Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder. It affects about 1 percent of people all over the world (including 2.4 million Americans) and has been recognized throughout recorded history. As is the case for many other illnesses, schizophrenia is believed to result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Scientists have long known that schizophrenia runs in families. It occurs in 1 percent of the general population, but is seen in 10 percent of people with a first degree relative with the disorder. People who have second degree relatives with the disease also develop schizophrenia more often than the general population. The identical twin of a person with schizophrenia is most at risk, with a 40-65 percent chance of developing the problem.

The symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three broad categories:

Positive symptoms are unusual thoughts or perceptions that include hallucinations, delusions and thought disorder. Negative symptoms represent a loss or a decrease in the ability to initiate plans, speak, express emotion, or find pleasure in everyday life. These symptoms are harder to recognize as part of the disorder and can be mistaken for laziness or depression.

Cognitive symptoms (or cognitive deficits) are problems with attention, certain types of memory, and the executive functions 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.

People with schizophrenia may hear voices other people don't hear or believe that others are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. These experiences are terrifying and can cause fearfulness, withdrawal, or extreme agitation. Since many people with schizophrenia have difficulty holding a job or caring for themselves, the burden on their families and society is significant as well.

Those patients who do not want treatment may hide their strange behavior or ideas from a professional, so family members and friends should ask to speak privately with the person conducting the patient's examination and explain what has been happening at home. The professional will then be able to question the patient and hear the patient's distorted thinking for themselves. Professionals must personally witness bizarre behavior and hear delusional thoughts before they can legally recommend commitment, and family and friends can give them the information they need to do so.

After all this discussions, both with patient and family, the doctor is ready to prescribe the right treatment, to give the best advices to help family to support the patient