🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 143 (from laksa034)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa143.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://health.clevelandclinic.org/types-of-schizophrenia\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://health.clevelandclinic.org/types-of-schizophrenia\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/types-of-schizophrenia","crawl_time":1775719938,"first_indexed_time":1701430368,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,clevelandclinic!health,\/types-of-schizophrenia s443","src_root_hash":"9889140825964526943","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"6 Types of Schizophrenia","meta_descriptions":["Schizophrenia disturbs your thinking and perception, but it also includes different types of schizophrenia that involve symptoms like paranoia and uncontrolled thoughts."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that disturbs your thinking and perception. This affects your interactions with the world.\nSchizophrenia\nnot only refers to a single condition, but also a spectrum of conditions that involve psychotic symptoms like:\nHearing voices or noises.\nBecoming very paranoid.\nBelieving you have unusual powers.\nThinking others control your thoughts, or vice-versa.\nBelieving world events are connected to you.\nIt can be\na long road to diagnosis\n, however. People — and families — are often in denial. After all, it’s a tough diagnosis to accept.\nPsychiatrists may not see all of the\nsymptoms of a person’s schizophrenia\nright away. And substance use may further cloud the diagnostic picture.\n“Given the potential negative consequences of an incorrect schizophrenia diagnosis, we like to be as certain as possible before labeling a psychotic condition schizophrenia,” says psychiatrist\nBrian Barnett, MD\n.\nDr. Barnett explains what conditions are on the spectrum and how schizophrenia is diagnosed.\nWhat conditions fall under the schizophrenia spectrum?\nSchizophrenia looks different from one person to the next, as symptoms can vary in both content and their prominence. But here are the disorders included on the spectrum:\nSchizophrenia\nAbout 2.77 million people each year are diagnosed with schizophrenia worldwide. Schizophrenia can have severe effects on your physical and mental health, disrupting your professional, social and romantic relationships.\nSchizophrenia typically occurs in stages, each having their own symptoms and behaviors.\nDepending on your stage, you may experience anxiety, lose motivation and neglect your personal hygiene. You may notice a change in your emotional state and how you relate to others, as well as issues with attention and memory.\nYou may become disconnected from reality and have delusions and hallucinations. You might also experience decreased, increased or unusual movements, which can be a syndrome commonly associated with schizophrenia called catatonia.\n“While the delusions and hallucinations in schizophrenia often draw the most attention, the impairments in thinking related to attention, memory and ability to plan also make it difficult for those with schizophrenia to hold down a job and manage their own affairs,” explains Dr. Barnett.\nSchizotypal personality disorder\nThose who have\nschizotypal personality disorder\nmay be described as strange or eccentric and they often have magical beliefs or strong superstitions. They may exhibit odd behaviors, have few friends and become anxious in social situations.\nUnlike schizophrenia, those with schizotypal personality disorder tend not to have delusions or hallucinations.\nDelusional disorder\nIf you have\ndelusional disorder\n, you have trouble telling what’s real from what’s imagined.\nPeople with delusional disorder often experience non-bizarre delusions. Non-bizarre delusions involve situations that could possibly occur in real life like being followed by someone. But for those with delusional disorder, these situations are either untrue or exaggerated.\nWhen it comes to socializing, those with delusional disorder tend to function well and don’t exhibit odd behavior. Many times, if the object of their delusion isn’t brought up in conversation, they might exhibit no signs of being delusional at all.\nBrief psychotic disorder\nBrief psychotic disorder is a sudden onset of symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, unusual behavior and confusion that occur for a short time.\nThis disorder is rare, but those with antisocial personality disorder or paranoid personality disorder are more likely to experience a brief psychotic disorder. It’s often brought about by an extreme stressor like the death of a loved one or other trauma.\nSchizophreniform disorder\nThis disorder is very similar to schizophrenia. However, while schizophrenia is diagnosed if symptoms last longer than six months, schizophreniform disorder is diagnosed when psychotic symptoms occur for less than six months.\nSchizophreniform disorder\ncan affect the ways you think, act, express emotions, perceive reality and relate to others.\nIn addition to symptoms like delusions and hallucinations, you may also experience fatigue, a lack of interest in life and poor hygiene habits.\nSchizoaffective disorder\nThose with\nschizoaffective disorder\nhave delusional thinking and other symptoms of schizophrenia.\n“They also present with mood disorder episodes like depression, mania and\/or hypomania,” says Dr. Barnett. “While individuals with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder can experience psychotic symptoms during a mood episode,\nwhat makes schizoaffective disorder unique\nis that they also have psychosis outside of mood episodes.”\nA person with schizoaffective disorder may find it challenging to function at work or school. Their relationships can also become strained.\nAnd they may experience symptoms during periodic episodes but then have those symptoms disappear for a time.\nHow do doctors diagnose the type of schizophrenia?\nAbout one-third of people with schizophrenia don’t believe anything is wrong with them. Many more don’t seek help on their own, for cultural reasons or because they lack resources.\nSo, problems often come to light only when their erratic behavior or other troubles trigger a crisis.\n“People are often brought to the hospital by family, paramedics or the police,” says Dr. Barnett. “Without such intervention, many of these individuals would not receive care.”\nTo decide whether to admit someone to the hospital, psychiatrists consider the following:\nIf they pose a risk to themselves or others.\nIf they can take care of themselves.\nIf they could benefit from hospital treatment.\nTo diagnose someone, a psychiatrist will talk to them and evaluate their behavior. They’ll also consider whether any symptoms were\ntriggered by alcohol or drugs\n, review any records from prior admissions and talk to the family.\nA psychiatrist may also order laboratory tests to rule out nonpsychiatric conditions like lupus, which can cause psychotic symptoms.\n“Initially, we may only see that the individual is losing track of reality,” says Dr. Barnett. “Given the number of potential causes of that symptom, we often need time to rule out medical diagnoses and ensure that other psychiatric diagnoses besides schizophrenia aren’t responsible.”\nA five- to 10-day hospital stay can usually clarify the type of schizophrenia spectrum disorder.\n“But we may not be able to make a precise diagnosis during an inpatient hospitalization, particularly if it’s our first time treating an individual or if there is substance use involved,” explains Dr. Barnett.\nWhat are the treatment options for the different types of schizophrenia spectrum disorders?\nMost people with schizophrenia will need lifelong treatment with antipsychotic drugs, counseling and social rehabilitation, says Dr. Barnett.\n“This will control their symptoms, reduce the need for psychiatric hospitalization and help them obtain some stability in their lives,” he adds.\nDepending on what symptoms someone is experiencing and where they fall on the schizophrenia spectrum, treatments may include:\nAntipsychotics.\nThese control hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking and help individuals better adjust to their environment.\nBenzodiazepines.\nThese can help treat anxiety or catatonia associated with schizophrenia and allow individuals to become more social and interactive.\nAntidepressants or mood stabilizers.\nThese can help lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety.\nElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT)\n.