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Psychosis - Some loss of contact with reality

hallucinations - hears, smells, sees, feels things that aren't there

Delusions - Strong beliefs that aren't true

Thought disorder - unusual thinking, may jump from speaking thought to thought without control.

Movement Disorder - abnormal body movements.

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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Learn about schizophrenia, including onset & symptoms, risk factors, treatments and therapies, how to help a loved one, & resources for more information.

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Serious brain disorder

As if someone is controlling their mind

Always Paranoid

Always having psychotic episodes

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Schizophrenia is a serious brain disorder that causes people to interpret reality abnormally. They don't know what sights, sounds, and experiences are real or what they are imagining.

What Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia usually involves delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that don't exist), unusual physical behavior, and disorganized thinking and speech. It is common for people with schizophrenia to have paranoid thoughts or hear voices. For example, they may believe that someone is controlling their mind or going to cause them harm. These psychotic episodes are often frightening, confusing, and isolating.

Schizophrenia can be extremely disruptive to a person's life, making it hard to go to school or work, keep a schedule, socialize, complete daily tasks, or take care of oneself. However, with consistent treatment-a combination of medication, therapy, and social support-people with schizophrenia can manage the disease and lead fulfilling lives.

What Causes Schizophrenia?

No one is sure what causes schizophrenia, but genetic makeup and brain chemistry likely play a role. Millions of Americans suffer from schizophrenia, and when people first experience symptoms and episodes, they may not seek treatment for a variety of reasons. They may not know they are sick, or they may be ashamed of being labeled with a serious mental illness.

Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Millions of Americans suffer from schizophrenia, which usually starts between the ages of 16-30. In men, symptoms usually start in the late teens and early 20s, and in women start in the mid-20s to early 30s.

Symptoms of schizophrenia vary from person to person and may change over time. Some people have one psychotic episode, while others experience many throughout their lives. When people first experience symptoms and episodes, they may not seek treatment for a variety of reasons- denial that they are sick; ashamed of being labeled with a serious mental illness; or do not realize they are showing signs and symptoms of schizophrenia. Hospitalization may be needed during a severe episode to ensure a person's safety, proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, and other factors.

People with schizophrenia can experience:

False beliefs that cannot be changed, even when presented facts (delusions).

Seeing or hearing things that do not exist, such as a voice making commands (hallucinations).

The belief that others are reading or controlling their minds.

Disorganized thinking and speech, including shifting from one thought to the next without a logical connection, or speaking in sentences that do not make sense to others.

Difficulty speaking and expressing emotion, as well as problems with attention, memory, and organization.

Disorganized or abnormal physical behavior, including inappropriately, repetitive, or excessive or strange actions, or a complete lack of movement or talking.

A reduced ability to function normally, such as ignoring personal hygiene or not showing emotion.

Treatment Options

People with schizophrenia require lifelong treatment. But the earlier treatment begins, the better their chances for recovery and improved quality of life. Medication and therapy can help manage the symptoms of schizophrenia, and in many cases, people with schizophrenia can pursue their goals, have healthy relationships, keep jobs, and be productive members of their communities.

Medication: Antipsychotic medications help get symptoms under control-making them less intrusive and disturbing. A psychiatrist may need to try different medications, at different doses, before finding the most effective medication with the least amount of side effects. It can take several weeks to notice an improvement in symptoms. For people who do not respond to medication, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be an option. This brain stimulation technique passes small electric currents through the brain to ease the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Therapy: In addition to medication, therapy provides guidance and support to people with schizophrenia and their families:

Individual therapy ("talk therapy") helps people normalize thought patterns, notice early warning signs of relapse, and handle stress.

Family therapy offers support, insight, and awareness to families coping with schizophrenia.

What You Can Do: Daily Habits Make a Difference

Once medication and therapy begin to work, these strategies can help ease the challenges of schizophrenia:

Stay focused on your treatment goals. Tell family members or friends your goals so they can provide support.

Stick to your treatment plan. Even if symptoms lessen, it is important to go to therapy and take your medication as directed. Use a medication calendar or weekly pillbox to remember to take medications.

Know your warning signs. Have a plan in place to deal with symptoms as they arise so you can get the right help as soon as possible.

Take care of yourself. Your physical health is an important part of feeling good, too. Eat nutritious foods, exercise, and follow a regular sleep routine. Do not smoke, or use alcohol, or other drugs.

