Schizophrenia
When the mind loses its grip on shared reality.
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. It may result in hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior that impairs daily functioning and can be disabling.
Key Symptoms
- ◆Hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things)
- ◆Delusions (false, fixed beliefs)
- ◆Disorganized thinking and speech
- ◆Lack of emotional expression (flat affect)
- ◆Social withdrawal
- ◆Reduced motivation and pleasure (negative symptoms)
- ◆Cognitive difficulties (memory, attention)
- ◆In severe episodes: catatonia
Common Causes
- ◆Genetic factors (strong heritability)
- ◆Brain chemistry differences (dopamine dysregulation)
- ◆Prenatal exposure to viruses or malnutrition
- ◆Childhood trauma
- ◆Cannabis use in adolescence
- ◆Immune system abnormalities
Treatment Options
- ◆Antipsychotic medications (first and second generation)
- ◆Psychosocial treatments (CBT, social skills training)
- ◆Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC)
- ◆Family therapy and education
- ◆Supported employment and housing programs
Key Facts
Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the global population.
Symptoms typically emerge in late teens to early 30s.
Men tend to show symptoms earlier than women.
With treatment, many people with schizophrenia can manage their symptoms and live independently.