\nThis is a safe and painless procedure conducted under general anesthesia that uses a small electrical current to produce a short seizure, which brings about helpful changes in the brain. It’s sometimes used to treat psychotic symptoms that are not fully responsive to medications.\nDespite the potential for side effects, it’s important to keep taking medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.\n“When people with psychotic disorders go off their medications, their symptoms frequently return and they often end up back in the hospital,” says Dr. Barnett. “Unfortunately, the more psychotic episodes you have, the harder they can be to treat.”\nWhat is the long-term outlook?\nWithout ongoing care, people with schizophrenia can be hospitalized multiple times, lose their jobs and housing, and fall out of touch with their families.\n“Early treatment is vital to ensuring those with psychotic disorders remain as functional as possible,” says Dr. Barnett. “Sometimes, it takes multiple attempts to find a medication that is effective without causing side effects, so patience is also important.”\nThose with psychotic disorders need to have a clear idea about how to maintain their health by taking their medications, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and accessing community support. This will help them function better in society and maintain their independence.\nThe road to diagnosis, treatment and stability can be a challenging one. Along the way, Dr. Barnett recommends getting education and support from national organizations like the\nNational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)\n,\nRecovery International\nand\nEmotions Anonymous\n.\nTo learn about local services, families should reach out to their county mental health board, local hospital or mental health center.","attrs_markdown":"Locations:\n\n[Abu Dhabi](https:\/\/www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae\/)\\|[Canada](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/canada)\\|[Florida](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/florida)\\|[London](https:\/\/clevelandcliniclondon.uk\/)\\|[Nevada](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/locations\/nevada)\\|[Ohio](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)\\|\n\n![Gray gradient](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/gray-gradient-left-16.59910877.svg?w=32&q=75)![Gray gradient](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/gray-gradient-right-32.dd7ce4e5.svg?w=64&q=75)\n\n- [Health Essentials](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n- [Health Library](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health)\n- [Find a Provider](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/providers)\n- [Make an Appointment](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/patients\/information\/access)\n- [News](https:\/\/newsroom.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/jobs.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/contact-us)\n\n[![Cleveland Clinic logo](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/logo-ccf.1e52a22b.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)[![Cleveland Clinic icon](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/CCFLogo.000428c6.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n\n[![Health Essentials logo](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/HealthEssentials.b811bb06.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/zdbb.net\/l\/Dnl1wmWs8xCCpvWNCt9Egf\/?w=16&q=75)\n\n![Search Icon](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/search--green.d4218f47.svg?w=64&q=75)\n\nSearch\n\nAdvertisement\n\nAdvertisement\n\nJuly 28, 2022\/[Health Conditions](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions)\/[Mental Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/mental-health)\n\n# What Are the 6 Types of Schizophrenia and How Do They Affect You?\nThe mental health disorder includes a spectrum of conditions\n\n![A person's head with two people talking inside of it.](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/LargeFeatureImage\/a85ff9bd-5254-4acd-b689-d08de5a32a3f\/schizophrenia-head-1252710321-770x533-1_jpg)\n\n**Image content:** This image is available to view online.\n\nView image online (https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/a85ff9bd-5254-4acd-b689-d08de5a32a3f\/schizophrenia-head-1252710321-770x533-1\\_jpg)\n\nA person's head with two people talking inside of it.\n\nSchizophrenia is a mental health disorder that disturbs your thinking and perception. This affects your interactions with the world.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nCleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. [Policy](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/advertising)\n\n[Schizophrenia](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4568-schizophrenia) not only refers to a single condition, but also a spectrum of conditions that involve psychotic symptoms like:\n\n- Hearing voices or noises.\n- Becoming very paranoid.\n- Believing you have unusual powers.\n- Thinking others control your thoughts, or vice-versa.\n- Believing world events are connected to you.\n\nIt can be [a long road to diagnosis](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/the-warning-signs-of-schizophrenia-what-you-need-to-know\/), however. People — and families — are often in denial. After all, it’s a tough diagnosis to accept.\n\nPsychiatrists may not see all of the [symptoms of a person’s schizophrenia](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/early-signs-of-schizophrenia\/) right away. And substance use may further cloud the diagnostic picture.\n\n“Given the potential negative consequences of an incorrect schizophrenia diagnosis, we like to be as certain as possible before labeling a psychotic condition schizophrenia,” says psychiatrist [Brian Barnett, MD](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/staff\/24859-brian-barnett).\n\nDr. Barnett explains what conditions are on the spectrum and how schizophrenia is diagnosed.\n\n## What conditions fall under the schizophrenia spectrum?\nSchizophrenia looks different from one person to the next, as symptoms can vary in both content and their prominence. But here are the disorders included on the spectrum:\n\n### Schizophrenia\nAbout 2.77 million people each year are diagnosed with schizophrenia worldwide. Schizophrenia can have severe effects on your physical and mental health, disrupting your professional, social and romantic relationships.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nSchizophrenia typically occurs in stages, each having their own symptoms and behaviors.\n\nDepending on your stage, you may experience anxiety, lose motivation and neglect your personal hygiene. You may notice a change in your emotional state and how you relate to others, as well as issues with attention and memory.\n\nYou may become disconnected from reality and have delusions and hallucinations. You might also experience decreased, increased or unusual movements, which can be a syndrome commonly associated with schizophrenia called catatonia.\n\n“While the delusions and hallucinations in schizophrenia often draw the most attention, the impairments in thinking related to attention, memory and ability to plan also make it difficult for those with schizophrenia to hold down a job and manage their own affairs,” explains Dr. Barnett.\n\n### Schizotypal personality disorder\nThose who have [schizotypal personality disorder](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/9636-personality-disorders-overview) may be described as strange or eccentric and they often have magical beliefs or strong superstitions. They may exhibit odd behaviors, have few friends and become anxious in social situations.\n\nUnlike schizophrenia, those with schizotypal personality disorder tend not to have delusions or hallucinations.\n\n### Delusional disorder\nIf you have [delusional disorder](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/9599-delusional-disorder), you have trouble telling what’s real from what’s imagined.\n\nPeople with delusional disorder often experience non-bizarre delusions. Non-bizarre delusions involve situations that could possibly occur in real life like being followed by someone. But for those with delusional disorder, these situations are either untrue or exaggerated.\n\nWhen it comes to socializing, those with delusional disorder tend to function well and don’t exhibit odd behavior. Many times, if the object of their delusion isn’t brought up in conversation, they might exhibit no signs of being delusional at all.