Information From Your Health Care Provider

SCHIZOPHRENIC DISORDERS

Basic information

description

Schizophrenic disorders are severe mental illnesses. Schizo means "split," and phrenia refers to the mind. A person with schizophrenia can't tell fact from fantasy, and therefore does not behave rationally. Symptoms may begin in early teen years or early adulthood. It may take months or years for the symptoms to be apparent.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Delusions (fixed false, unreal beliefs).
Hallucinations (hearing voices or seeing things that are not there).
Becomes more withdrawn and wants to be alone.
Lack of energy and desire to do things.
Showing few emotions, or showing emotions that are not appropriate.
Disordered thoughts that are shown in disorganized or disjointed speech.
A belief that other people hear and "steal" one's thoughts or that one is being controlled by others.
Suspicious and paranoid behavior (in paranoid schizophrenia).

causes

Exact cause is unknown. An imbalance in brain chemicals, genetics, and environmental factors play roles.

risk increases with

Family history of schizophrenia.
Many environmental risk factors have been suggested.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures are known.

expected outcomes

Symptoms may come and go and change over the years. Treatment is effective for many patients and helps them to have varying degrees of independence and somewhat normal lives. Full recovery is unusual.
The family or other important persons in the patient's life should be involved in the therapy. This will help them understand the problem and what they can do to help the patient.

possible complications

Life-long disability. Physical illnesses are common.
Schizophrenia patients are often difficult to live with.
Alcohol and substance abuse.
Drugs may not be effective in treatment.
Patients stop taking the drugs because of side effects, impaired thinking, or they feel they don't need them.
Self-inflicted injuries; suicide.
Hostile behavior or violence toward others.
Relapse, neglect, homeless, or ending up in prison.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about the symptoms and activities. Medical tests are often done to rule out other problems. There is no specific test to diagnose schizophrenia. A psychological evaluation will be done. Family members may help provide information about the symptoms. Diagnosis depends on having the symptoms for at least 6 months, the impairment they cause, and being sure that no other mental health disorder is involved.
The goal of therapy is to help the person get back in touch with reality. Treatment often begins with drugs to reduce the symptoms.
Once symptoms are improved, treatment continues to help the person learn to cope with daily aspects of life. Treatment depends on the patient's needs and the severity of their symptoms. It may include social and work skills training, self-help groups, and counseling.
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To learn more: National Alliance for the Mentally Ill; (800) 950-6264; website: www.nami.org or National Institute of Mental Health; (866) 615-6464; website: www.nimh.nih.gov.

medications

Antipsychotic drugs are usually prescribed. Some are taken by mouth. Others may be injected. If side effects are too severe with one drug or the symptoms are not controlled, a different drug is prescribed. The dose is reduced as symptoms improve. For most patients, the drugs may need to be taken for life.

activity

Normally no limits, unless advised by your health care provider. Daily exercise is often recommended.