mental health facts for men

In addition to the below risk factors, there are other theories as to why men are at a greater risk of not seeking mental health assistance.

• Traditional male gender roles discourage emotional expression.  Men are told they need to be tough and that they should not need to ask for help.  Such rigid gender norms may make it difficult for men to reach out and ask for support when they need it.
• Depression may be under-diagnosed in men.  Men often do not disclose feelings of depression to their doctors.  When they do, it is often described in terms of having problems at work or in relationships.  Men also tend to describe their feelings as "stress" rather than sadness or hopelessness.
• Men are less likely to seek help for emotional problems.  Researchers suggest that depression is diagnosed less frequently in men because of the tendency to deny illness, self-monitor symptoms, and self-treat.
• Men may be more likely to self-treat symptoms of depression with alcohol and other substances.

It is important that friends and family support their loved one and encourage him to visit a doctor or mental health professional for an evaluation.  Men often avoid addressing their feelings and, in many cases, friends and family members are the first to recognize that their loved one is depressed or anxious.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.

• Inattention means a person wanders off task, lacks persistence, has difficulty sustaining focus, and is disorganized; and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension
• Hyperactivity means a person seems to move about constantly, including in situations in which it is not appropriate; or excessively fidgets, taps, or talks. In adults, it may be extreme restlessness or wearing others out with constant activity
• Impulsivity means a person makes hasty actions that occur in the moment without first thinking about them and that may have a high potential for harm, or a desire for immediate rewards or inability to delay gratification. An impulsive person may be socially intrusive and excessively interrupt others or make important decisions without considering the long-term consequences

Some men with ADHD are more likely to have work problems — trouble getting along with others at the job; quitting (out of hostility toward the workplace or out of boredom); being disciplined; and getting fired. Many men define themselves in large part by their work.  For them, job difficulties lead to shame and depression.  Even when men excel, low self-esteem and ADHD symptoms may make it tough to hold a job.

Emotional dysregulation, responding quickly and intensely to stimuli, is a core characteristic of ADHD. Some men have anger-management issues and our society accepts raging men.  The result is that fewer men with ADHD see their anger and rage as a problem.  In fact, a good number of men use their rage as a legitimate way to get a partner to back off, and blame their partner for their outbursts.

Research suggests that men have greater difficulty recovering from conflict.  Their blood pressure remains elevated after conflict, and they have more trouble calming themselves.  Conflict feels physically uncomfortable, so men tend to avoid it.  Men with ADHD may feel bombarded with constant critiques of their underperformance at home and at work.  The struggle to become reliable in the face of distraction and planning problems causes many men to retreat from conflict.  This may lead to cover-up behavior, like lying, and being emotionally distant.

There are three different types of ADHD, depending on which types of symptoms are strongest in the individual:

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation:  It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations.  The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation:  The person fidgets and talks a lot.  It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework).  Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly.  The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity.  Someone who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times.  It is hard for the person to wait their turn or listen to directions. A person with impulsiveness may have more accidents and injuries than others.
• Combined Presentation:  Symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the person.

Scientists are studying cause(s) and risk factors in an effort to find better ways to manage and reduce the chances of a person having ADHD.  The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role.  Research does not support the popularly held views that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar, watching too much television, parenting, or social and environmental factors such as poverty or family chaos.  In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including:

• Brain injury
• Exposure to environmental (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age
• Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight

Men with symptoms of inattention may often:

• Overlook or miss details, make careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities.
• Have problems sustaining attention in tasks or play, including conversations, lectures, or lengthy reading.
• Not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
• Not follow through on instructions and fail to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace or start tasks but quickly lose focus and get easily sidetracked.
• Have problems organizing tasks and activities, such as what to do in sequence, keeping materials and belongings in order, having messy work and poor time management, and failing to meet deadlines.
• Avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or homework, or for teens and older adults, preparing reports, completing forms, or reviewing lengthy papers.
• Lose things necessary for tasks or activities, such as school supplies, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, and cell phones.
• Be easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli.
• Be forgetful in daily activities, such as chores, errands, returning calls, and keeping appointments.