\n\n### Brief psychotic disorder\nBrief psychotic disorder is a sudden onset of symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, unusual behavior and confusion that occur for a short time.\n\nThis disorder is rare, but those with antisocial personality disorder or paranoid personality disorder are more likely to experience a brief psychotic disorder. It’s often brought about by an extreme stressor like the death of a loved one or other trauma.\n\n### Schizophreniform disorder\nThis disorder is very similar to schizophrenia. However, while schizophrenia is diagnosed if symptoms last longer than six months, schizophreniform disorder is diagnosed when psychotic symptoms occur for less than six months.\n\n[Schizophreniform disorder](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/9571-schizophreniform-disorder) can affect the ways you think, act, express emotions, perceive reality and relate to others.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nIn addition to symptoms like delusions and hallucinations, you may also experience fatigue, a lack of interest in life and poor hygiene habits.\n\n### Schizoaffective disorder\nThose with [schizoaffective disorder](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/21544-schizoaffective-disorder) have delusional thinking and other symptoms of schizophrenia.\n\n“They also present with mood disorder episodes like depression, mania and\/or hypomania,” says Dr. Barnett. “While individuals with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder can experience psychotic symptoms during a mood episode, [what makes schizoaffective disorder unique](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/schizoaffective-disorder-vs-schizophrenia\/) is that they also have psychosis outside of mood episodes.”\n\nA person with schizoaffective disorder may find it challenging to function at work or school. Their relationships can also become strained.\n\nAnd they may experience symptoms during periodic episodes but then have those symptoms disappear for a time.\n\n## How do doctors diagnose the type of schizophrenia?\nAbout one-third of people with schizophrenia don’t believe anything is wrong with them. Many more don’t seek help on their own, for cultural reasons or because they lack resources.\n\nSo, problems often come to light only when their erratic behavior or other troubles trigger a crisis.\n\n“People are often brought to the hospital by family, paramedics or the police,” says Dr. Barnett. “Without such intervention, many of these individuals would not receive care.”\n\nAdvertisement\n\nTo decide whether to admit someone to the hospital, psychiatrists consider the following:\n\n- If they pose a risk to themselves or others.\n- If they can take care of themselves.\n- If they could benefit from hospital treatment.\n\nTo diagnose someone, a psychiatrist will talk to them and evaluate their behavior. They’ll also consider whether any symptoms were [triggered by alcohol or drugs](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/dual-diagnosis-why-substance-abuse-worsens-your-mental-health\/), review any records from prior admissions and talk to the family.\n\nA psychiatrist may also order laboratory tests to rule out nonpsychiatric conditions like lupus, which can cause psychotic symptoms.\n\n“Initially, we may only see that the individual is losing track of reality,” says Dr. Barnett. “Given the number of potential causes of that symptom, we often need time to rule out medical diagnoses and ensure that other psychiatric diagnoses besides schizophrenia aren’t responsible.”\n\nA five- to 10-day hospital stay can usually clarify the type of schizophrenia spectrum disorder.\n\n“But we may not be able to make a precise diagnosis during an inpatient hospitalization, particularly if it’s our first time treating an individual or if there is substance use involved,” explains Dr. Barnett.\n\n## What are the treatment options for the different types of schizophrenia spectrum disorders?\nMost people with schizophrenia will need lifelong treatment with antipsychotic drugs, counseling and social rehabilitation, says Dr. Barnett.\n\nAdvertisement\n\n“This will control their symptoms, reduce the need for psychiatric hospitalization and help them obtain some stability in their lives,” he adds.\n\nDepending on what symptoms someone is experiencing and where they fall on the schizophrenia spectrum, treatments may include:\n\n- **Antipsychotics.** These control hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking and help individuals better adjust to their environment.\n- **Benzodiazepines.** These can help treat anxiety or catatonia associated with schizophrenia and allow individuals to become more social and interactive.\n- **Antidepressants or mood stabilizers.** These can help lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety.\n- **[Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/9302-ect-electroconvulsive-therapy).** This is a safe and painless procedure conducted under general anesthesia that uses a small electrical current to produce a short seizure, which brings about helpful changes in the brain. It’s sometimes used to treat psychotic symptoms that are not fully responsive to medications.\n\nDespite the potential for side effects, it’s important to keep taking medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.\n\n“When people with psychotic disorders go off their medications, their symptoms frequently return and they often end up back in the hospital,” says Dr. Barnett. “Unfortunately, the more psychotic episodes you have, the harder they can be to treat.”\n\n## What is the long-term outlook?\nWithout ongoing care, people with schizophrenia can be hospitalized multiple times, lose their jobs and housing, and fall out of touch with their families.\n\n“Early treatment is vital to ensuring those with psychotic disorders remain as functional as possible,” says Dr. Barnett. “Sometimes, it takes multiple attempts to find a medication that is effective without causing side effects, so patience is also important.”\n\nThose with psychotic disorders need to have a clear idea about how to maintain their health by taking their medications, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and accessing community support. This will help them function better in society and maintain their independence.\n\nThe road to diagnosis, treatment and stability can be a challenging one. Along the way, Dr. Barnett recommends getting education and support from national organizations like the [National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)](https:\/\/www.nami.org\/Support-Education), [Recovery International](https:\/\/recoveryinternational.org\/) and [Emotions Anonymous](https:\/\/emotionsanonymous.org\/welcome.html).\n\nTo learn about local services, families should reach out to their county mental health board, local hospital or mental health center.\n\n[![Cleveland Clinic logo](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/logo-ccf.1e52a22b.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)[![Cleveland Clinic icon](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/CCFLogo.000428c6.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n\n[![Health Essentials logo](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/_next\/static\/media\/HealthEssentials.b811bb06.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/)\n\n![Subscription icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/482db8cd-aa1e-45b5-a2a4-cf6aa5e5d2d4\/Health-Essentials?w=256&q=75)\n\n## Better health starts here\nSign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.\n\n[Example email](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/2ff943a2-abb1-4a1c-8ede-f8848703e789\/HealthEssentials-SampleEmail-2026)[Sign up](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health-essentials-sign-up)\n\n[Sign up](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health-essentials-sign-up)[Example email](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/2ff943a2-abb1-4a1c-8ede-f8848703e789\/HealthEssentials-SampleEmail-2026)\n\nLearn more about our [editorial process](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/about\/website\/editorial-policy).