In: Psychology
What kind of current legislation, if any, is impacting people living with Schizophrenia in the United States? Please be specific
Schizophrenia has been identified as a brain disorder, which is chronic. Research indicates that at least 26 million people are living with schizophrenia worldwide and less than one per cent of the U.S. population is affected by it. Schizophrenia is known to hamper a person’s well-being and can reduce a person's longevity. Interestingly, it has been identified as one of the top 10 causes of disability, globally.
Some of the symptoms of this disorder are delusions, hallucinations, abnormal thinking, reduced motivation and concentration, perceptual disturbances and reduced or exaggerated emotional expression.
It is important to note that the protection and treatment of schizophrenics have been labelled as a fundamental human right by the UN (United Nations). It is important to note that people with mental illness, be it schizophrenia, are entitled to fair and proper treatment. Government laws act as a means of ensuring fair treatment to those with mental illness. In the U.S, there are various acts for the protection of people with mental illness. Some of these laws are mentioned below:-
The 'Americans with Disabilities Act' ensures no discrimination in employment, government services, public accommodations, public transportation and commercial businesses against people with physical and mental disabilities.
Fair Housing Amendments Act ensures no housing discrimination on the grounds of disability. This act compels landlords and owners of rental housing to fulfil the requirements of the disabled group.
Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act compels the U.S. government to delve into government facilities to ensure safety and proper care for the disabled group.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures quality education for disabled children. This requires public schools to design an education plan for each disabled child, depending on his or her requirements.