Schizophrenia, General Type
Schizophrenia is a lifelong (chronic) and often disabling mental health disorder that makes functioning in work and society harder. The difference between reality and what you think is reality becomes hard to know in your mind. If you have schizophrenia, you live in an internal reality that is different from the external reality. But it feels real to you. Schizophrenia is not as common as other severe mental health problems. But it can have a severe and disabling effect on a person. It usually first appears in adolescence or early adulthood. There must be 1 or more bout of symptoms that last for at least 6 months before a diagnosis is made.
The cause of schizophrenia is not known yet. It's believed to be a result of genetic biological factors (brain chemistry and structure). Schizophrenia does run in families and happens in about 1 in 100 adults. Environmental factors may also have a role in schizophrenia. These may include where you grew up, toxins you are exposed to, and infections you've had.
Symptoms include:
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Loss of touch with reality (psychosis)
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Seeing, hearing, feeling, or smelling things that are not there (hallucinations)
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False beliefs (delusions)
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Disorganized thinking and speech
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Severe anxiety
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Feeling unreal
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An unfounded feeling of not trusting people around you (paranoia)
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Insomnia
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Trouble thinking or concentrating clearly
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Depression or feeling suicidal
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Withdrawal from those around you (social withdrawal)
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Limited range of emotions (flat affect)
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Problems with reasoning and problem solving (cognitive deficits)
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Problems at work because of the above symptoms
Medicines and therapy can help with many of the symptoms. They can help you better function each day and improve your quality of life. These medicines take 2 to 4 weeks to start working and 6 to 8 weeks to take full effect. Because schizophrenia is complex, so is treatment. It can include ongoing psychotherapy, community resource networking, and rehab programs.
It's common to feel frustrated and impatient at how long it takes the medicines to start working. It's also common to feel that you are not ill and that you don't need treatment. It's important to accept the support of friends and family in continuing to take your medicine. It is also important to continue psychotherapy, and using community resources.
Home care
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Ongoing care and support help manage this disease. Find a healthcare provider and therapist who meet your needs. Seek help when you feel like your symptoms are getting worse or when family and friends ask you to seek help.
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Tell each of your healthcare providers about all of the prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take. Certain supplements interact with medicines and can cause dangerous side effects. Ask your pharmacist when you have questions about medicine interactions. If you drink alcohol, let your provider know when and how much you drink.
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Make sure to take all of your medicine as advised and get regular blood work to check your medicine level and your overall health. Take the medicines and get the follow-up lab work as advised, even if you don't think you need it.
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Never change your medicine dose or stop taking your medicines unless you check with your provider. Never share your medicine or use someone else's medicine.
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Seek support from trusted friends or family by talking about your feelings and thoughts. Ask them to help you recognize behavior changes early so you can get help. If needed, your healthcare provider can adjust your medicines.
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If you are having trouble managing workplace issues, or caring for yourself because of your schizophrenia, contact your local Americans with Disabilities (ADA) office to see if they can help. The U.S. Department of Justice operates a toll-free ADA information line at: 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY). You can also check the ADA website at www.ada.gov. They can help you find a local office.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider or therapist, or as advised. Keep all therapy and lab work appointments. The earlier you get treatment and the more often you get care, the better this illness can be managed.
Call 988
Call 988 if you:
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Have suicidal thoughts, a suicide plan, and the means to carry out the plan
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Have trouble breathing
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Are very confused
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Are very drowsy or have trouble awakening
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Feel faint or lose consciousness
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Have rapid heart rate, very low heart rate, or a new irregular heart rate
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Have a seizure
When you call or text 988, you will be connected to trained crisis counselors. An online chat option is also available. Lifeline is free and available 24/7. The 988 counselors will work closely with 911 to get you the care you need.
When to seek medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
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Your symptoms get worse
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Family or friends express concern over your behavior and ask you to seek help
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Feeling out of control or that you are being controlled by others
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Feeling like you want to harm yourself or another
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Unable to care for yourself
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Hallucinations get worse
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Delusions or paranoia get worse
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Hearing voices that are telling you to harm yourself or others
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Depression or anxiety get worse
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New symptoms develop