Men with symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity may often:

• Fidget and squirm in their seats.
• Leave their seats in situations when staying seated is expected, such as in the classroom or the office.
• Run or dash around or climb in situations where it is inappropriate or, in teens and adults, often feel restless.
• Be unable to play or engage in hobbies quietly.
• Be constantly in motion or “on the go,” or act as if “driven by a motor”.
• Talk nonstop.
• Blurt out an answer before a question has been completed, finish other people’s sentences, or speak without waiting for a turn in a conversation.
• Have trouble waiting for his or her turn.
• Interrupt or intrude on others, for example in conversations, games, or activities.

Anxiety is a broad term for a variety of disorders.  While excessive fear and worry is at the heart of the disorder, it may manifest and be triggered in several ways.  The most common types have constant, uncontrollable fear that interferes with their lives.  Anxiety manifests itself in many ways, from general anxiety disorder to social anxiety disorder, making it the most common type of mental illness in the U.S.. The condition is highly treatable, but the majority of men who experience anxiety don't receive treatment, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

The most common types of Anxiety are:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) - Men with GAD are constantly worried about everyday life.  It manifests as exhaustion, headaches, nausea and tension.  The worrying may last for hours at a time and interferes with daily tasks and life functions.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) - Social anxiety causes extreme fear of social interaction.  Men with this disorder become obsessed with worry about being humiliated in public.  Often they are afraid they will say “something stupid” or face judgment from peers.  These fears cause them to withdraw from social situations, isolate themselves, and go out of their way to avoid group activities and conversations.  They may also suffer panic attacks in response to social interaction.
• Panic Disorder (PD) - The disorder often comes on suddenly and without warning.  Men with this disorder will feel intense dread and terror, often accompanied by symptoms that mimic a heart attack — chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness and shortness of breath.  Men  who have panic attacks will avoid situations and places that might cause another attack.
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Men with OCD experiences obsessions and compulsions.  Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urge that cause distress or anxiety.  Compulsions are behaviors that make you feel compelled to perform in order to ease their distress or anxiety or suppress the thoughts.  Some of these behaviors are visible actions while others are mental behaviors.  Common obsessions include concerns about contamination, cleanliness, aggressive impulses, or the need for symmetry.  Common compulsions include checking, washing/cleaning, and arranging.  There isn’t always a logical connection between obsessions and compulsions.
• Phobias - Men who suffer from phobias have intense fear linked to a place, event or object.  These things are triggers for panic attacks, and men affected work hard to avoid them.

Mental health professionals aren’t sure what actually causes anxiety.  But studies suggest several factors combined may contribute to the illness.  These include:

• Genetics and Environment - One risk factor for anxiety is genetics.  Studies have shown that anxiety disorders may be inherited because they can run in families, according to Cleveland Clinic.  Environmental factors include stresses from not having basic needs met, but some of these basic needs may be out of a man’s control.  When the body faces severe or long-lasting stress, the brain’s chemistry can change and make an individual more susceptible to anxiety disorders.  Non-heterosexual men are more likely to experience anxiety and other mental health problems.
• Trauma - Traumatic events such as a sudden death in the family or, war, violence or having to flee a country can trigger anxiety disorders.
• Underlying Medical Problems - In some men, other health problems may cause feelings of anxiety.  Some of these are - Autoimmune disorders (lupus, fibromyalgia, inflammatory conditions), Food allergies, Head trauma, Heart problems, Hormones, Infectious diseases like Lyme disease, Medications, herbal supplements, energy drinks and other stimulants, Neurological conditions, Poor nutrition (such as vitamin B12 deficiency) and Tumors.

Bipolar Disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).  When one becomes depressed, they may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities.  When one's mood shifts to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania), they may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable.  These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior and the ability to think clearly.  Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year.  While most will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any.  Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, one can manage their mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy).

