Cognitive symptoms include problems in attention, concentration, and memory. For some individuals, the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia are subtle, but for others, they are more prominent and interfere with activities like following conversations, learning new things, or remembering appointments. Genetics: Schizophrenia sometimes runs in families.
However, it is important to know that just because someone in a family has schizophrenia, it does not mean that other members of the family will have it as well. Genetic studies strongly suggest that many different genes increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, but that no single gene causes the disorder by itself.
It is not yet possible to use genetic information to predict who will develop schizophrenia. Environmental factors that may be involved include living in poverty, stressful surroundings, and exposure to viruses or nutritional problems before birth. Brain structure and function: Scientists think that differences in brain structure, function, and interactions among chemical messengers called neurotransmitters may contribute to the development of schizophrenia.
For example, differences in the volumes of specific components of the brain, in the way regions of the brain are connected and work together, and in neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, are found in people with schizophrenia.
Differences in brain connections and brain circuits seen in people with schizophrenia may begin developing before birth. Changes to the brain that occur during puberty may trigger psychotic episodes in people who are vulnerable due to genetics, environmental exposures, or the types of brain differences mentioned above.
The causes of schizophrenia are complex and are not fully understood, so current treatments focus on managing symptoms and solving problems related to day to day functioning. Treatments include:. Antipsychotic medications can help reduce the intensity and frequency of psychotic symptoms. They are usually taken daily in pill or liquid forms.
Some antipsychotic medications are given as injections once or twice a month, which some individuals find to be more convenient than daily oral doses. Patients whose symptoms do not improve with standard antipsychotic medication typically receive clozapine. Many people taking antipsychotic medications have side effects such as weight gain, dry mouth, restlessness, and drowsiness when they start taking these medications.
Some of these side effects subside over time, but others may persist, which may cause some people to consider stopping their antipsychotic medication. Suddenly stopping medication can be dangerous and it can make schizophrenia symptoms worse. People should not stop taking antipsychotic medication without talking to a health care provider first.
Shared decision making between doctors and patients is the recommended strategy for determining the best type of medication or medication combination and the right dose. You can find the latest information on warnings, patient medication guides, or newly approved medications on the U. Cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral skills training, supported employment, and cognitive remediation interventions may help address the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.
A combination of these therapies and antipsychotic medication is common. Psychosocial treatments can be helpful for teaching and improving coping skills to address the everyday challenges of schizophrenia. They can help people pursue their life goals, such as attending school, working, or forming relationships. Individuals who participate in regular psychosocial treatment are less likely to relapse or be hospitalized.
For more information on psychosocial treatments, see the Psychotherapies webpage on the NIMH website. Educational programs for family members, significant others, and friends offer instruction about schizophrenia symptoms and treatments, and strategies for assisting the person with the illness. Family-based services may be provided on an individual basis or through multi-family workshops and support groups.
For more information about family-based services in your area, you can visit the family education and support groups page on the National Alliance on Mental Illness website. Coordinated specialty care CSC is a general term used to describe recovery-oriented treatment programs for people with first episode psychosis, an early stage of schizophrenia. A team of health professionals and specialists deliver CSC, which includes psychotherapy, medication management, case management, employment and education support, and family education and support.
The person with early psychosis and the team work together to make treatment decisions, involving family members as much as possible. Compared to typical care for early psychosis, CSC is more effective at reducing symptoms, improving quality of life, and increasing involvement in work or school.
Check here for more information about CSC programs. Assertive Community Treatment ACT is designed especially for individuals with schizophrenia who are at risk for repeated hospitalizations or homelessness. About one-third of individuals with an initial diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder recover within the 6-month period and schizophreniform disorder is their final diagnosis.
Most of the remaining two-thirds of individuals will eventually receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. People with schizoaffective disorder experience symptoms a major mood episode of depression or bipolar disorder major depression or mania at the same time as symptoms of schizophrenia delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized behavior, or negative symptoms.
Symptoms of a major mood episode must be present for the majority of the duration of the active illness and there must be a period of at least two weeks when delusions or hallucinations are present in the absence of a mood episode.
Schizoaffective disorder is about one-third as common as schizophrenia, affecting about 0. The typical age at onset of schizoaffective disorder is early adulthood, although it can begin anywhere from adolescence to late in life. A significant number of individuals initially diagnosed with another psychotic illness later receive the diagnosis schizoaffective disorder when the pattern of mood episodes becomes apparent. Treatment can help many people with schizophrenia lead highly productive and rewarding lives.
As with other chronic illnesses, some patients do extremely well while others continue to be symptomatic and need support and assistance. After the symptoms of schizophrenia are controlled, various types of therapy can continue to help people manage the illness and improve their lives. Therapy and psychosocial supports can help people learn social skills, cope with stress, identify early warning signs of relapse and prolong periods of remission.
Because schizophrenia typically strikes in early adulthood, individuals with the disorder often benefit from rehabilitation to help develop life-management skills, complete vocational or educational training, and hold a job. For example, supported-employment programs have been found to help people with schizophrenia obtain self-sufficiency. These programs provide people with severe mental illness competitive jobs in the community. For many people living with schizophrenia family support is particularly important to their health and well-being.
It is also essential for families to be informed and supported themselves. Optimism is important and patients, family members and mental health professionals need to be mindful that many patients have a favorable course of illness, that challenges can often be addressed, and that patients have many personal strengths that must be recognized and supported.
View More. Psychosis refers to a set of symptoms characterized by a loss of touch with reality due to a disruption in the way that the brain processes information. Delusions are fixed false beliefs held despite clear or reasonable evidence that they are not true.
Persecutory or paranoid delusions, when a person believes they are being harmed or harassed by another person or group, are the most common. Hallucinations are the experience of hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or feeling things that are not there.
They are vivid and clear with an impression similar to normal perceptions. For example, the person may switch from one topic to another or respond with an unrelated topic in conversation. The symptoms are severe enough to cause substantial problems with normal communication. Disorganized or abnormal motor behavior are movements that can range from childlike silliness to unpredictable agitation or can manifest as repeated movements without purpose.
When the behavior is severe, it can cause problems in the performance of activities of daily life. It includes catatonia, when a person appears as if in a daze with little movement or response to the surrounding environment. Negative symptoms refer to what is abnormally lacking or absent in the person with a psychotic disorder. Examples include impaired emotional expression, decreased speech output, reduced desire to have social contact or to engage in daily activities, and decreased experience of pleasure.
I agree. Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles. Resources Find an Expert. For You Children Patient Handouts. Start Here. National Institute of Mental Health. Diagnosis and Tests. Treatments and Therapies. American Psychiatric Association. Related Issues. Clinical Trials.
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