Incorporate relaxation and stress management techniques into your life. Regularly doing activities such as meditation, or tai-chi, can help reduce stress and avoid triggering an episode.

Join a support group. Share stories and advice with people who understand what you are going through. It is helpful to connect with - and learn from - others with schizophrenia.

Educate yourself and others about schizophrenia. Learning about the illness can encourage you to follow your treatment plan and can also help your loved ones be more supportive and compassionate.

Ask about social services assistance. These services help with affordable housing, jobs, transportation, and other daily activities.

Get Help

Learn how to talk about mental health to help you speak to a loved one who you may think is experiencing any mental health concerns.

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Schizophrenia is a severe, lifelong brain disorder that causes people to interpret reality abnormally. They don't know what sights, sounds, and experiences are real or what they are imagining.

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Requires life long treatment

Medication - Antipsychotic meds manage signs and symptoms, psychiatrist may mix drugs, add anti anxiety and antideppresents.

Therapy - Individual: Normalize thought patterns, Social skills training: Communication and social interactions.

Hospitalization - In worst cases, severe symptoms, can cause one to become unable to care for themselves.

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis of schizophrenia involves ruling out other mental health disorders and determining that symptoms are not due to substance abuse, medication or a medical condition. Determining a diagnosis of schizophrenia may include:

Physical exam. This may be done to help rule out other problems that could be causing symptoms and to check for any related complications.

Tests and screenings. These may include tests that help rule out conditions with similar symptoms, and screening for alcohol and drugs. The doctor may also request imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan.

Psychiatric evaluation. A doctor or mental health professional checks mental status by observing appearance and demeanor and asking about thoughts, moods, delusions, hallucinations, substance use, and potential for violence or suicide. This also includes a discussion of family and personal history.

Diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia. A doctor or mental health professional may use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Treatment

Schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment, even when symptoms have subsided. Treatment with medications and psychosocial therapy can help manage the condition. In some cases, hospitalization may be needed.

A psychiatrist experienced in treating schizophrenia usually guides treatment. The treatment team also may include a psychologist, social worker, psychiatric nurse and possibly a case manager to coordinate care. The full-team approach may be available in clinics with expertise in schizophrenia treatment.

Medications

Medications are the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment, and antipsychotic medications are the most commonly prescribed drugs. They're thought to control symptoms by affecting the brain neurotransmitter dopamine.

The goal of treatment with antipsychotic medications is to effectively manage signs and symptoms at the lowest possible dose. The psychiatrist may try different drugs, different doses or combinations over time to achieve the desired result. Other medications also may help, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs. It can take several weeks to notice an improvement in symptoms.

Because medications for schizophrenia can cause serious side effects, people with schizophrenia may be reluctant to take them. Willingness to cooperate with treatment may affect drug choice. For example, someone who is resistant to taking medication consistently may need to be given injections instead of taking a pill.

Ask your doctor about the benefits and side effects of any medication that's prescribed.

Second-generation antipsychotics

These newer, second-generation medications are generally preferred because they pose a lower risk of serious side effects than do first-generation antipsychotics. Second-generation antipsychotics include:

Aripiprazole (Abilify)

Asenapine (Saphris)

Brexpiprazole (Rexulti)

Cariprazine (Vraylar)

Clozapine (Clozaril, Versacloz)

Iloperidone (Fanapt)

Lurasidone (Latuda)

Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Paliperidone (Invega)

Quetiapine (Seroquel)

Risperidone (Risperdal)

Ziprasidone (Geodon)

First-generation antipsychotics

These first-generation antipsychotics have frequent and potentially significant neurological side effects, including the possibility of developing a movement disorder (tardive dyskinesia) that may or may not be reversible. First-generation antipsychotics include:

These antipsychotics are often cheaper than second-generation antipsychotics, especially the generic versions, which can be an important consideration when long-term treatment is necessary.

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics

Some antipsychotics may be given as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. They are usually given every two to four weeks, depending on the medication. Ask your doctor about more information on injectable medications. This may be an option if someone has a preference for fewer pills and may help with adherence.