• Some research shows, on average, that initial depressive episode in men tends to happen around the age of 22.  The same holds true for mania, with the average age of onset being 22.
• That exaggerated feeling of well-being and over-confidence that goes along with a manic episode doesn’t raise the same flag in men.  The problem isn’t that the symptom is any different for men, it’s more about gender stereotypes.  Seeing a super bold, extremely confident man is more normalized in our culture.  The result: it can be more difficult to pick up on a manic episode in men.
• To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, one must have experienced at least one episode of mania or hypomania.  Hypomania is a milder form of mania that doesn’t include psychotic episodes. People with hypomania can often function well in social situations or at work.  Some men with bipolar disorder will have episodes of mania or hypomania many times throughout their life; others may experience them only rarely.

The most common types of bipolar disorder are:

• Bipolar I disorder.  Having had at least one manic episode that may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes.  In some cases, mania may trigger a break from reality (psychosis).
• Bipolar II disorder.  Having had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but never had a manic episode.
• Cyclothymic disorder.  Having had at least two years — or one year in children and teenagers — of many periods of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms (though less severe than major depression).
• Other types.  These include, for example, bipolar and related disorders induced by certain drugs or alcohol or due to a medical condition, such as Cushing's disease, multiple sclerosis or stroke.

Scientists have not yet discovered a single cause of bipolar disorder.  Currently, they believe several factors may contribute, including:

• Genetics.  The chances of developing bipolar disorder are increased if a child’s parents or siblings have the disorder.  But the role of genetics is not absolute:  A child from a family with a history of bipolar disorder may never develop the disorder.  Studies of identical twins have found that, even if one twin develops the disorder, the other may not.
• Stress.  A stressful event such as a death in the family, an illness, a difficult relationship, divorce or financial problems can trigger a manic or depressive episode. Thus, a person’s handling of stress may also play a role in the development of the illness.
• Brain structure and function.  Brain scans cannot diagnose bipolar disorder, yet researchers have identified subtle differences in the average size or activation of some brain structures in those with bipolar disorder.

The most common symptoms of a bipolar disorder are:

• Mood - mood swings, sadness, elevated mood, anger, anxiety, apathy, apprehension, euphoria, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest, or loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
• Behavioral - irritability, risk taking behaviors, disorganized behavior, aggression, agitation, crying, excess desire for sex, hyperactivity, impulsivity, restlessness, or self-harm.
• Cognitive - unwanted thoughts, delusion, lack of concentration, racing thoughts, slowness in activity, or false belief of superiority.
• Psychological - depression, manic episode, agitated depression, or paranoia.
• Weight - weight gain or weight loss.
• Sleep - difficulty falling asleep or excess sleepiness.

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that negatively affects how one feels, the way one thinks and how one acts.  Men with depression tend to hide their emotions and may seem to be angry, irritable or aggressive, feel very tired and lose interest in work, family, or hobbies.  Depression can affect any man at any age.  Men are less likely to recognize, talk about, and seek treatment for depression and even doctors may not always recognize the anger or aggression as depression symptoms.  With the right treatment, most men with depression can get better and gain back their interest in work, family, and hobbies.  The most common symptoms of depression are:

• Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
• Feeling anxious, restless, or “on the edge”
• Loss of interest in work, family, or once-pleasurable activities
• Problems with sexual desire and performance
• Feeling sad, "empty," flat, or hopeless
• Not being able to concentrate or remember details
• Feeling very tired, not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much
• Overeating or not wanting to eat at all
• Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
• Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
• Inability to meet the responsibilities of work, caring for family, or other important activities
• Engaging in high-risk activities
• A need for alcohol or drugs
• Withdrawing from family and friends or becoming isolated

The most common types of depression are:

• Major depression—depressive symptoms that interfere with a man's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy most aspects of life.  An episode of major depression may occur only once in a person's lifetime.  But it is common for a person to have several episodes.  Special forms (subtypes) of major depression include:
  • Psychotic depression—severe depression associated with delusions (false, fixed beliefs) or hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not really there).  These psychotic symptoms are depression-themed. For example, a man may believe he is sick or poor when he is not, or he may hear voices that are not real that say that he is worthless.
  • Seasonal affective disorder—characterized by depression symptoms that appear every year during the winter months when there is less natural sunlight.
  • Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia)—depressive symptoms that last a long time (2 years or longer) but are less severe than those of major depression.
  • Minor depression—similar to major depression and persistent depressive disorder, but symptoms are less severe and may not last as long.
• Bipolar Disorder is different from depression. It is included in this list because a person with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of extreme low moods (depression). But a person with bipolar disorder also experiences extreme high moods (called “mania”).

