Schizophrenia is a severe disease that affects people's capacity of thinking. The causes are not known but there are some suppositions. Some specialists say that a gene they call schizophrenia gene is responsible for making the human body more vulnerable to this illness. Others think that a stressful life is the main cause, while others consider drugs the most important element in getting schizophrenia. The opinions are various but most of the doctors believe that a combination of all these factors represent the cause of schizophrenia.



The problems in behavior must be immediately described to a doctor in order to prescribe the best treatment or to give indications for family or friends. Anyone should take seriously these symptoms even though in the initial phase, for the psychotic behavior, stress is believed to be the cause.

Possible schizophrenics that get to the hospital are closely evaluated. They get to the hospital after a psychotic problem, being dragged there by their families or friends and in unwanted situations, by the police. Here in the hospital the schizophrenics are tested. Mental status examinations, neurological exams, psychological tests, lumbar puncture, EEG and radiological scans are the tests that can guarantee a real diagnostic. Within these examinations the possible patients are tested in order to observe their mental status, in order to see their visual and auditory hallucinations, recent head injury or drug usage. A close psychological exam is able to inform the specialists if the illness is really schizophrenia or is another neurological problem. There are other tests that help the specialists to realize the causes of schizophrenia. Blood test, along with urine test is supposed to reveal if the cause of schizophrenia is the consumption of drugs. These tests are also made in order to determine any other illnesses that are different from schizophrenia and that can reveal the same symptoms. An electrocardiogram (EKG) is also recommended because some medicines used to treat schizophrenia are not indicated for heart diseases and can lead to side effects. Other problems with symptoms pretty much alike schizophrenia, such as epilepsy, can be detected after an EEG.

Not in every case patients get all this attention from the doctors because of the short period of hospitalization, limited by the insurance. When their symptoms ease and when there is no danger caused by their behavior, schizophrenics may leave the hospital but a close monitoring is recommended. It is recommended too if the patient's family or friends have the possibility to assist the schizophrenics recovery.