Clinical research plays a crucial role in helping us understand mental illness. Through the study of mental health disorders, we learn more about how to prevent, identify, and reduce symptoms of schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, and other disorders of the mind. The more we know, the better equipped we are to effectively treat people with mental illness, and to positively impact our society as a whole.
Schizophrenia, in particular, is associated with symptoms that can be severely disabling to the individual and a burden to society as well. According to the World Health Organization, schizophrenia affects 20 million people worldwide. As with many other mental illnesses, schizophrenia treatment has come a long way in recent decades, but the available treatments don’t work for everyone. Research studies help pave the way to a brighter future for people with schizophrenia, which ultimately benefits us all. Here are several reasons why it’s important to study schizophrenia.
Many antipsychotic medications have serious negative side effects
Side effects from schizophrenia medications range from metabolic issues to uncontrolled muscle movements to seizures. The unwanted side effects associated with certain medications often result in patient refusal to take them. Schizophrenia studies can aid in the development of treatment drugs with fewer side effects.
People with schizophrenia are more likely to die prematurely
Schizophrenia can negatively affect all parts of a person’s life, not just their mental health. Untreated schizophrenia can hinder a person’s ability to take care of themselves and make healthy choices. The most common causes of death among people with schizophrenia include: cardiovasicular disease, cancer (lung cancer in particular), diabetes, influenza, accidental death, and suicide. People with schizophrenia are expected to live only 70% of the average lifespan.
People with schizophrenia are more likely to be homeless
Up to 6% of people with schizophrenia are homeless. The debilitating symptoms associated with schizophrenia can make it difficult to hold jobs, maintain relationships, and accomplish goals. Without a strong support network and effective treatment, the risk of homelessness increases.
Schizophrenia is linked to higher risk of suicide
Many people who are unable to find relief from their symptoms of schizophrenia experience feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness. This is particularly true for those with higher IQs or high achievers in adolescence or early adulthood.
Schizophrenia costs as much as $150 billion annually in the United States
This includes nearly $38 billion in direct health care costs, $9 billion in non-health care costs (judicial, legal, etc), and $117 billion in indirect costs (lost wages, caregivers, etc). These numbers are from a 2013 study. The total costs stated in this study had doubled since 2002 ($62.7 billion).
Schizophrenia studies provide hope for the future
Research studies can help us learn more about schizophrenia, and the more we know, the more we can help the people who need it most. Effective treatments for people with schizophrenia ultimately benefit us all.
Schizophrenia research studies in San Diego
At Synergy Research Centers, we’re currently enrolling for several schizophrenia research trials in San Diego County for individuals ages 18 to 60. These studies run from 14 to 19 weeks, and require between 6 and 11 visits. Participants receive a stipend at each visit, and transportation is available in some cases. For more information or to find out if you’re eligible to participate, give us a call at (619) 304-1726 or fill out our contact form today.