Schizophrenia is a devastating brain disorder—the most chronic and disabling of the severe mental illnesses. People with schizophrenia often suffer terrifying symptoms such as hearing internal voices not heard by others, or believing that other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. These symptoms may leave them fearful and withdrawn. more>>
The first signs of schizophrenia typically emerge in young people in their teens or twenties; in rare cases, schizophrenia can appear in childhood. Symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, unusual speech or behavior, and social withdrawal impair the ability to interact with others. more>>
Available treatments can relieve many symptoms, but most people with schizophrenia continue to suffer some symptoms throughout their lives. However, new treatment advances, particularly within the last decade, have improved the outlook for many people with schizophrenia.
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Locate mental health services in your area, affordable healthcare, NIMH clinical trials, and listings of professionals and organizations. more>>
Related Information
- Occurrence in:
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Schizophrenia Information from NLM's MedlinePlus, in English and Spanish
- Some mental illnesses also carry an increased risk for suicide.
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News
Publications/Resource Materials
Read, print, or order NIMH booklets, fact sheets, and other publications on schizophrenia such as:
When Someone Has Schizophrenia
A brief overview of the symptoms, treatments, and research fundings.
Schizophrenia
A detailed booklet that describes symptoms, causes, and treatments, with information on getting help and coping.
More Publications>>
Schizophrenia Research
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