Degenerative Disease?

For many, the question of whether schizophrenia is a degenerative disease is something of a hot topic. There is much heated debate these days in regards to this question.

The answer is not clear and universal to all patients with the disease. Of a few points, we can say for sure, the others, you will have to ask your psychiatrist to get their opinion.

Schizophrenia is, indeed, a disease of the brain--just as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases are diseases of the brain. There is some evidence of brain damage for certain people with schizophrenia, however, for the patient that is compliant with their medication and does not abuse street drugs or alchohol as well, there is very little evidence of long-term brain damage.

Attached are side-by-side brain scan images of someone with a "normal" brain and another with schizophrenia. There are visual defects noticed with those with the disease.