumers and reporting them to federal law enforcement. Laws are being passed that threaten traditional safeguards that protect confidentiality between a patient and doctor.

Now, more than ever, all of us concerned about improving mental health need a strong national voice — and that means we need a strong NAMI. There should be room at the table for all of our different voices to be heard. But it will take a skilled leader to blend such divergent voices into a unified one that speaks for the benefit of us all through NAMI.

Articles of Interest

Hi, all

I’d like to share with you this terrific mention of NAMI’s Family-to-Family education program by the Washington Post’s Carolyn Hax, whose advice column is syndicated in more than 200 newspapers nationwide.

The on-line version links directly to the Family-to-Family page on NAMI’s website.

Hax and other advice columnists occasionally mention NAMI as a resource, but this is probably one of the most specific nationally-circulated program endorsements yet.

Congratulations to all and best wishes for the holiday season!

Bob Carolla

Director of Media Relations

NAMI–National Alliance on Mental Illness

3803 North Fairfax Drive

Arlington, VA 22203

New GAO Report on Mental Health Calls for Better Federal Coordination on Serious Mental Illness: NAMI Agrees

The Government Accountability Office (GAO), a non-partisan agency that reviews and provides oversight over federal programs, has issued a report emphasizing lack of coordination at the leadership level in the administration of federal programs for children, youth and adults with serious mental illness. The report was conducted at the request of Representatives Tim Murphy, R-Pa., and Diane DeGette, D-Colo., the Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. NAMI is grateful to Representatives Murphy and DeGette for their leadership and commitment to improving the lives of people with serious mental illness and their families.

The GAO’s report concludes that there has been poor coordination among the eight agencies and 112 federal programs that provide services to people with mental illness. The report also documents shortcomings in the evaluation of programs serving people with serious mental illness, contributing to the overall lack of information about who these programs serve or what outcomes these services achieve.

Lack of Coordination

The report decries the lack of coordination at the leadership level among different federal agencies. It notes that a Federal Executive Steering Committee for Mental Health, established in 2003 to coordinate services across federal agencies, has not met since 2009. The report further states that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is charged with promoting coordination across the federal government on mental illness and concludes that such coordination is not effectively occurring. The report does note that SAMHSA coordinates the Behavioral Health Coordinating Committee (BHCC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the BHCC has recently formed a subcommittee for serious mental illness to better coordinate efforts on serious mental illness within HHS.

The lack of coordination also applies to individual agencies responsible for administering multiple programs. For example, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has multiple institutes, including the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) that conduct research relevant to serious mental illness. According to the report, the NIH categorizes all of its mental health programs under the category “Scientific Research” yet is unable to state how much funding in total goes into research on serious mental illness. Recognizing this as a problem, NIMH is currently developing a method to categorize all research grants related to serious mental illness across all institutes.

Inadequate Evaluations

The GAO’s report also reveals that a majority of federal programs targeted for people with serious mental illness have not been evaluated for effectiveness. Only 9 of the 30 programs have completed program evaluations, 7 of them by SAMHSA. Particularly noteworthy is that none of the 8 programs administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have completed program evaluations. This is troubling because without such an evaluation, it is difficult to assess whether the services provided by these programs are effective.

Lack of coordination and lack of accountability in the provision of services to people with serious mental illness are longstanding problems. In 2009, NAMI issued a report assessing the performance of state mental health agencies in providing services to serious mental illness. In that report, we emphasized that many states were unable to provide even basic information about their mental health services. These states did not collect data on specific services provided, who the services were provided to, or what outcomes were achieved through services provided.

In recent years, SAMHSA has worked to improve data reporting by states through its Uniform Reporting System (URS). However, reporting by states is still voluntary, even though all states receive federal funds through the Mental Health Services Block Grant. And, the criteria used by states to report data are not uniform, making it very difficult to compare performance across states or to assess whether public dollars are being spent wisely and appropriately.