Common medications that are available as an injection include:

Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena, Aristada)

Fluphenazine decanoate

Haloperidol decanoate

Paliperidone (Invega Sustenna, Invega Trinza)

Risperidone (Risperdal Consta, Perseris)

Psychosocial interventions

Once psychosis recedes, in addition to continuing on medication, psychological and social (psychosocial) interventions are important. These may include:

Individual therapy. Psychotherapy may help to normalize thought patterns. Also, learning to cope with stress and identify early warning signs of relapse can help people with schizophrenia manage their illness.

Social skills training. This focuses on improving communication and social interactions and improving the ability to participate in daily activities.

Family therapy. This provides support and education to families dealing with schizophrenia.

Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment. This focuses on helping people with schizophrenia prepare for, find and keep jobs.

Most individuals with schizophrenia require some form of daily living support. Many communities have programs to help people with schizophrenia with jobs, housing, self-help groups and crisis situations. A case manager or someone on the treatment team can help find resources. With appropriate treatment, most people with schizophrenia can manage their illness.

Hospitalization

During crisis periods or times of severe symptoms, hospitalization may be necessary to ensure safety, proper nutrition, adequate sleep and basic hygiene.

Electroconvulsive therapy

For adults with schizophrenia who do not respond to drug therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered. ECT may be helpful for someone who also has depression.

Coping and support

Coping with a mental disorder as serious as schizophrenia can be challenging, both for the person with the condition and for friends and family. Here are some ways to cope:

Learn about schizophrenia. Education about the disorder can help the person with schizophrenia understand the importance of sticking to the treatment plan. Education can help friends and family understand the disorder and be more compassionate with the person who has it.

Stay focused on goals. Managing schizophrenia is an ongoing process. Keeping treatment goals in mind can help the person with schizophrenia stay motivated. Help your loved one remember to take responsibility for managing the disorder and working toward goals.

Avoid alcohol and drug use. Using alcohol, nicotine or recreational drugs can make it difficult to treat schizophrenia. If your loved one is addicted, quitting can be a real challenge. Get advice from the health care team on how best to approach this issue.

Ask about social services assistance. These services may be able to assist with affordable housing, transportation and other daily activities.

Learn relaxation and stress management. The person with schizophrenia and loved ones may benefit from stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga or tai chi.

Join a support group. Support groups for people with schizophrenia can help them reach out to others facing similar challenges. Support groups may also help family and friends cope.

Preparing for your appointment

If you're seeking help for someone with schizophrenia, you may start by seeing his or her family doctor or health care professional. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a psychiatrist.

What you can do

To prepare for the appointment, make a list of:

Any symptoms your loved one is experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment

Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes

Medications, vitamins, herbs and other supplements that he or she is taking, including the dosages

Questions to ask the doctor

Go with your loved one to the appointment. Getting the information firsthand will help you know what you're facing and what you need to do for your loved one.

For schizophrenia, some basic questions to ask the doctor include:

What's likely causing the symptoms or condition?

What are other possible causes for the symptoms or condition?

What kinds of tests are needed?

Is this condition likely temporary or lifelong?

What's the best treatment?

What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?

How can I be most helpful and supportive?

Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can have?

What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

The doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Anticipating some of these questions can help make the discussion productive. Questions may include:

What are your loved one's symptoms, and when did you first notice them?

Has anyone else in your family been diagnosed with schizophrenia?

Have symptoms been continuous or occasional?

Has your loved one talked about suicide?

How well does your loved one function in daily life - is he or she eating regularly, going to work or school, bathing regularly?

Has your loved one been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?

What medications is your loved one currently taking?

The doctor or mental health professional will ask additional questions based on responses, symptoms and needs.

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This severe mental disorder can result in hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior that interfere with daily living.

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"Schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million people or 1 in 300 people (0.32%) worldwide".

"People with schizophrenia are 2 to 3 times more likely to die early than the general population (3). This is often due to physical illnesses, such as cardiovascular, metabolic, and infectious diseases".

"Stigma against people with this condition is intense and widespread, causing social exclusion, and impacting their relationships with others, including family and friends. This contributes to discrimination, which in turn can limit access to general health care, education, housing, and employment".

"Approximately 50% of people in mental hospitals have a schizophrenia diagnosis (4). Only 31.3% of people with psychosis receive specialist mental health care (5). Most resources for mental health services are inefficiently spent on care within mental hospitals".

