Schizophrenia
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that has
been recognized throughout recorded history. It affects about 1 percent of
Americans.
People with schizophrenia may hear voices other people don't hear or they may
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. People with schizophrenia may not
make sense when they talk, may sit for hours without moving or talking much, or
may seem perfectly fine until they talk about what they are really thinking.
Because many people with schizophrenia have difficulty holding a job or caring
for themselves, the burden on their families and society is significant as well.
Available treatments can relieve many of the disorder's symptoms, but most
people who have schizophrenia must cope with some residual symptoms as long as
they live. Nevertheless, this is a time of hope for people with schizophrenia
and their families. Many people with the disorder now lead rewarding and
meaningful lives in their communities. Researchers are developing more effective
medications and using new research tools to understand the causes of
schizophrenia and to find ways to prevent and treat it.
This brochure presents information on the symptoms of schizophrenia, when the
symptoms appear, how the disease develops, current treatments, support for
patients and their loved ones, and new directions in research.
Next: What are the symptoms of schizophrenia? »
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Last Editorial Review: 2/21/2008
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