\n\nHealth Library\n\nSchizophrenia\n\n[What Is Schizophrenia?](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4568-schizophrenia#what-is-schizophrenia)\n\n[Symptoms and Causes](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4568-schizophrenia#symptoms-and-causes)\n\n[Diagnosis and Tests](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4568-schizophrenia#diagnosis-and-tests)\n\n[Management and Treatment](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4568-schizophrenia#management-and-treatment)\n\n[Outlook \/ Prognosis](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4568-schizophrenia#outlook-prognosis)\n\nHealth Library\n\nSchizophrenia\n\n[What Is Schizophrenia?](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4568-schizophrenia#what-is-schizophrenia)\n\n[Symptoms and Causes](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4568-schizophrenia#symptoms-and-causes)\n\n[Diagnosis and Tests](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4568-schizophrenia#diagnosis-and-tests)\n\n[Management and Treatment](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4568-schizophrenia#management-and-treatment)\n\n[Outlook \/ Prognosis](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4568-schizophrenia#outlook-prognosis)\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## Related Articles\n[![Person sitting on bed hugging person standing](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/75355c65-b3c5-48c9-a5d7-b7dc3a647358\/two-people-hugging-1626571874?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/schizophrenia-natural-treatment)\n\nAugust 8, 2024\/[Mental Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/mental-health)\n\n### [These Natural Treatments May Help With Your Schizophrenia Symptoms](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/schizophrenia-natural-treatment)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/schizophrenia-natural-treatment\n\nCertain B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and a healthy diet can serve as complementary treatments for schizophrenia\n\n[![Two happy people talking with coffee, one on couch, one standing, with two oversized profiles nearby](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/6b148734-fee9-4c34-afe6-eeb954249315\/friends-talk-group-1322211589?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-with-schizophrenia)\n\nJuly 29, 2024\/[Brain & Nervous System](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/brain-nervous-system)\n\n### [Living With Schizophrenia: Strategies and Self-Help](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-with-schizophrenia)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-with-schizophrenia\n\nFollowing your treatment plan, finding a community, staying active and maintaining a healthy diet can help manage this psychiatric condition\n\n[![person on a swing between sun and rain](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/56140d30-805a-411c-9aac-8df941a7a50c\/8-signs-schizophrenia-1428705265-770x533-1-scaled_jpg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/early-signs-of-schizophrenia)\n\nJuly 28, 2023\/[Mental Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/mental-health)\n\n### [8 Early Signs of Schizophrenia](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/early-signs-of-schizophrenia)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/early-signs-of-schizophrenia\n\nEmotional changes, isolation and unusual behavior could signal the onset of the condition\n\n[![Professionals examine pieces of troubled patient's mind.](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/99f4f5d6-7163-4aba-87f8-030a21003ec2\/people-examine-puzzle-pieces-head-1439841529-770x533-1_jpg?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/schizoaffective-disorder-vs-schizophrenia)\n\nJuly 17, 2023\/[Mental Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/mental-health)\n\n### [Schizophrenia vs. Schizoaffective Disorder: What’s the Difference?](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/schizoaffective-disorder-vs-schizophrenia)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/schizoaffective-disorder-vs-schizophrenia\n\nPeople with schizoaffective disorder have additional mood symptoms\n\n[![Woman sitting with hand on chest, taking deep breaths](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/ef82718c-793f-4b66-99ea-89a56fd69013\/stressed-breathing-2193668273?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/panic-attack-vs-anxiety-attack)\n\nMarch 9, 2026\/[Mental Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/mental-health)\n\n### [What’s The Difference Between a Panic Attack and an Anxiety Attack?](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/panic-attack-vs-anxiety-attack)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/panic-attack-vs-anxiety-attack\n\nThe terms are often used to describe intense feelings of fear and anxiety\n\n[![Parent, teen child and therapist talk](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/30e35c3a-5442-450f-93b8-86de0254576e\/parent-child-psychologist-office-1324854959-967x544-kc?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/understanding-ocd-and-autism)\n\nSeptember 2, 2025\/[Children’s Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/living-healthy\/childrens-health)\n\n### [Here’s What You Need To Know About the Connection Between Autism and OCD](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/understanding-ocd-and-autism)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/understanding-ocd-and-autism\n\nAutism and OCD often co-occur, but distinguishing between them is crucial for successful treatment\n\n[![Distressed person sitting, with multiple silhouettes behind](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/4a0ac51d-2088-4dbf-8155-4991d4751a36\/personality-disorders-1347542305?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/bpd-vs-bipolar)\n\nJuly 21, 2025\/[Mental Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/mental-health)\n\n### [Borderline Personality Disorder vs. Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/bpd-vs-bipolar)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/bpd-vs-bipolar\n\nBPD is associated with more frequent mood swings and difficult relationships, while bipolar disorder has more persistent, long-lasting depressive and manic episodes\n\n[![Woman looking out of window](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/f60a60f0-1aeb-4ad3-b920-effadf688e2d\/woman-looking-out-window-1307418774?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/sexual-assault-what-you-need-to-know-about-ptsd)\n\nJuly 18, 2025\/[Mental Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/mental-health)\n\n### [Understanding PTSD After Sexual Assault](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/sexual-assault-what-you-need-to-know-about-ptsd)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/sexual-assault-what-you-need-to-know-about-ptsd\n\nIt’s common to experience long-term emotional effects, but you don’t have to cope alone — support and treatment can help\n\n## Trending Topics\n[![Person getting a mammogram under direction of radiologist](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/d48b86ea-87b8-4134-a200-c5992bd4b060\/mammogram-scan-appointment-2185896557?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/how-to-reduce-risk-of-breast-cancer)\n\n[Cancer Care & Prevention](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/cancer-care-prevention)\n\n### [How To Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/how-to-reduce-risk-of-breast-cancer)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/how-to-reduce-risk-of-breast-cancer\n\nWhile you can’t change risk factors, like age or genetics, lifestyle choices and regular screenings can help lower your overall risk\n\n[![Cold hands clasped together and cold feet in socks](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/e388f9e3-4bb5-4bf4-af72-92fa1ab2c56a\/cold-hands-feet-1917390194?