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Schizophrenia is characterised by significant impairments in the way reality is perceived and changes in behaviour related to:

persistent delusions: the person has fixed beliefs that something is true, despite evidence to the contrary;

persistent hallucinations: the person may hear, smell, see, touch, or feel things that are not there;

experiences of influence, control or passivity: the experience that one's feelings, impulses, actions, or thoughts are not generated by oneself, are being placed in one's mind or withdrawn from one's mind by others, or that one's thoughts are being broadcast to others;

disorganized thinking, which is often observed as jumbled or irrelevant speech;

highly disorganised behaviour e.g. the person does things that appear bizarre or purposeless, or the person has unpredictable or inappropriate emotional responses that interfere with their ability to organise their behaviour;

"negative symptoms" such as very limited speech, restricted experience and expression of emotions, inability to experience interest or pleasure, and social withdrawal; and/or

extreme agitation or slowing of movements, maintenance of unusual postures.

People with schizophrenia often also experience persistent difficulties with their cognitive or thinking skills, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving.

At least one third of people with schizophrenia experiences complete remission of symptoms (1). Some people with schizophrenia experience worsening and remission of symptoms periodically throughout their lives, others a gradual worsening of symptoms over time.
Magnitude and impact
Schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million people or 1 in 300 people (0.32%) worldwide. This rate is 1 in 222 people (0.45%) among adults (2). It is not as common as many other mental disorders. Onset is most often during late adolescence and the twenties, and onset tends to happen earlier among men than among women.

Schizophrenia is frequently associated with significant distress and impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, and other important areas of life.

People with schizophrenia are 2 to 3 times more likely to die early than the general population (3). This is often due to physical illnesses, such as cardiovascular, metabolic, and infectious diseases.

People with schizophrenia often experience human rights violations both inside mental health institutions and in community settings. Stigma against people with this condition is intense and widespread, causing social exclusion, and impacting their relationships with others, including family and friends. This contributes to discrimination, which in turn can limit access to general health care, education, housing, and employment.

During humanitarian and public health emergencies, extreme stress and fear, breakdown of social supports, isolation and disruption of health-care services and supply of medication can occur. These changes can have an impact on the lives of people with schizophrenia, such as exacerbation of existing symptoms. During emergencies, people with schizophrenia are more vulnerable than others to various human rights violations, including neglect, abandonment, homelessness, abuse and exclusion.

Causes of schizophrenia

Research has not identified one single cause of schizophrenia. It is thought that an interaction between genes and a range of environmental factors may cause schizophrenia. Psychosocial factors may also affect the onset and course of schizophrenia. Heavy use of cannabis is associated with an elevated risk of the disorder.

Services

Currently, the vast majority of people with schizophrenia around the world are not receiving mental health care. Approximately 50% of people in mental hospitals have a schizophrenia diagnosis (4). Only 31.3% of people with psychosis receive specialist mental health care (5). Most resources for mental health services are inefficiently spent on care within mental hospitals.

There is clear evidence that mental hospitals are not effective in providing the care that people with mental health conditions need and, regularly, violate the basic human rights of persons with schizophrenia. Efforts to transfer care from mental health institutions to the community need to be expanded and accelerated. Such efforts start with the development of a range of quality community-based mental health services. Options for community-based mental health care include integration in primary health and general hospital care, community mental health centres, day centres, supported housing, and outreach services for home-based support. The engagement of the person with schizophrenia, family members and the wider community in providing support is important.

Management and support

A range of effective care options for people with schizophrenia exist, and these include medication, psychoeducation, family interventions, cognitive-behavioural therapy and psychosocial rehabilitation (e.g., life skills training). Facilitated assisted living, supported housing and supported employment are essential care options that should be available for people with schizophrenia. A recovery-oriented approach - giving people agency in treatment decisions - is essential for people with schizophrenia and for their families and/or caregivers as well.

WHO response

WHO's Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 highlights the steps required to provide appropriate services for people with mental disorders including schizophrenia. A key recommendation of the Action Plan is to shift services from institutions to the community. The WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health aims to further progress towards objectives of the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 by ensuring 100 million more people have access to quality and affordable care for mental health conditions.

WHO's Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) uses evidence-based technical guidance, tools and training packages to expand service in countries, especially in resource-poor settings. It focuses on a prioritized set of conditions, including psychosis, directing capacity building towards non-specialized health-care providers in an integrated approach that promotes mental health at all levels of care. Currently mhGAP is being implemented in more than 100 WHO Member States.

