In-Depth Information on Schizophrenia

For more detailed information on Schizophrenia, including symptoms, treatment, real-life stories, and questions and answers, see About Schizophrenia.

Overview of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is characterized by distorted thinking associated with delusions (ideas that are not based on reality) and hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there) and disorganized speech and behavior.

A person with schizophrenia (psychosis) can lose contact with reality and cannot control his/her thinking or behavior because the brain does not process information in the usual way. In the most severe stage, the person may have thoughts of hurting himself or someone else.

Schizophrenia may have a gradual onset, with symptoms of withdrawal and disordered language evident over time, or it can have a sudden onset in adolescence.

Cause: Contrary to past theories, we now know that this mental disorder cannot be caused by bad parenting. Youngsters with schizophrenia most likely inherited a biochemical abnormality or irregularity in their brains that makes them think and act in different ways.

Treatment: There is no cure for schizophrenia; rather it must be managed throughout life. Treatment includes medication such as neuroleptics and structured programs and education for the youngster and family to improve daily functioning.

Related Articles

The following articles are arranged chronologically, according to the date of publication or last update.

Organizations

Browse through a list of staff-selected organizations and online resources to learn more about Schizophrenia