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/why-are-my-hands-and-feet-always-cold-and-should-i-worry)\n\n[Heart Health](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/heart-health)\n\n### [7 Reasons Why Your Hands and Feet Are Always Cold](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/why-are-my-hands-and-feet-always-cold-and-should-i-worry)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/why-are-my-hands-and-feet-always-cold-and-should-i-worry\n\nWhile it may be no big deal, underlying conditions that need treatment can also cause cold extremities\n\n[![Person running fast on outdoor track](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/2de0d685-cf1d-48f3-98ea-6a0ac2c9ce65\/running-faster-2193375373?w=3840&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/how-to-become-a-faster-runner)\n\n[Exercise & Fitness](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/diet-food-fitness\/exercise-fitness)\n\n### [How To Become a Faster Runner](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/how-to-become-a-faster-runner)\nhttps:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/how-to-become-a-faster-runner\n\nImprove your speed with interval training, strength training and consistent, healthy habits\n\n## Health Categories To Explore\n[![Brain & Nervous System Icon](https:\/\/assets.clevelandclinic.org\/transform\/StoryPanel\/a1fee7a1-b531-4bb5-83f8-2ace3380adeb\/icon-Brain-and-Nervous-System?w=128&q=75)](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/brain-nervous-system)[Brain & Nervous System](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/health-conditions\/brain-nervous-system)\n\n[![Children's 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All Rights Reserved.","attrs_readable_markdown":"Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that disturbs your thinking and perception. This affects your interactions with the world.\n\n[Schizophrenia](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4568-schizophrenia) not only refers to a single condition, but also a spectrum of conditions that involve psychotic symptoms like:\n\n- Hearing voices or noises.\n- Becoming very paranoid.\n- Believing you have unusual powers.\n- Thinking others control your thoughts, or vice-versa.\n- Believing world events are connected to you.\n\nIt can be [a long road to diagnosis](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/the-warning-signs-of-schizophrenia-what-you-need-to-know\/), however. People — and families — are often in denial. After all, it’s a tough diagnosis to accept.\n\nPsychiatrists may not see all of the [symptoms of a person’s schizophrenia](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/early-signs-of-schizophrenia\/) right away. And substance use may further cloud the diagnostic picture.\n\n“Given the potential negative consequences of an incorrect schizophrenia diagnosis, we like to be as certain as possible before labeling a psychotic condition schizophrenia,” says psychiatrist [Brian Barnett, MD](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/staff\/24859-brian-barnett).\n\nDr. Barnett explains what conditions are on the spectrum and how schizophrenia is diagnosed.\n\n## What conditions fall under the schizophrenia spectrum?\nSchizophrenia looks different from one person to the next, as symptoms can vary in both content and their prominence. But here are the disorders included on the spectrum:\n\n### Schizophrenia\nAbout 2.77 million people each year are diagnosed with schizophrenia worldwide. Schizophrenia can have severe effects on your physical and mental health, disrupting your professional, social and romantic relationships.\n\nSchizophrenia typically occurs in stages, each having their own symptoms and behaviors.\n\nDepending on your stage, you may experience anxiety, lose motivation and neglect your personal hygiene. You may notice a change in your emotional state and how you relate to others, as well as issues with attention and memory.\n\nYou may become disconnected from reality and have delusions and hallucinations. You might also experience decreased, increased or unusual movements, which can be a syndrome commonly associated with schizophrenia called catatonia.\n\n“While the delusions and hallucinations in schizophrenia often draw the most attention, the impairments in thinking related to attention, memory and ability to plan also make it difficult for those with schizophrenia to hold down a job and manage their own affairs,” explains Dr. Barnett.\n\n### Schizotypal personality disorder\nThose who have [schizotypal personality disorder](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/9636-personality-disorders-overview) may be described as strange or eccentric and they often have magical beliefs or strong superstitions. They may exhibit odd behaviors, have few friends and become anxious in social situations.\n\nUnlike schizophrenia, those with schizotypal personality disorder tend not to have delusions or hallucinations.\n\n### Delusional disorder\nIf you have [delusional disorder](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/9599-delusional-disorder), you have trouble telling what’s real from what’s imagined.\n\nPeople with delusional disorder often experience non-bizarre delusions. Non-bizarre delusions involve situations that could possibly occur in real life like being followed by someone. But for those with delusional disorder, these situations are either untrue or exaggerated.\n\nWhen it comes to socializing, those with delusional disorder tend to function well and don’t exhibit odd behavior. Many times, if the object of their delusion isn’t brought up in conversation, they might exhibit no signs of being delusional at all.\n\n### Brief psychotic disorder\nBrief psychotic disorder is a sudden onset of symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, unusual behavior and confusion that occur for a short time.\n\nThis disorder is rare, but those with antisocial personality disorder or paranoid personality disorder are more likely to experience a brief psychotic disorder. It’s often brought about by an extreme stressor like the death of a loved one or other trauma.\n\n### Schizophreniform disorder\nThis disorder is very similar to schizophrenia. However, while schizophrenia is diagnosed if symptoms last longer than six months, schizophreniform disorder is diagnosed when psychotic symptoms occur for less than six months.\n\n[Schizophreniform disorder](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/9571-schizophreniform-disorder) can affect the ways you think, act, express emotions, perceive reality and relate to others.\n\nIn addition to symptoms like delusions and hallucinations, you may also experience fatigue, a lack of interest in life and poor hygiene habits.\n\n### Schizoaffective disorder\nThose with [schizoaffective disorder](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/21544-schizoaffective-disorder) have delusional thinking and other symptoms of schizophrenia.\n\n“They also present with mood disorder episodes like depression, mania and\/or hypomania,” says Dr. Barnett. “While individuals with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder can experience psychotic symptoms during a mood episode, [what makes schizoaffective disorder unique](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/schizoaffective-disorder-vs-schizophrenia\/) is that they also have psychosis outside of mood episodes.”\n\nA person with schizoaffective disorder may find it challenging to function at work or school. Their relationships can also become strained.\n\nAnd they may experience symptoms during periodic episodes but then have those symptoms disappear for a time.\n\n## How do doctors diagnose the type of schizophrenia?\nAbout one-third of people with schizophrenia don’t believe anything is wrong with them. Many more don’t seek help on their own, for cultural reasons or because they lack resources.\n\nSo, problems often come to light only when their erratic behavior or other troubles trigger a crisis.\n\n“People are often brought to the hospital by family, paramedics or the police,” says Dr. Barnett. “Without such intervention, many of these individuals would not receive care.”\n\nTo decide whether to admit someone to the hospital, psychiatrists consider the following:\n\n- If they pose a risk to themselves or others.\n- If they can take care of themselves.\n- If they could benefit from hospital treatment.\n\nTo diagnose someone, a psychiatrist will talk to them and evaluate their behavior. They’ll also consider whether any symptoms were [triggered by alcohol or drugs](https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/dual-diagnosis-why-substance-abuse-worsens-your-mental-health\/), review any records from prior admissions and talk to the family.\n\nA psychiatrist may also order laboratory tests to rule out nonpsychiatric conditions like lupus, which can cause psychotic symptoms.\n\n“Initially, we may only see that the individual is losing track of reality,” says Dr. Barnett. “Given the number of potential causes of that symptom, we often need time to rule out medical diagnoses and ensure that other psychiatric diagnoses besides schizophrenia aren’t responsible.”\n\nA five- to 10-day hospital stay can usually clarify the type of schizophrenia spectrum disorder.\n\n“But we may not be able to make a precise diagnosis during an inpatient hospitalization, particularly if it’s our first time treating an individual or if there is substance use involved,” explains Dr. Barnett.