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Learn moreSchizophrenia is a complex brain disorder that affects approximately 2.4 million American adults.*
- Research suggests that schizophrenia affects men and women equally
- Nobody knows what causes it or why it affects some people and not others
- It’s nobody’s fault–there is nothing that you did to cause schizophrenia
- It’s a lifelong illness that impacts not only the person living with the condition, but also the lives of family members
*These figures can vary depending on the published source used.
Symptoms
Schizophrenia symptoms can vary from person to person and usually start between early adulthood and your mid-30s. Some may experience many severe symptoms, while others experience just a few or less-severe symptoms.
- Positive Symptoms
- Negative Symptoms
- Cognitive Symptoms
Positive Symptoms
Added behaviors that make a person appear to "lose touch" with reality.
- Hearing, seeing, smelling, feeling things that no one else experiences
- Having beliefs that are not true or logical
- Having difficulty thinking or speaking
Diagnosis
There’s no single test to diagnose schizophrenia, but there are tests that can be done that eliminate other potential causes of schizophrenia symptoms. These tests can be given by healthcare professionals, who will use these results and other criteria to determine a schizophrenia diagnosis.
Myth vs Fact
Knowing the facts about schizophrenia is an important first step towards managing symptoms and helping others understand the diagnosis. The more people know about schizophrenia, the more they can help others in their unique recovery journey.
myth
People living with schizophrenia have multiple or split personalities.
vs
fact
People with schizophrenia have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not, but that isn’t the same as having multiple personalities.
myth
People living with schizophrenia are violent.
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fact
Most people with schizophrenia are not aggressive and are more likely to be victimized than other people in the general population.
myth
People living with schizophrenia can’t keep a job.
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fact
Some of the symptoms of schizophrenia can make it more difficult to maintain employment, but with treatment and keeping symptoms under control, finding the right job becomes more possible for some people.
myth
Bad parenting is the cause of schizophrenia.
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fact
Although the causes of schizophrenia is unknown, there are many factors that could increase the risk of this mental illness. However, there is no evidence that mistakes made by parents cause schizophrenia.
myth
The only safe place for a person living with schizophrenia is a mental hospital.
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fact
With more treatment options available, many people can manage their symptoms without long periods of hospitalization.
myth
There is no effective treatment for schizophrenia.
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fact
While there is no cure for schizophrenia, treatment options include support groups, medication, individual psychotherapy, supportive housing, and daily living and social skills training.
What’s Next?
Learn More About Living With Schizophrenia