May 24, 2003 National Schizophrenia Awareness Day SCHIZOPHRENIA WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT WHAT IT IS: A biochemical and physical abnormality in the brain A mental illness that affects more than 2.5 million Americans, or one percent of all Americans Accounts for more hospital beds than any other illness Treatment costs $32.5 to $65 billion annually Symptoms can include: Hallucinations, including voices and visions Paranoid delusions or delusions of grandeur �Thought broadcasting� Confusion WHAT IT IS NOT: Multiple or split personalities Violent Caused by poor parenting Contagious Reason for discrimination, isolation or banishment