The schizophrenic patient’s support system

Part 8 of Schizophrenia. Family and friends can also help patients set realistic goals and regain their ability to function in the world. Support for those with mental disorders can come from families, professional residential or day program caregivers, shelter operators, friends or roommates, professional case managers, or others in their communities or places of […]


Schizophrenia treatments

Part 7 of Schizophrenia. Because the causes of schizophrenia are still unknown, current treatments focus on eliminating the symptoms of the disease. Everyone Responds differently To Anti-Psychotic Medicaton. Antipsychotic medications Antipsychotic medications have been available since the mid-1950s. They effectively alleviate the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. While these drugs have greatly improved the lives of […]


Who gets schizophrenia? When does it start?

Part 4 of Schizophrenia. Psychotic symptoms (such as hallucinations and delusions) usually emerge in men in their late teens and early 20s and in women in their mid-20s to early 30s. They seldom occur after age 45 and only rarely before puberty, although cases of schizophrenia in children as young as 5 have been reported. […]


What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Part 2 of Schizophrenia. The symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three broad categories: Positive symptoms are unusual thoughts or perceptions, including hallucinations, delusions, thought disorder, and disorders of movement. Negative symptoms represent a loss or a decrease in the ability to initiate plans, speak, express emotion, or find pleasure in everyday life. These symptoms are […]