The WHO QualityRights Project involves improving the quality of care and human rights conditions in mental health and social care facilities and to empower organizations to advocate for the health of people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities.

The WHO guidance on community mental health services and person-centred and rights-based approaches provides information and support to all stakeholders who wish to develop or transform their mental health system and services to align with international human rights standards including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

References

(1) Harrison G, Hopper K, Craig T, Laska E, Siegel C, Wanderling J. Recovery from psychotic illness: a 15- and 25-year international follow-up study. Br J Psychiatry 2001;178:506-17.

(2) Institute of health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx). http://ghdx.healthdata.org/gbd-results-tool?params=gbd-api-2019-permalink/27a7644e8ad28e739382d31e77589dd7 (Accessed 25 September 2021)

(3)Laursen TM, Nordentoft M, Mortensen PB. Excess early mortality in schizophrenia. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 2014;10, 425-438.

(4) WHO. Mental health systems in selected low- and middle-income countries: a WHO-AIMS cross-national analysis. WHO: Geneva, 2009

(5)Jaeschke K et al. Global estimates of service coverage for severe mental disorders: findings from the WHO Mental Health Atlas 2017 Glob Ment Health 2021;8:e27.

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Fact sheet on schizophrenia: key facts, symptoms, causes, support, WHO response

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Schizophrenia is usually diagnosed anywhere between the late teen years and the early 30s.

Schizophrenia tends to show up earlier in males than females. For males, it’s typically between ages 18 and 25 and for females, between ages 25 and 35.

As kids and teens with schizophrenia get older, their signs and symptoms become more like the ones adults experience. (psychotic)

Be aware that diagnosing schizophrenia can be a long process, especially with kids and teens.

Early intervention can greatly improve symptoms for a child or teen with schizophrenia. Left untreated, schizophrenia can cause serious behavioral, emotional, and health problems.

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Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. The condition causes people to shift back and forth between reality and their distorted perceptions of reality. Early treatment is crucial to help kids and teens with schizophrenia do their best in school or work and in their relationships with others.

At what age does schizophrenia usually develop?

Schizophrenia is usually diagnosed anywhere between the late teen years and the early 30s. When teens are diagnosed before they're 18, it's called early-onset schizophrenia. Kids younger than 13 can develop schizophrenia too, known as childhood-onset schizophrenia, but this is extremely rare.

Schizophrenia tends to show up earlier in males than females. For males, it's typically between ages 18 and 25 and for females, between ages 25 and 35.

Signs and symptoms of schizophrenia

Early Signs

When schizophrenia first starts, you may notice issues such as:

Thinking

Confused thoughts and speech

Difficulty concentrating

Strange ideas, thoughts, or statements

Not being able to tell the difference between reality and television or dreams

Emotions Behavior

Having new problems at school

Withdrawing from family and friends

Increased isolation

Immature behavior

Noticeable changes in personality or behavior

Problems with friends or peers

Not keeping up with personal hygiene

Later Signs

As kids and teens with schizophrenia get older, their signs and symptoms become more like the ones adults experience. These may include:

Psychotic Symptoms
When schizophrenia cases a shift to altered reality, this is called psychosis. Periods of psychosis are also known as psychotic episodes. During a psychotic episode, a person may not be able to tell what's real and what's not. They may hear or see things that aren't real (hallucinations). They might have beliefs or fears that aren't true (delusions). Their thoughts may be disorganized, their speech may not make sense, and they may behave oddly. Kids and teens are more likely to have visual hallucinations and less likely to have delusions than adults.

Negative symptoms

Negative symptoms mean your child isn't functioning normally. Examples include:

Lack of motivation

An obvious decline in personal hygiene

Avoiding people and activities

Loss of enjoyment

No eye contact, no change in facial expressions, or talking in a flat tone

Behavior changes Cognitive symptoms
Some people experience serious cognitive (thinking) symptoms, while others don't notice them as much. These symptoms can include:

Problems with concentration

Attention and memory problems

Difficulty processing and using information

What causes schizophrenia?

No one knows what causes schizophrenia. Experts believe that it develops from a combination of factors, including genetics, environment, and brain chemistry.

How is schizophrenia diagnosed?

Your pediatrician may be the first healthcare provider you see if you're concerned that your child has schizophrenia. They can rule out other causes of your child's symptoms like another mental illness, a medical condition, or drug or alcohol use.