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S. Current research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of risk factors including:

• Genetic factors—men with a family history of depression may be more likely to develop it than those whose family members do not have the illness.
• Environmental Stress—financial problems, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, major life changes, work problems, or any stressful situation may trigger depression in some men.
• Illness—depression can occur with other serious medical illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease.  Depression can make these conditions worse and vice versa. Sometimes, medications taken for these illnesses may cause side effects that trigger or worsen depression.

Domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse or relationship abuse), is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.  Domestic violence does not discriminate.  Anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim – or perpetrator – of domestic violence.  

• 1 in 71 men in the United States has been raped in their lifetime
• 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
• 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. This includes a range of behaviors (e.g. slapping, shoving, pushing) and in some cases might not be considered "domestic violence"
• 1 in 25 men have been injured by an intimate partner
• 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence (e.g. beating, burning, strangling) by an intimate partner in their lifetime
• 1 in 18 men have been stalked by an intimate partner during their lifetime to the point in which they felt very fearful or believed that they or someone close to them would be harmed or killed

When a man becomes so preoccupied with food and weight issues that they find it harder and harder to focus on other aspects of their life, it may be an early sign of an eating disorder.  About one in three people struggling with an eating disorder is male, that includes subclinical eating disordered behaviors (including binge eating, purging, laxative abuse, and fasting for weight loss).  In the United States alone, eating disorders will affect 10 million males at some point in their lives.  But due in large part to cultural bias, they are much less likely to seek treatment for their eating disorder.

Several factors lead to men and boys being under and undiagnosed for an eating disorder.  Men can face a double stigma, for having a disorder characterized as feminine or gay and for seeking psychological help.  Additionally, language in assessment tests isn't geared towards men which has led to misconceptions about the nature of disordered eating in men.  Early intervention is critical as studies suggest the risk of mortality for males with eating disorders is high.  Some symptoms and signs of an eating disorder are:

• Fixation on weight loss or extreme concern with body image.
• Restrictive diets, such as no-sugar diets or keto.
• Laxative, diuretic, and/or diet pill abuse to lose weight.
• Feeling overweight regardless of weight loss.
• Low body weight.
• Fixation on food rules and only eating “clean foods”. 
• Skipping meals or eating small amounts of food.
• Eating large amounts of food during short periods while alone.  
• Frequently looking in the mirror to check body size or shape.
• Excessive exercise.
• Feeling the need to purge after meals. 
• Digestive issues and discomfort.
• Listlessness or fatigue.
• Feelings of guilt, anxiety, sadness, or disgust after eating.

Eating disorders are very complex conditions, and scientists are still learning about the causes.  Although eating disorders all have food and weight issues in common, most experts now believe that eating disorders are caused by people attempting to cope with overwhelming feelings and painful emotions by controlling food.  Unfortunately, this will eventually damage a person’s physical and emotional health, self-esteem and sense of control.   Factors that may be involved in developing an eating disorder include:

• Genetics. People with first degree relatives, siblings or parents, with an eating disorder appear to be more at risk of developing an eating disorder, too. This suggests a genetic link. Evidence that the brain chemical, serotonin, is involved also points a contributing genetic and biological factors.
• Environment. Cultural pressures that stress thinness and muscular development and body size for men places undue pressure on people of achieve unrealistic standards.  Popular culture and media images often tie being thin to popularity, success, beauty and happiness.  This creates a strong desire to very thin.
• Peer Pressure. With young people, this can be a very powerful force.  Pressure can appear in the form of teasing, bullying or ridicule because of size or weight.  A history of physical or sexual abuse can also contribute to some people developing an eating disorder.
• Emotional Health.  Perfectionism, impulsive behavior and difficult relationships can all contribute to lowering a person’s self-esteem and make them vulnerable to developing eating disorders.

Eating disorders affect all types of people.  However there are certain risk factors that put some people at greater risk for developing an eating disorder.

