Schizophrenia

Common Condition

Serious mental disorder affecting thinking, feeling, and behavior. With treatment, many people manage symptoms and live meaningful lives.

Related specialists:Psychiatrist

Symptoms

Hallucinations (often hearing voices)
Delusions
Disorganized thinking and speech
Disorganized or abnormal motor behavior
Negative symptoms (reduced emotions, motivation)
Social withdrawal
Difficulty with concentration
Memory problems
Sleep disturbances
Symptoms usually start in late teens to early 30s

Causes

1
Genetics
2
Brain chemistry (dopamine)
3
Brain structure differences
4
Environmental factors
5
Prenatal complications
6
Cannabis use in adolescence
7
Severe stress
8
Family history
9
Unknown exact cause
10
Combination of factors

Treatments

Antipsychotic medications
Second-generation antipsychotics preferred
Clozapine for treatment-resistant cases
Psychosocial interventions
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Family education
Vocational rehabilitation
Social skills training
Assertive community treatment
Long-acting injectable medications
When to See a Doctor

Seek help if someone is experiencing hallucinations, delusions, or other psychotic symptoms. Early intervention improves outcomes significantly.

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About Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia: Recovery Is Possible

Schizophrenia is a serious condition, but with modern treatment, many people manage their symptoms well. Early intervention, medication adherence, and psychosocial support are key to recovery.

"Ang schizophrenia ay kayang gamutin—ang tulong ay napakahalaga."