\n\n## What are the treatment options for the different types of schizophrenia spectrum disorders?\nMost people with schizophrenia will need lifelong treatment with antipsychotic drugs, counseling and social rehabilitation, says Dr. Barnett.\n\n“This will control their symptoms, reduce the need for psychiatric hospitalization and help them obtain some stability in their lives,” he adds.\n\nDepending on what symptoms someone is experiencing and where they fall on the schizophrenia spectrum, treatments may include:\n\n- **Antipsychotics.** These control hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking and help individuals better adjust to their environment.\n- **Benzodiazepines.** These can help treat anxiety or catatonia associated with schizophrenia and allow individuals to become more social and interactive.\n- **Antidepressants or mood stabilizers.** These can help lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety.\n- **[Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)](https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/9302-ect-electroconvulsive-therapy).** This is a safe and painless procedure conducted under general anesthesia that uses a small electrical current to produce a short seizure, which brings about helpful changes in the brain. It’s sometimes used to treat psychotic symptoms that are not fully responsive to medications.\n\nDespite the potential for side effects, it’s important to keep taking medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.\n\n“When people with psychotic disorders go off their medications, their symptoms frequently return and they often end up back in the hospital,” says Dr. Barnett. “Unfortunately, the more psychotic episodes you have, the harder they can be to treat.”\n\n## What is the long-term outlook?\nWithout ongoing care, people with schizophrenia can be hospitalized multiple times, lose their jobs and housing, and fall out of touch with their families.\n\n“Early treatment is vital to ensuring those with psychotic disorders remain as functional as possible,” says Dr. Barnett. “Sometimes, it takes multiple attempts to find a medication that is effective without causing side effects, so patience is also important.”\n\nThose with psychotic disorders need to have a clear idea about how to maintain their health by taking their medications, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and accessing community support. This will help them function better in society and maintain their independence.\n\nThe road to diagnosis, treatment and stability can be a challenging one. Along the way, Dr. Barnett recommends getting education and support from national organizations like the [National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)](https:\/\/www.nami.org\/Support-Education), [Recovery International](https:\/\/recoveryinternational.org\/) and [Emotions Anonymous](https:\/\/emotionsanonymous.org\/welcome.html).\n\nTo learn about local services, families should reach out to their county mental health board, local hospital or mental health center.","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://health.clevelandclinic.org/types-of-schizophrenia
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Meta Title	6 Types of Schizophrenia
Meta Description	Schizophrenia disturbs your thinking and perception, but it also includes different types of schizophrenia that involve symptoms like paranoia and uncontrolled thoughts.
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Boilerpipe Text	Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that disturbs your thinking and perception. This affects your interactions with the world. Schizophrenia not only refers to a single condition, but also a spectrum of conditions that involve psychotic symptoms like: Hearing voices or noises. Becoming very paranoid. Believing you have unusual powers. Thinking others control your thoughts, or vice-versa. Believing world events are connected to you. It can be a long road to diagnosis , however. People — and families — are often in denial. After all, it’s a tough diagnosis to accept. Psychiatrists may not see all of the symptoms of a person’s schizophrenia right away. And substance use may further cloud the diagnostic picture. “Given the potential negative consequences of an incorrect schizophrenia diagnosis, we like to be as certain as possible before labeling a psychotic condition schizophrenia,” says psychiatrist Brian Barnett, MD . Dr. Barnett explains what conditions are on the spectrum and how schizophrenia is diagnosed. What conditions fall under the schizophrenia spectrum? Schizophrenia looks different from one person to the next, as symptoms can vary in both content and their prominence. But here are the disorders included on the spectrum: Schizophrenia About 2.77 million people each year are diagnosed with schizophrenia worldwide. Schizophrenia can have severe effects on your physical and mental health, disrupting your professional, social and romantic relationships. Schizophrenia typically occurs in stages, each having their own symptoms and behaviors. Depending on your stage, you may experience anxiety, lose motivation and neglect your personal hygiene. You may notice a change in your emotional state and how you relate to others, as well as issues with attention and memory. You may become disconnected from reality and have delusions and hallucinations. You might also experience decreased, increased or unusual movements, which can be a syndrome commonly associated with schizophrenia called catatonia. “While the delusions and hallucinations in schizophrenia often draw the most attention, the impairments in thinking related to attention, memory and ability to plan also make it difficult for those with schizophrenia to hold down a job and manage their own affairs,” explains Dr. Barnett. Schizotypal personality disorder Those who have schizotypal personality disorder may be described as strange or eccentric and they often have magical beliefs or strong superstitions. They may exhibit odd behaviors, have few friends and become anxious in social situations. Unlike schizophrenia, those with schizotypal personality disorder tend not to have delusions or hallucinations. Delusional disorder If you have delusional disorder , you have trouble telling what’s real from what’s imagined. People with delusional disorder often experience non-bizarre delusions. Non-bizarre delusions involve situations that could possibly occur in real life like being followed by someone. But for those with delusional disorder, these situations are either untrue or exaggerated. When it comes to socializing, those with delusional disorder tend to function well and don’t exhibit odd behavior. Many times, if the object of their delusion isn’t brought up in conversation, they might exhibit no signs of being delusional at all. Brief psychotic disorder Brief psychotic disorder is a sudden onset of symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, unusual behavior and confusion that occur for a short time. This disorder is rare, but those with antisocial personality disorder or paranoid personality disorder are more likely to experience a brief psychotic disorder. It’s often brought about by an extreme stressor like the death of a loved one or other trauma. Schizophreniform disorder This disorder is very similar to schizophrenia. However, while schizophrenia is diagnosed if symptoms last longer than six months, schizophreniform disorder is diagnosed when psychotic symptoms occur for less than six months. Schizophreniform disorder can affect the ways you think, act, express emotions, perceive reality and relate to others. In addition to symptoms like delusions and hallucinations, you may also experience fatigue, a lack of interest in life and poor hygiene habits. Schizoaffective disorder Those with schizoaffective disorder have delusional thinking and other symptoms of schizophrenia. “They also present with mood disorder episodes like depression, mania and/or hypomania,” says Dr. Barnett. “While individuals with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder can experience psychotic symptoms during a mood episode, what makes schizoaffective disorder unique is that they also have psychosis outside of mood episodes.” A person with schizoaffective disorder may find it challenging to function at work or school. Their relationships can also become strained. And they may experience symptoms during periodic episodes but then have those symptoms disappear for a time. How do doctors diagnose the type of schizophrenia? About one-third of people with schizophrenia don’t believe