Questions about a Disorder?
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia refers to a serious, complicated disorder of the mind that affects about one percent of the population. People who suffer from it usually have trouble with things like:
- Thinking clearly and logically.
- Behaving normally around other people.
- Telling the difference between the real world and the dream world.
Causes and Risk Factors
One reason schizophrenia is so complex is because mental health professionals still don't know what actually causes it. Most believe that genes play a role, though, and you are more likely to develop schizophrenia if you have a family member with the disease. Schizophrenia affects men and women equally. Symptoms usually start as a teenager or adolescent although it sometimes starts during adulthood, too. Women usually experience it later, and in a milder manner.
Childhood-onset schizophrenia may start as early as age 5, but this tends to be very rare. It is also hard to distinguish schizophrenia from other childhood developmental disorders, like autism.
Diagnosis
Symptoms
The symptoms of schizophrenia usually develop slowly over several months, or even years. Sometimes, a person might experience a lot of the symptoms, while at other times, they might only experience a few of them.
People who suffer from any kind of schizophrenia might have trouble working, going to school and keeping friends. Other problems might include suicidal behaviors and thoughts, anxiety and depression.
At the beginning of their illness, a person with schizophrenia might experience:
- Trouble concentrating.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Feeling tense, anxious or irritable.
Learn more about Schizophrenia Diagnosis
Questionnaire
This simple questionnaire is designed to help you determine if you have symptoms of disorder and could benefit from professional help.
Therapy
Medications
The most effective medications for schizophrenia to date are antipsychotic medications, which can change the brain's chemical balance and help control most symptoms of schizophrenia.
Although these medications are very useful, they can cause unwanted side effects. Most of the side effects can be treated or the patient may be switched to an alternative medication.
Possible side effects of antipsychotics include:
- Dizziness
- Restlessness and jitters
- Increased risk of high cholesterol or diabetes
- Drowsiness (sedation)
- Slower movements
- Tremors
- Weight gain
Medications for Schizophrenia
If you start on medication, remember that it is important not to stop taking it abruptly. Certain drugs must be tapered off under the supervision of a doctor or bad reactions can occur. Make sure you talk to the doctor who prescribed your medication before you stop taking it. If you are having trouble with side effects, it’s possible that they can be eliminated by adjusting how much medication you take and when you take it.
Progress Tracker
Track your schizophrenia symptoms to identify patterns and help with your treatment plan. Our progress tracker can be printed or even shared with your healthcare professional electronically.
Progress tracking for schizophrenia
Schizophrenia Questionnaire
This simple questionnaire is designed to help you determine if you have symptoms of disorder and could benefit from professional help.