What Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition characterized by a breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion, and behavior. People suffering from schizophrenia often hear voices in an absence of a stimulus or have fixed beliefs known as delusions.
They might have difficulty in differentiating reality from delusions and hallucinations, and expressing a normal range of emotions may be difficult for them.
It is important to know that patients aren’t often violent and almost never pose any danger to anyone. Schizophrenia does not develop due to childhood experiences, poor upbringing, or an absence of willpower.
What Causes Schizophrenia?
While the exact cause of schizophrenia is not fully understood, research indicates that a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can make a person more likely to develop the condition:
Genetics
- Schizophrenia tends to run in families, though no single gene is responsible.
Brain Chemistry
- Differences in brain structure and imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and glutamate.
Environment
- Exposure to viruses or malnutrition before birth, or extreme stress during childhood or early adulthood.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms of schizophrenia are generally divided into several categories:
Perception Changes
- Auditory hallucinations (hearing voices)
- Visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there)
- Tactile hallucinations (feeling things that aren’t present)
Thought & Speech Changes
- Disorganized thinking
- Loose associations and odd phrasing
- Difficulty following conversations
Behavioral & Mood Changes
- Withdrawn behavior or unusual posturing
- Changes in daily functioning and hygiene
- Emotional flattening or limited range of emotion (negative symptoms)
Treating Schizophrenia at SavantCare
Schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment, even when symptoms have subsided. Treatment with medications and psychosocial therapy can help manage the condition.
Medications
Antipsychotic medications are the most commonly prescribed drugs. They are thought to control symptoms by affecting the brain neurotransmitter dopamine.
Psychotherapy
Individual therapy can help to normalize thought patterns, while family therapy provides support and education to families.
Rehabilitation
Social skills training and vocational rehabilitation to help with communication, relationships, and finding or keeping a job.
Your Care Team
Our board-certified psychiatrists specialize in treating psychotic disorders with compassion and expertise.
Dr. Bernice Ponce de Leon
DO, Board-Certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist | Licensed in CA, NV
View profileWhen Should You Seek Help?
It is crucial to seek help if you notice warning signs in yourself or a loved one.
Reach out if you or a loved one experience:
- Hearing or seeing things that aren't there
- Constant feeling of being watched
- Peculiar or nonsensical way of speaking or writing
- Strange body positioning or feeling indifferent to highly important situations
- Deterioration of academic or work performance
- Change in personal hygiene and appearance
Ready to take the next step?
Our team is here to help — no pressure, no judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Schizophrenia is not contagious. It is related to genetic, environmental, and brain chemistry factors.
Many people with schizophrenia can live independently with appropriate treatment, support, and rehabilitation; others may need supported housing during flares or while learning daily living skills.
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent schizophrenia. Early treatment and consistent care can reduce complications and improve long-term outcomes.
Yes. Many individuals with schizophrenia work successfully, especially with supported employment programs and appropriate treatment.