anything is wrong with them. Many more don’t seek help on their own, for cultural reasons or because they lack resources. So, problems often come to light only when their erratic behavior or other troubles trigger a crisis. “People are often brought to the hospital by family, paramedics or the police,” says Dr. Barnett. “Without such intervention, many of these individuals would not receive care.” To decide whether to admit someone to the hospital, psychiatrists consider the following: If they pose a risk to themselves or others. If they can take care of themselves. If they could benefit from hospital treatment. To diagnose someone, a psychiatrist will talk to them and evaluate their behavior. They’ll also consider whether any symptoms were triggered by alcohol or drugs , review any records from prior admissions and talk to the family. A psychiatrist may also order laboratory tests to rule out nonpsychiatric conditions like lupus, which can cause psychotic symptoms. “Initially, we may only see that the individual is losing track of reality,” says Dr. Barnett. “Given the number of potential causes of that symptom, we often need time to rule out medical diagnoses and ensure that other psychiatric diagnoses besides schizophrenia aren’t responsible.” A five- to 10-day hospital stay can usually clarify the type of schizophrenia spectrum disorder. “But we may not be able to make a precise diagnosis during an inpatient hospitalization, particularly if it’s our first time treating an individual or if there is substance use involved,” explains Dr. Barnett. What are the treatment options for the different types of schizophrenia spectrum disorders? Most people with schizophrenia will need lifelong treatment with antipsychotic drugs, counseling and social rehabilitation, says Dr. Barnett. “This will control their symptoms, reduce the need for psychiatric hospitalization and help them obtain some stability in their lives,” he adds. Depending on what symptoms someone is experiencing and where they fall on the schizophrenia spectrum, treatments may include: Antipsychotics. These control hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking and help individuals better adjust to their environment. Benzodiazepines. These can help treat anxiety or catatonia associated with schizophrenia and allow individuals to become more social and interactive. Antidepressants or mood stabilizers. These can help lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) . This is a safe and painless procedure conducted under general anesthesia that uses a small electrical current to produce a short seizure, which brings about helpful changes in the brain. It’s sometimes used to treat psychotic symptoms that are not fully responsive to medications. Despite the potential for side effects, it’s important to keep taking medications prescribed by your healthcare provider. “When people with psychotic disorders go off their medications, their symptoms frequently return and they often end up back in the hospital,” says Dr. Barnett. “Unfortunately, the more psychotic episodes you have, the harder they can be to treat.” What is the long-term outlook? Without ongoing care, people with schizophrenia can be hospitalized multiple times, lose their jobs and housing, and fall out of touch with their families. “Early treatment is vital to ensuring those with psychotic disorders remain as functional as possible,” says Dr. Barnett. “Sometimes, it takes multiple attempts to find a medication that is effective without causing side effects, so patience is also important.” Those with psychotic disorders need to have a clear idea about how to maintain their health by taking their medications, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and accessing community support. This will help them function better in society and maintain their independence. The road to diagnosis, treatment and stability can be a challenging one. Along the way, Dr. Barnett recommends getting education and support from national organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) , Recovery International and Emotions Anonymous . To learn about local services, families should reach out to their county mental health board, local hospital or mental health center.
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The mental health disorder includes a spectrum of conditions ![A person's head with two people talking inside of it.](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/LargeFeatureImage/a85ff9bd-5254-4acd-b689-d08de5a32a3f/schizophrenia-head-1252710321-770x533-1_jpg) Image content: This image is available to view online. View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/a85ff9bd-5254-4acd-b689-d08de5a32a3f/schizophrenia-head-1252710321-770x533-1\_jpg) A person's head with two people talking inside of it. Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that disturbs your thinking and perception. This affects your interactions with the world. Advertisement Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. [Policy](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/advertising) [Schizophrenia](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4568-schizophrenia) not only refers to a single condition, but also a spectrum of conditions that involve psychotic symptoms like: - Hearing voices or noises. - Becoming very paranoid. - Believing you have unusual powers. - Thinking others control your thoughts, or vice-versa. - Believing world events are connected to you. It can be [a long road to diagnosis](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-warning-signs-of-schizophrenia-what-you-need-to-know/), however. People — and families — are often in denial. After all, it’s a tough diagnosis to accept. Psychiatrists may not see all of the [symptoms of a person’s schizophrenia](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/early-signs-of-schizophrenia/) right away. And substance use may further cloud the diagnostic picture. “Given the potential negative consequences of an incorrect schizophrenia diagnosis, we like to be as certain as possible before labeling a psychotic condition schizophrenia,” says psychiatrist [Brian Barnett, MD](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/24859-brian-barnett). Dr. Barnett explains what conditions are on the spectrum and how schizophrenia is diagnosed. ## What conditions fall under the schizophrenia spectrum? Schizophrenia looks different from one person to the next, as symptoms can vary in both content and their prominence. But here are the disorders included on the spectrum: ### Schizophrenia About 2.77 million people each year are diagnosed with schizophrenia worldwide. Schizophrenia can have severe effects on your physical and mental health, disrupting your professional, social and romantic relationships. Advertisement Schizophrenia typically occurs in stages, each having their own symptoms and behaviors. Depending on your stage, you may experience anxiety, lose motivation and neglect your personal hygiene. You may notice a change in your emotional state and how you relate to others, as well as issues with attention and memory. You may become disconnected from reality and have delusions and hallucinations. You might also experience decreased, increased or unusual movements, which can be a syndrome commonly associated with schizophrenia called catatonia. “While the delusions and hallucinations in schizophrenia often draw the most attention, the impairments in thinking related to attention, memory and ability to plan also make it difficult for those with schizophrenia to hold down a job and manage their own affairs,” explains Dr. Barnett. ### Schizotypal personality disorder Those who have [schizotypal personality disorder](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9636-personality-disorders-overview) may be described as strange or eccentric and they often have magical beliefs or strong superstitions. They may exhibit odd behaviors, have few friends and become anxious in social situations. Unlike schizophrenia, those with schizotypal personality disorder tend not to have delusions or hallucinations. ### Delusional disorder If you have [delusional disorder](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9599-delusional-disorder), you have trouble telling what’s real from what’s imagined. People with delusional disorder often experience non-bizarre delusions. Non-bizarre delusions involve situations that could possibly occur in real life like being followed by someone. But for those with delusional disorder, these situations are either untrue or exaggerated. When it comes to