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Schizophrenia [skit-suh-FREY-nee-uh] is a serious brain illness that interferes with a person’s ability to think clearly, communicate and relate with others, and manage emotions. The person may:
Schizophrenia is a chronic condition that remains for life once it begins. The illness may come and go in cycles, and can cause problems with day-to-day living.
The National Alliance on Mental Health estimates that schizophrenia affects about 1% of Americans. The illness tends to first appear in a person’s late teens to early 20s for men and late 20s to early 30s for women. However, the illness can affect anyone of any age, including children.
Some people think that all people with schizophrenia are violent and dangerous. This is not true. The vast majority of people with schizophrenia are nonviolent. With proper treatment, many people with schizophrenia find relief from their symptoms and are able to live productive, fulfilling lives.
People with schizophrenia are often unaware that they have the illness. This can make treatment difficult. If you know someone who is experiencing symptoms that may indicate schizophrenia, contact a mental health specialist right away.
Schizophrenia is caused by an imbalance in the chemistry or other change in the brain. What causes these changes is often unknown. Schizophrenia tends to run in families. There is research to suggest that environmental factors (both physical and social) may also play a role.
There is no single test that can diagnose schizophrenia. Your healthcare provider will first ask about your medical history and perform tests to rule out other medical conditions or mental health disorders that may be causing your symptoms.
To be diagnosed with schizophrenia, a person must have 2 or more of the following symptoms for at least 1 month, with troubling behavior lasting 6 months or more:
There is no cure for schizophrenia, but it can be managed. The goal with treatment is to manage symptoms and prevent psychotic relapses. Generally, a person with schizophrenia will need more than 1 method of treatment.
Common treatments for schizophrenia may include:
Family support and involvement is critical during treatment. As families become educated and learn how to support and help manage their loved one’s illness, they can help prevent relapses and improve the overall mental health of the person with schizophrenia.
There is no way to prevent schizophrenia. However, seeing a mental health specialist and following a recommended treatment plan can prevent more severe symptoms and teach ways to help manage the symptoms you may have.
Symptoms of schizophrenia will vary from person to person. In some cases, symptoms will take years to develop. In other cases, symptoms may develop suddenly. Common symptoms of schizophrenia include:
Other behaviors or symptoms of schizophrenia may also include: