Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often making it difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is not. Symptoms typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood and include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. With ongoing treatment, many people with schizophrenia can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
Symptoms
Causes
- Imbalance of neurotransmitters including dopamine and glutamate
- Genetic predisposition with multiple genes contributing to risk
- Abnormalities in brain structure and function
- Prenatal exposure to viruses, malnutrition, or stress
- Environmental factors such as childhood trauma or urban upbringing
Risk Factors
- Family history of schizophrenia or related disorders
- Prenatal complications or infections
- Use of psychoactive substances during adolescence
- Advanced paternal age at conception
- Highly stressful life events
Diagnosis
- Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
- Structured clinical interviews using DSM-5 criteria
- Brain imaging such as MRI to rule out other conditions
- Blood and urine tests to exclude substance use or medical causes
- Neuropsychological testing
Treatment
- Antipsychotic medications such as risperidone, olanzapine, or clozapine
- Cognitive behavioral therapy adapted for psychosis
- Social skills training and supported employment programs
- Family psychoeducation and therapy
- Coordinated specialty care for first-episode psychosis
- Hospitalization during acute episodes if needed
Prevention
- Early intervention at the first signs of psychosis
- Avoiding recreational drug use, especially cannabis during adolescence
- Stress management and supportive social environments
When to See a Doctor
- Hearing voices or seeing things others do not
- Persistent paranoid or delusional thoughts
- Significant decline in functioning at work, school, or in relationships
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
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