Be aware that diagnosing schizophrenia can be a long process, especially with kids and teens. It's important that your doctor makes absolutely sure there isn't something else going on before making a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

How is schizophrenia treated?

If your child is diagnosed with schizophrenia, they'll need treatment for the rest of their life. A child psychiatrist with experience in treating kids with schizophrenia will likely be in charge of your child's care. There will probably be other team members too, such as nurses and therapists.

Treatments for schizophrenia include:

Medications

Antipsychotic medications are the foundation of treatment for kids and teens with schizophrenia. These medicines are the same kinds that are used for adults with schizophrenia. They help with psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.

Like all medications, the goal is to keep your child's symptoms to a minimum using the lowest possible dose of medicine. It can take some time for your doctor to figure out which medication (or combination of medications) works best and at what dose. Your child may need other medicines as well, such as anti-anxiety medication or antidepressants.

Antipsychotics have potential side effects and health risks. The side effects in children and teens can be different and more serious than they are in adults. Your doctor will monitor for side effects with certain medications. Keep track of any side effects you notice and let your doctor know if they are serious or don't go away.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is another instrumental part of your child's treatment. One type that's good for treating schizophrenia is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It can help your child cope with hallucinations and delusions, as well as work on behaviors. It also helps them learn to manage the challenges and stress that schizophrenia can create.

Other psychosocial treatments

There are other treatments that can improve your child's life too. For instance, family therapy can boost your family's communication and help you learn more about what your child is dealing with.

Social skills training can help your child build relationship skills and improve their memory and attention problems.

Your child may also benefit from special education services at school. This can be in the form of a 504 or an individualized education program (IEP). A federal program called Supported Employment can help your child get and keep a job.

Hospitalization

There may be times when your child needs to be hospitalized to prevent danger to themselves or others. This can happen when their symptoms are severe and they need extra care and a safe place. Once your child's symptoms are under better control, they can go home. You can also look into partial hospitalization or residential treatment programs.

Remember

Early intervention can greatly improve symptoms for a child or teen with schizophrenia. Left untreated, schizophrenia can cause serious behavioral, emotional, and health problems. If you think your child has signs or symptoms of schizophrenia, be sure to talk to your pediatrician.​

American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Adolescence (Copyright © 2021)

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schizophrenia~ psychiatric condition~ schizo~ debilitating~ psychosis~ weaver between reality~ distored perception~ reality~ signs of schizophrenia~ prognosis for schizophrenia~ warning signs~ treating schizophrenia~ children~ parents~ pediatrics

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Schizophrenia in Children, Teens and Young Adults

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Schizophrenia is the most chronic and debilitating of all psychiatric conditions, and the most widespread form of psychosis. Schizophrenia causes people to waver between reality and their own distorted perception of reality.

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Go to a doctor to receive a diagnosis

Contact NIMH for more information

Figure out the meds you need to take

If needed find organizations to help pay for meds ( Goodrx etc.)

Go to therapy groups with people struggling with the same illness

Know you aren't alone

Don't wait to get help, it only makes things worse

If needed call a Schizophrenia crisis hotline

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Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition. If you or a loved one has schizophrenia, there are resources available to help treat it.

Schizophrenia can alter the way you or a loved one thinks, behaves, and feels. It can lead to health issues and is associated with higher rates of substance use.

With treatment, you or a loved one who has schizophrenia can live fulfilling lives.

It can be overwhelming when you first notice the signs or get a diagnosis. But there are a lot of resources that can help you understand what schizophrenia is and help connect you or a loved one with treatments or support groups.

Doctors often diagnose schizophrenia when a person is between the ages of . Early treatment is important to help you or a loved one have the best chance at success.

One of the first steps you can take is to visit a doctor when you start to develop signs of schizophrenia. A doctor can help connect you with a psychiatrist or other specialist to help you get the correct diagnosis and treatment.

If you don't have easy access to a doctor, you can take advantage of the following resources to help you find help in your local area.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a government website that provides information and resources for a variety of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia.

You can use their Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator to find therapists that are local to you that may help.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is another government agency that provides a lot of information about schizophrenia. They also provide help with finding resources that can help get you or a loved one properly diagnosed and treated.

They provide a list of potential services and locators to try.

Schizophrenia Alliance

The Schizophrenia Alliance is a self-help group for people living with schizophrenia and related conditions. It started in Detroit and has since spread across the United States and the world. It offers anonymous group meetings with no fees or membership dues.

