Schizophrenia

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Overview

What Is Schizophrenia?Schizophrenia distorts the way a person thinks, acts, expresses emotions, perceives reality, and relates to others.

Myths and Facts About SchizophreniaThere's a lot of incorrect info out there about schizophrenia. Get the real story behind some common myths.

Schizophrenia SpectrumExperts now talk about schizophrenia as a spectrum disorder that includes all the previous subtypes.

Schizophrenia vs. Schizoaffective DisorderSchizoaffective disorder is a chronic mental health condition that involves symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder.

What Is Schizophrenia?Schizophrenia distorts the way a person thinks, acts, expresses emotions, perceives reality, and relates to others.

Myths and Facts About SchizophreniaThere's a lot of incorrect info out there about schizophrenia. Get the real story behind some common myths.

Schizophrenia SpectrumExperts now talk about schizophrenia as a spectrum disorder that includes all the previous subtypes.

Schizophrenia vs. Schizoaffective DisorderSchizoaffective disorder is a chronic mental health condition that involves symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder.

Treatment-Resistant SchizophreniaAbout a third of people with schizophrenia have what’s called treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS).

Conditions You Might Have With SchizophreniaAt least half of people with schizophrenia also have one or more other mental health conditions, such as depression or OCD.

Schizophrenia PrognosisWhile there is no known cure, it is possible to live a meaningful and happy life with schizophrenia.

Latest Schizophrenia ResearchExperts still don’t fully understand schizophrenia. Yet published research studies over the past 25 years have quadrupled.

How to Recognize Schizophrenia in TeensSchizophrenia can be hard to spot in teens. What's the difference between ordinary teenage moodiness and signs of illness?

Childhood SchizophreniaChildhood schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder in children younger than age 13.

Symptoms

Symptoms of SchizophreniaSchizophrenia changes how you think, feel, and act. The symptoms can come and go, too.

Phases of SchizophreniaSchizophrenia usually occurs in phases. Phase 1 is called prodromal. In phase 2, your symptoms are most noticeable.

What Is First-Episode Psychosis?Early or first-episode psychosis (FEP) is when a person first starts to show signs of losing touch with reality.

HallucinationsYou might think hallucinations have to do with seeing things that aren't really there. But there's a lot more to it than that.

Symptoms of SchizophreniaSchizophrenia changes how you think, feel, and act. The symptoms can come and go, too.

Phases of SchizophreniaSchizophrenia usually occurs in phases. Phase 1 is called prodromal. In phase 2, your symptoms are most noticeable.

What Is First-Episode Psychosis?Early or first-episode psychosis (FEP) is when a person first starts to show signs of losing touch with reality.

HallucinationsYou might think hallucinations have to do with seeing things that aren't really there. But there's a lot more to it than that.

Hearing Voices and How to Manage ThemIf you have schizophrenia and you hear voices, know that it’s not uncommon for people with the condition.

Managing ParanoiaParanoia often happens to people with psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia.

Delusions of GrandeurDelusions of grandeur is when you believe that you have more power, wealth, smarts, or other grand traits than is true.

Delusions of PersecutionDelusions of persecution is when you’re convinced that someone is mistreating, conspiring against, or planning to harm you.

What Causes Agitation?It’s pretty common to feel agitation if you have hormone problems or a psychological condition like schizophrenia.

CatatoniaCatatonia is a group of symptoms that usually involve a lack of movement and communication.

Waxy FlexibilityWaxy flexibility is one of the less common symptoms of catatonia. Catatonic symptoms are most often linked to schizophrenia.

Causes & Risks

What Causes Schizophrenia?Research shows it takes a combination of genetics and your environment to trigger schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia and Your BrainWhat happens inside the brain of someone who has schizophrenia? Scientists are working to understand that.

Who Gets Schizophrenia?An estimated 1% of people around the world live with schizophrenia, a mental illness that affects how you think, feel, and act.

