Schizophrenia. Includes Esse Leete's experience.

'In my senior year of high school, I began to experience personality changes. I did not realize the significance of the changes at the time, and I think others denied them, but looking back I can see that they were the earliest signs of illness. I became increasingly withdrawn and sullen. I felt alienated and lonely and hated everyone. I felt as if there were a huge gap between me and the rest of the …

…controllable (Youth 15). The treatment of schizophrenia could possibly be medication. Most patients with schizophrenia must regularly take maintenance medication to keep the illness under control. It is difficult for the doctor/psychiatrist to know which medication will work best for a given individual. Many changes in type of drug and dosage may be required. This period of trial and error can be extremely trying for everyone involved. Some medications have unusual and difficult side effect