Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition, but with treatment, many people with schizophrenia can lead meaningful, productive lives. Early intervention and ongoing treatment make a significant difference.

Understanding

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People may seem like they've lost touch with reality during episodes. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and changes in behavior.

Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population worldwide. It typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood, usually between ages 16-30. Men often develop symptoms in their early 20s, while women tend to develop them in their late 20s.

Signs & Symptoms

Recognizing symptoms is the first step toward getting help. Not everyone experiences all symptoms.

Positive Symptoms (Added Experiences)

  • Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, feeling things that aren't there)
  • Delusions (strong beliefs that aren't based in reality)
  • Disorganized thinking and speech
  • Unusual or agitated body movements

Negative Symptoms (Reduced Experiences)

  • Reduced emotional expression or flat affect
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
  • Difficulty starting and sustaining activities
  • Reduced speaking
  • Social withdrawal

Cognitive Symptoms

  • Difficulty focusing or paying attention
  • Problems with working memory
  • Difficulty understanding and using information
  • Poor executive function (making decisions, organizing)

Causes

The exact cause isn't known, but schizophrenia likely results from a combination of factors:

  • Genetics—risk is higher if schizophrenia runs in your family
  • Brain chemistry and structure differences
  • Prenatal complications (malnutrition, viral infections)
  • Substance use, particularly marijuana and psychedelics during adolescence
  • Highly stressful or traumatic life events
  • Imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate

Treatment Options

Effective treatments are available. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches.

Antipsychotic Medications

The primary treatment for schizophrenia. They help manage symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics have fewer side effects.

Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC)

A team-based approach combining medication, therapy, family education, and supported employment/education. Most effective when started early in the illness.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps manage symptoms, identify early warning signs of relapse, and develop coping strategies.

Family Education and Support

Teaching family members about schizophrenia improves outcomes and helps everyone cope with challenges.

Social Skills Training

Helps improve communication and social interactions, supporting better relationships and community integration.

Living With Schizophrenia

These strategies can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Staying on Treatment

Consistency with treatment is crucial for managing schizophrenia:

  • Take medications as prescribed, even when feeling better
  • Keep regular appointments with your treatment team
  • Report side effects to your doctor—don't just stop medications
  • Use pill organizers or reminder apps
  • Involve trusted people in monitoring your wellness
  • Know your early warning signs of relapse

Building a Support System

You don't have to manage schizophrenia alone:

  • Connect with family members who understand
  • Join a support group for people with schizophrenia
  • Work with a case manager or social worker
  • Build relationships with people who are accepting
  • Educate close friends about your condition
  • Have emergency contacts readily available

Managing Daily Life

Structure and healthy habits support recovery:

  • Maintain a regular daily routine
  • Get adequate sleep on a consistent schedule
  • Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs—they worsen symptoms
  • Engage in regular physical activity
  • Practice stress-reduction techniques
  • Set realistic goals and celebrate achievements

How to Support Someone

Supporting someone with schizophrenia requires patience, education, and compassion. Your support can significantly impact their recovery.

What helps

  • Learn about schizophrenia from reliable sources
  • Encourage treatment and medication adherence
  • Listen without judgment during difficult times
  • Help them maintain structure and routine
  • Recognize and respond to warning signs of relapse
  • Be patient—recovery is gradual and has setbacks
  • Include them in family activities and decisions
  • Take care of your own mental health

What to avoid

  • Don't argue about delusions or hallucinations
  • Don't blame them for symptoms of their illness
  • Don't enable substance use
  • Don't ignore threats of harm to self or others
  • Don't keep hoping they'll 'snap out of it' without treatment
  • Don't take aggressive or unusual behavior personally

Conversation starters

"I'm here for you. How are you feeling today?"

"I've noticed [changes]. Are you okay?"

"Is there anything I can do to support you right now?"

"Have you been able to take your medication regularly?"

Statistics & Facts

About 1%

of the population has schizophrenia worldwide

60-80%

of the risk for schizophrenia is influenced by genetics

10-15 years

shorter lifespan on average, often due to preventable conditions

5%

of people with schizophrenia die by suicide

You're not alone

Recovery is possible with the right support and treatment. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or call 988 for immediate support.

This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.