Exclusion of Programs administered by CMS

One limitation of the GAO’s report is that it did not examine programs administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency that administers the Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs. As noted in the GAO’s report, Medicaid is the most significant source of funding for mental health services. Medicare is also an important source of funding as is CHIP for children and adolescents with serious mental health conditions.

Medicaid in particular is more than simply a source of payment for services. The structure of the Medicaid program as well as the use of Medicaid options and waivers has much to do with shaping mental health services, particularly in the community. Despite this, it is very difficult to find specific information about what mental health services are paid for through Medicaid and what results are achieved through these services because CMS does not collect this data. NAMI urges additional examination of the Medicaid program with respect to coordination and evaluation to benefit people with serious mental illnesses and their families.

NAMI’s Recommendations

At a time in which payment for health care and mental health care services are increasingly being linked to performance, services to people with serious mental illness are at risk of lagging even further behind than they are today. This is in no small part due to poor coordination and data collection on services and outcomes. Severe gaps in availability of quality mental health services and supports have devastating consequences for individuals with serious mental illness, their families, and American society. The evidence of this public health crisis can be seen in the growing ranks of youth and adults with mental illness who are dropping out of school, experiencing homelessness, incarcerated in jails and prisons, or spending hours or days in emergency rooms seeking help that is too often not available. We know that we can do better.

NAMI recommends the following steps for improving federal coordination and accountability on services for people with serious mental illness.

Create a high level position within the federal government responsible for coordinating federal programs serving people with serious mental illness, developing evaluation criteria and outcome measures, and holding relevant federal agencies responsible for achieving relevant outcomes. More effective coordination between programs responsible for research, services, and financing mental health services is particularly important. Coordination must be directed at achieving outcomes. Identify as a priority for federal funding people with serious mental illness whose lives have been significantly impacted by their illness and the families of such individuals. Federal policies should prioritize both services to prevent adverse outcomes associated with serious mental illness such as homelessness and criminal justice involvement and services designed to facilitate the early identification of psychosis, recovery, education and employment. Conduct a thorough review of the Medicaid and Medicare programs to determine what resources are spent on serious mental illness and whether these programs are measuring and achieving positive outcomes for those being served.

Namiseom - Nami Island

Namiseom is a tiny half-moon shaped island located in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province - about 60 km east of Seoul. It was formed in 1944 with the flooding of the land cause by the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam was built. The island is named after General Nami, who died at the age of 27/28 after being falsely accused of treason during the reign of King Sejo, the seventh king of the Joseon Dynasty.The general was a young courageous soldier during the Joseon Dynasty who suppressed a riot led by Lee Shi-Ae. Commended for his actions he was promoted to Byeongjopanseo (Minister of National Defense).  In 1965, Byeong-Do Min, donated two thousand trees to the island that included Cherry, Ginkgo, Redwood, Tulip, White Birch, and White Pine.

Winter Sonata, the 2002 Korean drama credited with kicking off the Korean Wave (Hallyu) was filmed on Nami Island (and Chuncheon). The famous 'first kiss' was set on Namiseom as well as were other important scenes in the drama. Tourists come from all over Asia to retrace the star-crossed lovers steps.

Naminara Republic
Nami Island declared its cultural independence on 01 March 2006 and re-named itself the Naminara Republic (Namisun).
The Naminara Republic is an imaginary country, but it has invented its own passport, currency, stamp and telephone card, and has promoted the establishment of Naminara in other countries. A "passport" issued from Naminara is required to enter the Namisum.

Hours: 7:30 a.m. ~ 9:30 p.m. (Open all year, Recommended time of visit: May, July, August, October)

Admission:
April-November:  Foreign nationals W8,000 (entrance fee W5000 + round trip ferry W3,000 /tax included) - Korean nationals W10,000 / Children (3-13 y-o-a) W4,000
After 7PM April-November: W4,000
December-March and after 6PM: W4000 (entrance fee W3,000  + round trip ferry W3,000/tax included) - Children W3,000

Info: Website or 02-1330 (KTO's helpline).
Reservations: 02-753-1247.

Getting There:
It takes about two hours to get to Namisun by car from Seoul (about 60 km).
Car/using Navigation Address Search: Gyeonggi-do, Gapyeong-gun, Gapyeong-eup, Daljeon-ri 144-1
Name Search: Nami Island (or Namisum) Ticket Office/Nami Island Dock, Parking
Shuttle Buses: There are two direct shuttle buses - one leaves from Insadong in Seouland the other from Jamsil Station.
Insa-dong: The shuttle leaves at 9:30AM from the tourist bust stop next to Tapgol Park (aka Pagoda Park) and returns to Seoul at 16:00 from Nami Island (parking lot in front of ticket office)
Jamsil: The shuttle leaves at 9:30AM from Jamsil station (Stops 216 and 814, Exit 4 - walk straight to Lotte Mart on the left side; bus stop is in front of Lotte Mart)
Round trip 15.000krw/Adult(7.500/one-way),13.000krw/Child(6.500/ond-way)
Return ticket+Entrance+ferry 23.000krw/adult, 17.000krw/child
Reservation: Nami Island Seoul Center 02-753-1247
Chuncheon Nami Tourist Information Center 031-580-8151~2
Bus*
From East Seoul Terminal (www.ti21.co.kr) 02-446-8000 (1h 20m)
From Sangbong Terminal  02-323-5885 (1h20m)
Fom Chuncheon Bus Terminal(www.chterminal.co.kr) 033-241-0285 (25m)
From Gapyeong Bus Terminal 031-582-2308
Train
Every 15 minutes from Cheongryang-ri Station/Seongbuk Station. One way fare is ~W4000.
Train to South Chuncheon -get off at Gapyeong Station -Nami Island (by taxi or bus)
Cheongryang ri Station/Seongbuk Station (www.korail.com) 1544-7788 / 1588-7788
Gapyeong Station 031-581-2855

One of the most important national policies of Naminara Republic is the preservation of it unique natural setting and the promotion of a wide variety of cultural and arts programs with popular appeal.

Attractions:
1. Namisum offers a bike center, an electric car tour and a swimming pool.

2. A recycling center, environment (protection) school and green store express the population's commitment to environmental protection and awareness.

3. The island's Metasequoia path, a forest path surrounded by white birches and Korean white pines, was one of the locations used during the filming of a "Winter Sonata", a Korean drama that was part of the 'Korean Wave', the international popularity of Korean arts and entertainment.

4. The International Book Festival, supported by KBBY is held here, as is YoPeFe where teenagers from different countries share their traditional dance and songs. INDIFEST is held every year around 1 March to celebrate the "Republic's" Independence. 

 *Bus station websites in Korean only and phones likely to be answered by a Korean-only speaker. For more information on how to get to the bus stations, contact 1330 (02-1330 from a cell phone).

For more information, see the Nami Island website (information available in English)

K4E Editor: Korea4Expats.com tries to ensure that the information we provide is accurate and complete, so should you notice any errors or omissions in the content above please contact us at info@korea4expats.com.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that interferes with a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others. It is a complex, long-term medical illness, affecting about 1% of Americans. Although schizophrenia can occur at any age, the average age of onset tends to be in the late teens to the early 20s for men, and the late 20s to early 30s for women. It is uncommon for schizophrenia to be diagnosed in a person younger than 12 or older than 40. It is possible to live well with schizophrenia.

Symptoms

It can be difficult to diagnose schizophrenia in teens. This is because the first signs can include a change of friends, a drop in grades, sleep problems, and irritability—common and nonspecific adolescent behavior. Other factors include isolating oneself and withdrawing from others, an increase in unusual thoughts and suspicions, and a family history of psychosis. In young people who develop schizophrenia, this stage of the disorder is called the "prodromal" period.

