Schizophrenia is a severe, lifelong brain disorder. Approximately 1 percent of the population develops schizophrenia during their lifetime – more than 2 million Americans suffer from the illness in a given year. People with schizophrenia sometimes hear voices others don’t hear, believe that others are broadcasting their thoughts to the world, or become convinced that others are plotting to harm them. In men, symptoms usually start in the late teens and early 20s. They include hallucinations, or seeing things, and delusions such as hearing voices. For women, they start in the mid-20s to early 30s. Symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three broad categories. Positive symptomsare unusual thoughts or perceptions, including hallucinations, delusions, thought disorder, and disorders of movement.

Schizophrenia is found all over the world. Negative symptoms delineate a loss or a decrease in the ability to initiate plans, speak, express emotion, or find pleasure in everyday life. Cognitive symptoms(or cognitive deficits) are problems with attention, certain types of memory, and the executive works that allow us to plan and organize. Cognitive deficits can also be difficult to recognize as part of the disorder but are the most disabling in terms of leading a normal life. The severity of the symptoms and long-lasting, chronic pattern of schizophrenia often cause a high degree of disability. The first signs of schizophrenia often appear as confusing, or even shocking, changes in behavior. Coping with the symptoms of schizophrenia can be especially difficult for family members who remember how involved.

Antipsychotic medication shortens the duration of psychosis in Schizophrenia, and prevents recurrences (but psychotic relapses can still occur under stress). Rehabilitation emphasizes social and vocational training to help people with schizophrenia function more effectively in their communities. Psychotherapy is also widely recommended and used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to reduce symptoms and improve related issues such as self-esteem. People respond individually to antipsychotic medications, although agitation and hallucinations usually improve within days and delusions usually improve within a few weeks. Social rehabilitation (e.g., club-houses, supervised social activities) and sheltered/volunteer employment are also essential.

Schizophrenia Treatment Tips

1. Illness Management Skills active role in managing their own illness.

2. Psychotherapy is also widely recommended and used in the treatment of schizophrenia.

3. Social rehabilitation and sheltered/volunteer employment are also essential.

4. Rehabilitation emphasizes social and vocational training to help people with schizophrenia function

5. Cognitive behavioral therapy is useful for patients with symptoms that persist even when they take medication.

6. Self-help groups for people with schizophrenia and their families are becoming increasingly common.