Schizophrenia can be a baffling disease. Symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations can lead to destructive behavior. Apathy and withdrawal deprive once vital people, like myself, of the joys of living and our families and friends of the full companionship of those whom we love. Problems with attention and thinking often make ordinary communication a genuine challenge. Despite promising new treatments, many people, like myself, still lead unfulfilled lives. It doesn't have to be this way, but it often is. It is one of the saddest of truths I live with as I continue to decline rapidly, as time goes on. [Paraphrased from The Complete Family Guide to Schizophrenia by Kim T. Mueser Ph.D. and Susan Gingerich MSW.]