Abnormal Psychology

[Optimist Prime]

I just thought of this....
Schizophrenia runs in my family. So does alcoholism. Or at least a tasty apprecion. Not so much anymore though. Now there's better treatments. Maybe they drink to drown out the voices in their heads. I'm not taking any psych class but if anyone is, and can fill me in on any recent developments of treatments or anything, or can explain better, I'd really apreciate it. I'm at risk for it. I'm under lots of stress (both good and bad, mostly good though) and am about to turn 20. oh wow....i don't want to loose my mind.

[HeidiHo]

Schitzophrenia usually develops in the late teens/early 20s, so I'd just keep a watch out for an paranoia or voices. Knowing that you're at risk makes you that much more likely to catch any symptoms early. On proper meds, a person can live & function fine with schitzophrenia.
If you want to read up-to-the-minute developments, you can check out some psych journals, you're school library should have them. They're very had to understand, but you may be able to filter out some useful information. APA style of writing is specific & meant to let other psychologists repeat a study that the author's done, so the "method" section isn't very useful. They end of an article has a conclusion section & is fairly easy to read so that will probably be the most helpful for you.
You could always talk to someone at you're school's counseling center. Let them know you're situation & just let them be aware. I hope you stay fine & you can email/PM me anytime.
Heidi

[ladybug1116]

i have pretty extensive knowledge of psychology/mental health--it is my field of expertise please feel free to e-mail of pm me with any questions.

[Optimist Prime]

Thanks guys, but i'm not really worried about. I was just wondering if it had been established that there was defintely a genetic link.