Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that affects your ability to think, feel, and behave coherently. Symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and reduced emotional expression. Schizophrenia is typically treated with a combination of antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, and support services to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
SchizophreniaMedically Reviewed by Angela D. Harper, MD | November 18, 2024
FAQ
What are the main symptoms of schizophrenia?
Symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, paranoia, lack of energy, disorganized thinking, and delusions. People with schizophrenia may also withdraw socially and neglect their personal hygiene.
Is schizophrenia hereditary?
Schizophrenia does tend to run in families. The risk of developing schizophrenia is about six times higher in people who have a parent or sibling with the illness than it is among the general population.
How is schizophrenia diagnosed?
Mental health professionals primarily diagnose schizophrenia through clinical evaluation, talking with the patient, observing symptoms, and ruling out other psychiatric disorders. Blood tests and brain imaging scans are also sometimes used to rule out other potential causes, such as neurological diseases or substance use.
What are the treatment options for schizophrenia?
Antipsychotic medications are the mainstay of schizophrenia treatment, along with psychotherapy, social skills training, and vocational support. People with schizophrenia may need to be hospitalized if they experience severe symptoms or are thought to be a danger to themselves or others.
Can schizophrenia be cured?
There is no cure for schizophrenia, but sticking to a treatment plan can help people with the disease manage their symptoms and allow them to lead productive lives.
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Angela D. Harper, MD, is in private practice at Columbia Psychiatric Associates in South Carolina, where she provides evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy for adul...
Eric Williams is the associate dean of student affairs and career advising and associate professor of neuropsychiatry and behavioral science at the University of South Carolina Sch...
Lee S. Cohen, MD, is an associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, maintains a clinical practice focused on expert and complex diagnos...
Seth Gillihan, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, who helps people find personal growth by making important changes in their thoughts and...
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