• Age. Eating disorders are much more common during teens and early 20s.
• Gender. Teenage boys and men are less likely seek help, but studies show that 1 out of 10 people diagnosed with eating disorders are male.
• Family history. Having a parent or sibling with an eating disorder increases the risk.
• Dieting. Dieting taken too far can become an eating disorder.
• Changes. Times of change like going to college, starting a new job, or getting divorced may be a stressor towards developing an eating disorder.
• Vocations and activities. Eating disorders are especially common among gymnasts, runners, wrestlers and dancers.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive and frequent obsessions and repetitive and ritualistic behaviors.  Men with obsessive compulsive disorder can describe feeling driven to do things with an irresistible urge in order to relieve stress and feel better.  For those with this condition, ignoring these urges is not easy, and if they can manage, the urge will come back again later.  For those with a fear of being infected by germs, it can be common to adopt a hand-washing ritual that results in chapped or sore skin, and the condition is often accompanied by shame or other feelings of embarrassment related to the symptoms of the condition.  

Although men with OCD may know that their thoughts and behavior don’t make sense, they are often unable to stop them.  Symptoms typically begin during childhood, the teenage years or young adulthood, although males often develop them at a younger age.  More than 2% of the U.S. population (nearly 1 out of 40 people) will be diagnosed with OCD during their lives.

People can confuse being a perfectionist with having OCD, but OCD can be a debilitating condition that can impact work, relationships, or school and is very different to a quest for flawless results in a task.  The exact cause of obsessive-compulsive disorders is unknown, but researchers believe that activity in several portions of the brain is responsible.  More specifically, these areas of the brain may not respond normally to serotonin, a chemical that some nerve cells use to communicate with each other.  Genetics are thought to be very important.  If you, your parent or a sibling, have an obsessive-compulsive disorder, there’s close to a 25% chance that another immediate family member will have it.  Some common obsessions in OCD include:

• Fear of contamination – not engaging in normal activities like shaking hands for fear of contamination.
• Fear of dirt.
• Fear of harm occurring – being plagued with fear about forgetting to turn off a stove or lock a door before leaving home.
• Excessive concern with exactness – objects not facing a particular direction nor set in an orderly or symmetrical fashion.
• Beyond normal focus on the need for orderliness.
• Anxiety related to unwelcome thoughts including anger, or sexual or religious content.
• Anxiety related to unwelcome thoughts of hurting others or oneself.
• Anxiety related to unwelcome thoughts about cursing in public or other inappropriate behavior.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after you have been through a trauma.  A trauma is a shocking and dangerous event that you see or that happens to you.  During this type of event, you think that your life or others' lives are in danger.  The symptoms of PTSD usually occur within a month after experiencing a traumatic event.  However, in some cases, symptoms may not appear until years later. 

• Intrusive Memories
  A man with PTSD will have persistent and recurring memories of the traumatic event, whether they want to think about it or not.  These memories can manifest as flashbacks during the day or as nightmares.  Seeing, hearing or smelling something that reminds him of the traumatic event can also cause emotional distress that may show in physical form such as shaking, headaches, panic attacks or heart palpitations.
• Avoidance
  A man with PTSD will most likely avoid anything, anyone and anywhere that reminds him of the traumatic experience.  As PTSD worsens, he may isolate himself from everyone, even those who have no connection to the traumatic event.
• Changes in Thinking and Mood
  Whether they are experiencing flashbacks or not, a man with PTSD may feel hopeless, numb, guilty, ashamed or may even be thinking about suicide.
• Changes in Behavior
  A man with PTSD may show significant changes in behavior, such as angry outbursts or extremely aggressive behavior when he is usually calm and patient.  Other signs of PTSD also include an inability to focus, feelings of danger and difficulty sleeping.

PTSD can happen to anyone.  It is not a sign of weakness. A number of factors can increase the chance that someone will develop PTSD, many of which are not under that person's control.   Men are more likely to experience accidents, physical assault, combat, disaster, or to witness death or injury.

• About 6 out of every 10 men (or 60%) encounter at least one trauma in their lives
• About 4 out of every 100 men (or 4%) develop PTSD sometime in their lives

Psychosis is characterized as disruptions to a person’s thoughts and perceptions that make it difficult for them to recognize what is real and what isn’t.  These disruptions are often experienced as seeing, hearing and believing things that aren’t real or having strange, persistent thoughts, behaviors and emotions.  While everyone’s experience is different, most people say psychosis is frightening and confusing.  Psychosis is a symptom, not an illness, and it is more common than you may think.  In the U.S., approximately 100,000 young people experience psychosis each year.  As many as three in 100 people will have an episode at some point in their lives.  Some facts about psychosis are:

• Psychosis often begins when a person is in their late teens to mid-twenties.
• Psychosis can be a symptom of a mental illness or a physical condition.
• Psychosis can be caused by some medications, alcohol or drug abuse.
• Psychosis can include hallucinations (seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting or feeling      something that is not real).
• Psychosis can include paranoia or delusions (believing in something that is not real      even when presented with facts).
• Psychosis can include disordered thoughts and speech.
• Psychosis affects people from all walks of life.

MYTH - A person with psychotic symptoms is dangerous. 

FACT - People experiencing psychosis may behave strangely, they may hear voices, or see things that don’t exist.  They may be frightened and confused or withdrawn.  However, it is more likely these people will harm themselves than someone else.  It is important to help a person with psychotic symptoms get treatment as quickly as possible.

 
There's still a lot to learn about how and why psychosis develops, but several factors are likely involved.  What is known is that teenagers and young adults are at increased risk of experiencing an episode of psychosis because of hormonal changes in their brain during puberty.  Several factors that can contribute to psychosis:

• Genetics.  Many genes can contribute to the development of psychosis, but just because a person has a gene doesn’t mean they will experience psychosis. Ongoing      studies will help us better understand which genes play a role in psychosis.
• Trauma.  A traumatic event such as a death, war or sexual assault can trigger a      psychotic episode.  The type of trauma—and a person’s age—affects whether a      traumatic event will result in psychosis.
• Substance use.  The use of marijuana, LSD, amphetamines and other substances can increase the risk of psychosis in people who are already vulnerable.
• Physical illness or injury.  Traumatic brain injuries, brain tumors, strokes, HIV and some brain diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and dementia can sometimes cause psychosis.
• Mental health conditions.  Sometimes psychosis is a symptom of a condition like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder or depression.

Schizophrenia is characterized by thoughts or experiences that seem out of touch with reality, disorganized speech or behavior, and decreased participation in daily activities.  Although it is a serious disorder of the mind and brain, it is also highly treatable especially when treatment is available and started early.  Currently there is no cure, you can treat and manage it with medication, self-help strategies, and supportive therapies.  The exact causes are still unknown but research suggests a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can make it more likely to develop the condition.  Men who do develop schizophrenia do so with the average age of onset being around 18.  One of the most easily avoided factors linked to the development of schizophrenia are brain-altering street drugs like marijuana and cannabis. 

The most common early warning signs include:

• Depression, social withdrawal
• Hostility or suspiciousness, extreme reaction to criticism
• Deterioration of personal hygiene
• Flat, expressionless gaze
• Inability to cry or express joy or inappropriate laughter or crying
• Oversleeping or insomnia; forgetful, unable to concentrate
• Odd or irrational statements; strange use of words or way of speaking

Common misconceptions about Schizophrenia:

• Myth: Schizophrenia refers to a “split personality” or multiple personalities.   Fact:  Multiple personality disorder is a different and much less common disorder than schizophrenia.  Men with schizophrenia do not have split personalities.  Rather, they are “split off” from reality.
• Myth: Schizophrenia is a rare condition.   Fact:  Schizophrenia is not rare; the lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia is widely accepted to be around 1 in 100.
• Myth: Men with schizophrenia are dangerous.   Fact:  Although the delusional thoughts and hallucinations of schizophrenia sometimes lead to violent behavior, most men with schizophrenia are neither violent nor a danger to others.
• Myth: Men and people with schizophrenia can’t be helped.  Fact:  While long-term treatment may be required, the outlook for schizophrenia is far from hopeless.  When treated properly, many men and with schizophrenia are able to enjoy fulfilling, productive lives.