1 of 9 / Overview
View AllWhat Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia distorts the way a person thinks, acts, expresses emotions, perceives reality, and relates to others.
Myths and Facts About Schizophrenia
There's a lot of incorrect info out there about schizophrenia. Get the real story behind some common myths.
Schizophrenia Spectrum
Experts now talk about schizophrenia as a spectrum disorder that includes all the previous subtypes.
Schizophrenia vs. Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic mental health condition that involves symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder.
2 of 9 / Symptoms
View AllSymptoms of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia changes how you think, feel, and act. The symptoms can come and go, too.
Phases of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia usually occurs in phases. Phase 1 is called prodromal. In phase 2, your symptoms are most noticeable.
What Is First-Episode Psychosis?
Early or first-episode psychosis (FEP) is when a person first starts to show signs of losing touch with reality.
Hallucinations
You might think hallucinations have to do with seeing things that aren't really there. But there's a lot more to it than that.
3 of 9 / Causes & Risks
View AllWhat Causes Schizophrenia?
Research shows it takes a combination of genetics and your environment to trigger schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia and Your Brain
What happens inside the brain of someone who has schizophrenia? Scientists are working to understand that.
Who Gets Schizophrenia?
An estimated 1% of people around the world live with schizophrenia, a mental illness that affects how you think, feel, and act.
Schizophrenia and Your Genes
Schizophrenia sometimes runs in families, and experts say part of the reason may lie with your genes.
4 of 9 / Tests & Diagnosis
View AllExams and Diagnostic Tests
To diagnose schizophrenia, a doctor must first rule out any medical illness that may be causing behavioral changes.
How Is Schizophrenia Diagnosed?
To determine if someone has schizophrenia, doctors will start by doing a psychological evaluation and a complete medical exam.
What Is the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)?
The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale helps researchers study people with schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders.
Diagnosis and Treatment in Black People
Some statistics show Black people are more often diagnosed with schizophrenia than people of other races.
5 of 9 / Treatment
View AllTypes of Therapies and Medication
In schizophrenia treatment, you may need to stay on meds for a long time. Psychotherapy will likely also be part of the plan.
Choosing a Doctor and Therapist
Choosing the right doctor or therapist to treat schizophrenia and other mental health issues makes a big difference.
The Costs of Schizophrenia
If you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, it’s vital to anticipate both the health and financial impact.
Medications That Treat Schizophrenia
The meds prescribed most often for schizophrenia are antipsychotics. They ease symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.
6 of 9 / Relapse
View AllHow to Avoid a Schizophrenia Relapse
When schizophrenia is under control, and symptoms stop or improve, it's easy to think it’s behind you. But relapses can happen.
How to Plan for a Relapse
Schizophrenia relapses are common. But there are things you can do to lower your chances of having one.
When Schizophrenia Flares Up
If you or a loved one is living with schizophrenia, you know that the symptoms may worsen at times.
7 of 9 / Complications
View AllComplications That Can Happen With Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia can affect your job, relationships, and finances. The complications that can come make treatment so important.
Schizophrenia and Heart Disease
More people with schizophrenia die from heart disease than from any other cause.
Schizophrenia and Diabetes
When you have schizophrenia, you’re more likely than the average person to have type 2 diabetes and its related health risks.
8 of 9 / Living With
View AllHow to Keep Track of Schizophrenia
Tracking your daily activities, your mood, and/or other things might tell you that you’re at risk for a psychotic episode.
Schizophrenia and Aging
If you or someone you love has a diagnosis of schizophrenia, the aging process can affect how well you manage the disease.
Schizophrenia and Stigma
Deep stigma against schizophrenia and mental illness in general still persists around the world.
Finding and Keeping a Job
If you have schizophrenia, the idea of holding down a job may seem unlikely. But it doesn’t have to keep you from employment.
9 of 9 / Caregiving
View AllWhen a Loved One Has Schizophrenia
Giving support to a loved one with schizophrenia means helping them get the medical and psychological treatment they need.
How to Help Someone Stick With Meds
If you're helping a close relative or partner with schizophrenia, be consistent about taking meds and keeping up with care.
When to Call the Doctor
If someone you love has schizophrenia, knowing when to call the doctor isn’t always easy.
Suggested Reads about Schizophrenia
Direct Action: 10 Things to Include in a Plan for a Schizophrenic Flare-Up
Learn 10 things you should include in a plan for a schizophrenic flare-up.
A Fine Romance: 10 Dating Tips for Those Living With Schizophrenia
Learn how you can successfully date while living with schizophrenia.
Faces of Schizophrenia You May Know
Some very famous or accomplished people have had or are living with schizophrenia. Meet some who have been diagnosed with this mental illness.
What It's Like to Live Well With Schizophrenia
20 million people around the world have schizophrenia. But this conditions still carries a lot of stigma. Find out how two individuals with schizophrenia find hope, succeed in life, and defeat stereotypes.
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