What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia (skitz-o-FREN-ee-ah) is a mental illness. People with this disease may: 

• Hear voices that others don’t hear.
• Think that other people can control their thoughts.
• Think that people are “out to get them”.
• Have trouble making plans, speaking, expressing feelings, or feeling happy.
• Have trouble making decisions, paying attention, and remembering.

These symptoms can make it hard to talk with other people. People with schizophrenia often avoid their friends and family.

Who gets schizophrenia?

About one in 100 men and women get it. Men begin to show signs in their late teens or early 20’s.  Women usually start to show signs when they are in their late 20’s or early 30’s. People 45 years or older rarely start to show symptoms of schizophrenia in that age group.

How do I know if someone in my family has Schizophrenia?

The first signs often include avoiding family and friends, changes in school or job performance, changes in sleep habits, and being irritable. 

What should I do if I think somoene in my family has Schizophrenia?

Call your family doctor and describe the symptoms. Your doctor will work with you to get help for your family member. People with this disease may refuse to receive help. If you are afraid that your family member might hurt himself or herself or someone else, you should dial 911 to have an ambulance or the police take the person to the hospital for help.

What kinds of treatment can help?

People with schizophrenia do better when they take medicine. Community programs can help them live on their own or keep a job. People who are very ill may need to stay in a hospital until their symptoms are under control. Some with schizophrenia don’t continue to take their medications that they need.

Where can I get more information?