"Americans are not sure what to think about schizophrenia," said NAMIexecutive director Mike Fitzpatrick. "They know schizophrenia is a medicalillness affecting the brain, but it is largely misunderstood. There are gapsin knowledge -- and access to treatment. Misinformation, misperceptions, andmisunderstanding represent a public health crisis."
The report is available at www.nami.org/schizophreniasurvey. It is basedon a survey conducted by Harris Interactive among the general public,caregivers and individuals living with schizophrenia.
Approximately two million Americans live with schizophrenia. Two-thirds donot receive treatment, even though the disease can be managed successfully.
The survey found the average age at onset was 21, but a nine-year gapexists between symptoms and treatment.
"We know what to do to increase recovery, but it requires public support,which depends on public attitudes," Fitzpatrick said.To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/nami/33302/
SOURCE National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