Schizophrenia and Your GenesSchizophrenia sometimes runs in families, and experts say part of the reason may lie with your genes.

What Causes Schizophrenia?Research shows it takes a combination of genetics and your environment to trigger schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia and Your BrainWhat happens inside the brain of someone who has schizophrenia? Scientists are working to understand that.

Who Gets Schizophrenia?An estimated 1% of people around the world live with schizophrenia, a mental illness that affects how you think, feel, and act.

Schizophrenia and Your GenesSchizophrenia sometimes runs in families, and experts say part of the reason may lie with your genes.

Social Determinants of HealthSocial determinants of health (SDOH) are conditions in areas that you live, work, play, and learn. SDOH affects schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia in Hispanic and Latin American PeopleHispanic and Latin American people with schizophrenia have the same experiences and treatment response as other ethnic groups.

Schizophrenia and Substance Use DisorderPeople with schizophrenia have much higher rates of substance use disorders than the general population.

Schizophrenia and MarijuanaOne analysis of several studies found that marijuana is one of the most abused substances among people with schizophrenia.

Smoking and SchizophreniaWhile many people have stopped smoking in recent years, if you have schizophrenia you may find it harder to stop.

Tests & Diagnosis

Treatment

Types of Therapies and MedicationIn schizophrenia treatment, you may need to stay on meds for a long time. Psychotherapy will likely also be part of the plan.

Choosing a Doctor and TherapistChoosing the right doctor or therapist to treat schizophrenia and other mental health issues makes a big difference.

The Costs of SchizophreniaIf you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, it’s vital to anticipate both the health and financial impact.

Medications That Treat SchizophreniaThe meds prescribed most often for schizophrenia are antipsychotics. They ease symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.

Types of Therapies and MedicationIn schizophrenia treatment, you may need to stay on meds for a long time. Psychotherapy will likely also be part of the plan.

Choosing a Doctor and TherapistChoosing the right doctor or therapist to treat schizophrenia and other mental health issues makes a big difference.

The Costs of SchizophreniaIf you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, it’s vital to anticipate both the health and financial impact.

Medications That Treat SchizophreniaThe meds prescribed most often for schizophrenia are antipsychotics. They ease symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.

Treating Schizophrenia with CaplytaSchizophrenia is a chronic, severe mental disorder that affects the way a person thinks, acts, expresses emotions, perceives reality, and relates to others.Caplyta is a second-generation antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia.

First- and Second-Generation AntipsychoticsThere are two types of antipsychotic medications: first-generation antipsychotics and second-generation antipsychotics.

Lybalvi for Schizophrenia TreatmentLybalvi contains two medicines: olanzapine,an atypical antipsychotic, and samidorphan, an opioid antagonist.

Dopamine Partial AgonistsAmong the newer antipsychotic drugs for schizophrenia are a type called dopamine partial agonists.

Serotonin-Dopamine Activity Modulators (SDAMs)With schizophrenia, serotonin and dopamine may be out of balance. You may be prescribed serotonin-dopamine activity modulators.

Schizophrenia Meds: What to ExpectAntipsychotic drugs can be a big help in managing your schizophrenia symptoms. But they can have side effects.

Clinical Trials for SchizophreniaPeople with schizophrenia might consider participating in a clinical trial to try to come up with a new treatment.

Schizophrenia Meds & Drug InteractionsAntipsychotic medicines help control schizophrenia symptoms. But these medicines sometimes don't mix well with other drugs.

Long-Lasting Antipsychotic Drugs: Pros and ConsLong-lasting drugs are suggested for people whose symptoms get better with pills or liquid meds but have trouble taking them.

Antipsychotics and Weight GainAntipsychotic drugs can ease schizophrenia symptoms and help you avoid a relapse, but they can also cause weight gain.

AkathisiaAkathisia is a movement disorder that makes it hard to stay still. Usually, it's a side effect of antipsychotic drugs.

Extrapyramidal EffectsExtrapyramidal effects are involuntary movements. These side effects are most common when taking antipsychotic medications.