You can sign up online for their peer support groups.

Help with healthcare costs

Several nonprofit organizations may be able to help connect you with reduced cost or free medication based on need. Some organizations that offer help with prescription drug costs include:

NeedyMeds: NeedyMeds can help people, with and without insurance, find low cost or free clinics, patient assistance programs, state programs, and offers a free NeedyMeds drug discount card. Their helpline is 800-503-6897.

RxAssist: RxAssist helps you find information about free and low cost medication programs. You can also use their online patient assistance program center to find other ways to manage your medication costs. They also offer a discount prescription medication card.

GoodRx: GoodRx allows you to compare drug prices from pharmacies in your area. This includes both pharmacies and mail order companies offering medications in your area.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance: The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying people without prescription drug coverage to get their medications for a reduced cost or free. They offer access to both public and private programs.

PatientAssistance.com: This nonprofit site offers money-saving offers, such as coupons and a search feature for available patient assistance programs.

RxHope: RxHope provides information on and applications you can download for different programs that can help you pay for specific medications.

Crisis intervention

In the event of a crisis, there are several options you can choose from. They include:

911: Use this if you or a loved one is in immediate danger or require immediate assistance.

Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 for 24-hour help to connect with a crisis counselor.

Lifeline Chat: The Lifeline Chat is a 24-hour website that connects you to a counselor in the event of a crisis.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Similar to 911, this line is open 24 hours a day but specializes in crisis intervention that you can call or text during a crisis.

Learn more about the condition with Psych Central's resource hub on schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects less than 1% of the population in the United States. It affects how you or a loved one feels, behaves, and thinks. If you're living with it, you may feel like you've lost touch with reality at times.

Symptoms typically fall into one of three different categories:

Psychotic: People often refer to psychotic symptoms as psychotic episodes. These include symptoms that affect how a person experiences the world, thinks, and acts. It includes hallucinations, delusions, and thought and movement disorders.

Cognitive: Cognitive symptoms include changes to your concentration, attention, or memory.

Negative: Negative symptoms typically revolve around withdrawing from social activities, enjoyment, and emotional expressions.

Therapies can help treat these symptoms. However, you may find that recurrent psychotic episodes, drug use, and other issues make treatment adherence difficult.

Family and friends can play an important role in helping to keep you on track with your treatments.

Schizophrenia has two main components for treatment: medication and psychotherapy.

Medication can help treat the symptoms, but they can't cure schizophrenia.

Currently, doctors prescribe daily antipsychotic medications to help treat the condition. If you or a loved one is starting treatment, shared decision making between a doctor and yourself about the medication to have better results.

In addition to medication, you or a loved one will likely benefit from psychotherapy. It can include traditional talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Therapy may help keep you or a loved one on track with treatment and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

If you know someone or have a family member living with schizophrenia, there are ways you can get involved.

Some steps you may want to consider include:

Take time to learn more about schizophrenia and related mental health conditions.

Encourage them to look for and get treatment.

Help them follow their treatment plan.

Listen to and validate their feelings or views without judgment or trying to solve their problem.

If in doubt, ask them what you can do to help or consider asking a therapist for advice.

Learn about the early signs of schizophrenia and encourage they get help if you start to see them.

Try to stay involved in their life and stay connected to them.

Offer to help them make a crisis plan.

If you're having a difficult time with your own emotions, stress, and other concerns regarding a loved one's diagnosis, you may want to consider looking into support groups for you.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a family support group. Their meetings offer family members a chance to be heard and participate with other people who help support loved ones with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions.

If you prefer, you can try to talk with a local doctor or mental health professional. They should be able to provide resources as well as help you connect with any local groups that you may find helpful.
Learn more about how to support someone with schizophrenia.
Several resources can help you or a loved one living with schizophrenia find more information about the condition, local or online support groups, and assistance finding and paying for treatments.

Assistance programs can often help you find discounts for the medications needed to treat schizophrenia. Some can also help connect you to local treatment options, such as finding a therapist or psychiatrist.

If you feel more comfortable, you can also talk with a local doctor or therapist about programs in your area. Your local pharmacy may have discount cards you can use.

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Resources for Schizophrenia: Treatment and Medical Support

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There are many different resources for treating, diagnosing, and supporting someone with schizophrenia.