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Schizophrenia

Condition Basics

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is an illness that can affect your ability to think clearly, manage your emotions, and interact with others. It affects each person differently.

Most people who have schizophrenia:

Some people with schizophrenia have paranoid thinking. This causes you to have frightening thoughts, to believe that people or forces are trying to harm you, and to hear voices.

The way other people react to schizophrenia can make a difference in how it affects you.

Living with schizophrenia can bring many challenges. It changes your life and the lives of your family. But you can live a full and meaningful life if you get professional help and are willing to work at helping yourself. It's also very helpful to have the support and understanding of your family.

What causes it?

Experts don't know what causes schizophrenia. It may have different causes for different people. Brain chemistry and brain structure can play a role. So can family history. Problems that harm a baby's brain during pregnancy may also help cause it.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of schizophrenia include losing interest in or not caring about things and not taking care of yourself, like not bathing or eating regularly. Other symptoms include hearing voices or having confusing thoughts. Memory loss or having trouble talking are symptoms that affect how you think. Symptoms may appear suddenly or develop slowly.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you questions about your health and any symptoms you may have had, such as hearing voices or having confusing thoughts. You'll have a physical exam. Your doctor may suggest tests, such as blood tests or imaging tests, Opens dialog, to see if your symptoms may be caused by another health problem.

How is schizophrenia treated?

Medicines can help treat your symptoms. Counseling and therapy help you change how you think about things and deal with the illness. In the recovery process, you learn to cope with your symptoms, set goals, and get support. Recovery usually is a lifelong process.

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Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

 

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