Understanding VMAT2 Inhibitors for Tardive DyskinesiaThe FDA has approved two VMAT2 inhibitors for treating tardive dyskinesia symptoms. These medications may be a good option if you have TD affecting your quality of life.

Neuroleptic Malignant SyndromeNeuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare reaction to antipsychotic drugs that treat schizophrenia.

Side Effects of Aripiprazole (Abilify)If you have schizophrenia, your doctor may want you to take aripiprazole. Like any drug, it can cause unwanted side effects.

Side Effects of Lurasidone (Latuda)If you have schizophrenia, your doctor may prescribe you a daily pill called lurasidone (Latuda).

How to Stick With Your Schizophrenia MedsThere are several strategies you can use to manage and track schizophrenia medicines.

AnosognosiaMany people with schizophrenia don't take their meds. One reason for this is anosognosia, or "without knowledge of disease."

Complementary Treatments for SchizophreniaMany people with schizophrenia seek other ways to manage symptoms. But they shouldn't give up their medication and talk therapy.

Types of Therapy to Treat SchizophreniaSuccessful treatment for schizophrenia involves a mix of medication and therapy.

Mind-Body Therapies for SchizophreniaHere is a look at five different mind/body techniques that may help schizophrenia symptoms and what the research shows.

ECT and Other Procedures for SchizophreniaYour doctor may recommend brain stimulation therapy to support or replace some meds used to treat schizophrenia.

Deep Brain StimulationIf you have schizophrenia and medicine doesn't control your symptoms, deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be an option.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)Researchers have looked to transcranial magnetic stimulation to be used along with meds to help with schizophrenia.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)Assertive community treatment (ACT) is a team-directed program that helps people with mental illness like schizophrenia.

Live-In Treatment for SchizophreniaPeople who have schizophrenia may get help in a live-in treatment facility if they’re not ready to live on their own.

Hospitalization for Schizophrenia Against Your WillPeople with schizophrenia may worry about involuntary hospitalization. Here are some key things to know about the process.

Hospital Treatment: What to ExpectHospitals can be the best place for people with schizophrenia to learn to live with their illness.

Help for a Mental Health Crisis Without Calling the PoliceWhen you or a loved one has schizophrenia, you might think about how you’ll get help in the event of a mental health crisis.

Relapse

Complications

Living With

How to Keep Track of SchizophreniaTracking your daily activities, your mood, and/or other things might tell you that you’re at risk for a psychotic episode.

Schizophrenia and AgingIf you or someone you love has a diagnosis of schizophrenia, the aging process can affect how well you manage the disease.

Schizophrenia and StigmaDeep stigma against schizophrenia and mental illness in general still persists around the world.

Finding and Keeping a JobIf you have schizophrenia, the idea of holding down a job may seem unlikely. But it doesn’t have to keep you from employment.

How to Keep Track of SchizophreniaTracking your daily activities, your mood, and/or other things might tell you that you’re at risk for a psychotic episode.

Schizophrenia and AgingIf you or someone you love has a diagnosis of schizophrenia, the aging process can affect how well you manage the disease.

Schizophrenia and StigmaDeep stigma against schizophrenia and mental illness in general still persists around the world.

Finding and Keeping a JobIf you have schizophrenia, the idea of holding down a job may seem unlikely. But it doesn’t have to keep you from employment.

What Are Your Legal Rights?If you or a loved one has schizophrenia, you may have questions about mental health treatment rights.

Exercise and SchizophreniaIn addition to medications and psychotherapy, research shows that exercise can help prevent and treat schizophrenia.

Do Keto and Gluten-Free Diets Help Schizophrenia?Researchers are looking at the impact of what you eat on schizophrenia symptoms.

Dating With SchizophreniaDating can be tough for anyone. A serious mental health condition like schizophrenia adds even more challenges to the mix.

Family Planning and PregnancyIt’s important to think about what having a baby with schizophrenia might mean for you and for your future child.

Caregiving

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