Schizophrenia campaign launched

An educational initiative has been launched at the House of Commons, designed to improve awareness about schizophrenia and improving information available to people who have schizophrenia and their families and friends.

The Picture’s Looking Brighter campaign will promote a “more positive view” of the condition, since the initiative claims that patients can lead a fulfilling life by following the right treatment plan.

The initiative will include an information pack containing lists of support groups, information on treatment options, schizophrenia facts and advice on gaining the most from conversations with doctors.

Lynne Jones MP, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Mental Health, commented: “Schizophrenia is a chronic, long-term condition that, if not treated appropriately, can be devastating for both individuals with the condition and their friends and family.”

“It is important for patients to have access to all available information so they can make informed decisions about how to manage their condition,” she added.

The initiative is also dubbed “1 in 100” because approximately one Briton in every hundred will develop schizophrenia, a disorder characterised by depression, social withdrawal, hallucinations and jumbled thoughts.

The cause of schizophrenia is unknown, although levels of dopamine in the brain and hereditary risk factors may play a part.

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