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Help With Schizophrenia

Curated and updated for the community by APA

Topic Information

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects about one percent of the population. When schizophrenia is active, symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations, trouble with thinking and concentration, and lack of motivation. However, when these symptoms are treated, most people with schizophrenia will greatly improve over time.

See definition, symptoms, & treatment

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  • Oct 15, 2018
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  • Oct 10, 2018
College Students and Binge Drinking: Facts and Tips

College is an exciting and rewarding experience for many students. For many, alcohol can seem like a fundamental part of the college experience, as it may accompany game-day tailgates, parties or social activities. Since drinking alcohol lowers inhibitions, it can act as an icebreaker during situations that may otherwise feel uncomfortable; however, it is important to recognize the potential dangers of consuming large amounts of alcohol, especially over a short period of time.

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Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA)

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Find a local support group
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Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA)

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Family to Family Training
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My friend with schizophrenia smokes marijuana and drinks a lot, it that related to the schizophrenia?

Substance abuse is a common problem in persons with schizophrenia, including tobacco, marijuana, alcohol and other drugs. Abuse has all the usual health-related problems, but the presence of schizophrenia complicates this issue. Patients may stop their antipsychotic medications if they believe it interferes with the marijuana or alcohol effect. Disorganized thinking and behavior may be made worse. Marijuana appears to increase the risk of schizophrenia in vulnerable young people and may complicate the course of schizophrenia. Impaired cognition is common in schizophrenia and misused drugs adversely affect cognition, such as attention, memory, task orientation and the like. There are many good reasons to avoid substance misuse. More

Does everyone with schizophrenia need to take medication? Can therapy help someone with schizophrenia?

All persons with schizophrenia need drugs some of the time and most will do better with continued use of medication to help control symptoms and prevent relapse. But the drugs are not effective for all aspects of the illness. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help with certain symptoms and supportive psychotherapy can support personal strengths and improve quality of life. Vocational programs increase the chances of successful employment. Family psychoeducation can give patients and family members a better understanding of the disorder and what will be helpful. A relationship with a case worker may help with the problems of daily living.

So, yes, drug treatment is important, but many patients will not take medication continuously for long periods and many experience side effects that have to be addressed. An integrated, comprehensive approach works best. More

What are the first symptoms someone would notice if they had schizophrenia?

The earliest signs and symptoms come before a diagnosis can be certain. There is now a growing emphasis on identifying young people at high risk for a psychotic disorder and offering treatment and services in advance of a full psychotic experience. At this stage symptoms and signs include problems with personal relationships and school or work performance, experiencing odd phenomena such as hearing a voice or noise but being uncertain if it was really heard, or becoming excessively suspicious. Also, some people may develop a “loner” lifestyle, a sense that something is wrong and that one’s mind is playing tricks, and other things that mark a change in life course. These may not be early schizophrenia symptoms, but it is a good time for clinical assessment and care in hopes of preventing a progression to a full first episode of psychosis.

At first episode of schizophrenia, common symptoms include paranoia, hearing voices or seeing visions, disorganization of thoughts and behavior, anxiety, fear, depression, sleep disturbance, social withdrawal and sometimes poor emotional control seen as anger and hostility.

All the signs and symptoms can occur at a mild level in people who are not ill. A diagnosis must look at the severity of the symptoms, their impact on function and resulting distress. More

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About the Expert:

William Carpenter Jr., M.D.
Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Editor-in-Chief, Schizophrenia Bulletin
May 2015

Patient Stories
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Myles’ Story

Myles was a 20-year old man who was brought to the emergency room by the campus police of the college from which he had been suspended several months ago. A professor had called and reported that Myles had walked into his classroom, accused him of taking his tuition money and refused to leave.

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SEPT 19, 2018

A Breakthrough Study Suggests a Link Between the Immune System and Schizophrenia

Business Insider Australia

Scientists have discovered that some people with schizophrenia have raised white blood cell counts in their brains, a finding which researchers believe could signal an important role for inflammation in the illness.

SEPT 15, 2018

9 Facts to Know About Schizophrenia, Which is Way too Misunderstood

SELF

If you aren’t super familiar with schizophrenia, you might associate the condition with movies like A Beautiful Mind or episodes of Law & Order. But schizophrenia is a complex, widely misunderstood condition, and pop culture references to the disorder don’t always (or even usually) get it right. Here’s what you actually need to know about schizophrenia. Yes, schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that can cause symptoms such as delusions, but there’s more to it than that. 

SEPT 6, 2018

Early Intervention in Schizophrenia:  The RAISE Program

Psychiatry Advisor

Historically, there have been low expectations for recovery in schizophrenia, which is associated with high rates of morbidity, mortality, and disability.  In recent years, the focus of mental health policy and treatment for individuals with schizophrenia in the United States has shifted from stabilization of those with chronic disease to intervention in the early stages of the illness.

Resources

Additional Resources and Organizations

Physician Reviewed

Ranna Parekh, M.D., M.P.H.
July 2017