With any condition, it's essential to get a comprehensive medical evaluation in order to obtain the best diagnosis. For a diagnosis of schizophrenia, some of the following symptoms are present in the context of reduced functioning for a least 6 months:

Hallucinations. These include a person hearing voices, seeing things, or smelling things others can’t perceive. The hallucination is very real to the person experiencing it, and it may be very confusing for a loved one to witness. The voices in the hallucination can be critical or threatening. Voices may involve people that are known or unknown to the person hearing them.

Delusions. These are false beliefs that don’t change even when the person who holds them is presented with new ideas or facts. People who have delusions often also have problems concentrating, confused thinking, or the sense that their thoughts are blocked.

Negative symptoms are ones that diminish a person’s abilities. Negative symptoms often include being emotionally flat or speaking in a dull, disconnected way. People with the negative symptoms may be unable to start or follow through with activities, show little interest in life, or sustain relationships. Negative symptoms are sometimes confused with clinical depression.

Cognitive issues/disorganized thinking. People with the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia often struggle to remember things, organize their thoughts or complete tasks. Commonly, people with schizophrenia have anosognosia or “lack of insight.” This means the person is unaware that he has the illness, which can make treating or working with him much more challenging.

Causes

Research suggests that schizophrenia may have several possible causes:

• Genetics. Schizophrenia isn’t caused by just one genetic variation, but a complex interplay of genetics and environmental influences. While schizophrenia occurs in 1% of the general population, having a history of family psychosis greatly increases the risk. Schizophrenia occurs at roughly 10% of people who have a first-degree relative with the disorder, such as a parent or sibling. The highest risk occurs when an identical twin is diagnosed with schizophrenia. The unaffected twin has a roughly 50% chance of developing the disorder.
• Environment. Exposure to viruses or malnutrition before birth, particularly in the first and second trimesters has been shown to increase the risk of schizophrenia. Inflammation or autoimmune diseases can also lead to increased immune system
• Brain chemistry. Problems with certain brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia. Neurotransmitters allow brain cells to communicate with each other. Networks of neurons are likely involved as well.
• Substance use. Some studies have suggested that taking mind-altering drugs during teen years and young adulthood can increase the risk of schizophrenia. A growing body of evidence indicates that smoking marijuana increases the risk of psychotic incidents and the risk of ongoing psychotic experiences. The younger and more frequent the use, the greater the risk. Another study has found that smoking marijuana led to earlier onset of schizophrenia and often preceded the manifestation of the illness.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing schizophrenia is not easy. Sometimes using drugs, such as methamphetamines or LSD, can cause a person to have schizophrenia-like symptoms. The difficulty of diagnosing this illness is compounded by the fact that many people who are diagnosed do not believe they have it. Lack of awareness is a common symptom of people diagnosed with schizophrenia and greatly complicates treatment.

While there is no single physical or lab test that can diagnosis schizophrenia, a health care provider who evaluates the symptoms and the course of a person's illness over six months can help ensure a correct diagnosis. The health care provider must rule out other factors such as brain tumors, possible medical conditions and other psychiatric diagnoses, such as bipolar disorder.

To be diagnosed with schizophrenia, a person must have two or more of the following symptoms occurring persistently in the context of reduced functioning:

• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Disorganized speech
• Disorganized or catatonic behavior
• Negative symptoms

Delusions or hallucinations alone can often be enough to lead to a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Identifying it as early as possible greatly improves a person’s chances of managing the illness, reducing psychotic episodes, and recovering. People who receive good care during their first psychotic episode are admitted to the hospital less often, and may require less time to control symptoms than those who don’t receive immediate help. The literature on the role of medicines early in treatment is evolving, but we do know that psychotherapy is essential.

People can describe symptoms in a variety of ways. How a person describes symptoms often depends on the cultural lens she is looking through. African Americans and Latinos are more likely to be misdiagnosed, probably due to differing cultural or religious beliefs or language barriers. Any person who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia should try to work with a health care professional that understands his or her cultural background and shares the same expectations for treatment.