socializing, those with delusional disorder tend to function well and don’t exhibit odd behavior. Many times, if the object of their delusion isn’t brought up in conversation, they might exhibit no signs of being delusional at all. ### Brief psychotic disorder Brief psychotic disorder is a sudden onset of symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, unusual behavior and confusion that occur for a short time. This disorder is rare, but those with antisocial personality disorder or paranoid personality disorder are more likely to experience a brief psychotic disorder. It’s often brought about by an extreme stressor like the death of a loved one or other trauma. ### Schizophreniform disorder This disorder is very similar to schizophrenia. However, while schizophrenia is diagnosed if symptoms last longer than six months, schizophreniform disorder is diagnosed when psychotic symptoms occur for less than six months. [Schizophreniform disorder](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9571-schizophreniform-disorder) can affect the ways you think, act, express emotions, perceive reality and relate to others. Advertisement In addition to symptoms like delusions and hallucinations, you may also experience fatigue, a lack of interest in life and poor hygiene habits. ### Schizoaffective disorder Those with [schizoaffective disorder](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21544-schizoaffective-disorder) have delusional thinking and other symptoms of schizophrenia. “They also present with mood disorder episodes like depression, mania and/or hypomania,” says Dr. Barnett. “While individuals with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder can experience psychotic symptoms during a mood episode, [what makes schizoaffective disorder unique](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/schizoaffective-disorder-vs-schizophrenia/) is that they also have psychosis outside of mood episodes.” A person with schizoaffective disorder may find it challenging to function at work or school. Their relationships can also become strained. And they may experience symptoms during periodic episodes but then have those symptoms disappear for a time. ## How do doctors diagnose the type of schizophrenia? About one-third of people with schizophrenia don’t believe anything is wrong with them. Many more don’t seek help on their own, for cultural reasons or because they lack resources. So, problems often come to light only when their erratic behavior or other troubles trigger a crisis. “People are often brought to the hospital by family, paramedics or the police,” says Dr. Barnett. “Without such intervention, many of these individuals would not receive care.” Advertisement To decide whether to admit someone to the hospital, psychiatrists consider the following: - If they pose a risk to themselves or others. - If they can take care of themselves. - If they could benefit from hospital treatment. To diagnose someone, a psychiatrist will talk to them and evaluate their behavior. They’ll also consider whether any symptoms were [triggered by alcohol or drugs](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dual-diagnosis-why-substance-abuse-worsens-your-mental-health/), review any records from prior admissions and talk to the family. A psychiatrist may also order laboratory tests to rule out nonpsychiatric conditions like lupus, which can cause psychotic symptoms. “Initially, we may only see that the individual is losing track of reality,” says Dr. Barnett. “Given the number of potential causes of that symptom, we often need time to rule out medical diagnoses and ensure that other psychiatric diagnoses besides schizophrenia aren’t responsible.” A five- to 10-day hospital stay can usually clarify the type of schizophrenia spectrum disorder. “But we may not be able to make a precise diagnosis during an inpatient hospitalization, particularly if it’s our first time treating an individual or if there is substance use involved,” explains Dr. Barnett. ## What are the treatment options for the different types of schizophrenia spectrum disorders? Most people with schizophrenia will need lifelong treatment with antipsychotic drugs, counseling and social rehabilitation, says Dr. Barnett. Advertisement “This will control their symptoms, reduce the need for psychiatric hospitalization and help them obtain some stability in their lives,” he adds. Depending on what symptoms someone is experiencing and where they fall on the schizophrenia spectrum, treatments may include: - Antipsychotics. These control hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking and help individuals better adjust to their environment. - Benzodiazepines. These can help treat anxiety or catatonia associated with schizophrenia and allow individuals to become more social and interactive. - Antidepressants or mood stabilizers. These can help lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety. - [Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9302-ect-electroconvulsive-therapy). This is a safe and painless procedure conducted under general anesthesia that uses a small electrical current to produce a short seizure, which brings about helpful changes in the brain. It’s sometimes used to treat psychotic symptoms that are not fully responsive to medications. Despite the potential for side effects, it’s important to keep taking medications prescribed by your healthcare provider. “When people with psychotic disorders go off their medications, their symptoms frequently return and they often end up back in the hospital,” says Dr. Barnett. “Unfortunately, the more psychotic episodes you have, the harder they can be to treat.” ## What is the long-term outlook? Without ongoing care, people with schizophrenia can be hospitalized multiple times, lose their jobs and housing, and fall out of touch with their families. “Early treatment is vital to ensuring those with psychotic disorders remain as functional as possible,” says Dr. Barnett. “Sometimes, it takes multiple attempts to find a medication that is effective without causing side effects, so patience is also important.” Those with psychotic disorders need to have a clear idea about how to maintain their health by taking their medications, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and accessing community support. This will help them function better in society and maintain their independence. The road to diagnosis, treatment and stability can be a challenging one. Along the way, Dr. Barnett recommends getting education and support from national organizations like the [National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)](https://www.nami.org/Support-Education), [Recovery International](https://recoveryinternational.org/) and [Emotions Anonymous](https://emotionsanonymous.org/welcome.html). To learn about local services, families should reach out to their county mental health board, local hospital or mental health center. 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Health Library Schizophrenia [What Is Schizophrenia?](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4568-schizophrenia#what-is-schizophrenia) [Symptoms and Causes](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4568-schizophrenia#symptoms-and-causes) [Diagnosis and Tests](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4568-schizophrenia#diagnosis-and-tests) [Management and Treatment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4568-schizophrenia#management-and-treatment) [Outlook / Prognosis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4568-schizophrenia#outlook-prognosis) Health Library Schizophrenia [What Is Schizophrenia?](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4568-schizophrenia#what-is-schizophrenia) [Symptoms and Causes](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4568-schizophrenia#symptoms-and-causes) [Diagnosis and Tests](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4568-schizophrenia#diagnosis-and-tests) [Management and 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Readable Markdown	Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that disturbs your thinking and perception. This affects your interactions with the world. [Schizophrenia](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4568-schizophrenia) not only refers to a single condition, but also a spectrum of conditions that involve psychotic symptoms like: - Hearing voices or noises. - Becoming very paranoid. - Believing you have unusual powers. - Thinking others control your thoughts, or vice-versa. - Believing world events are connected to you. It can be [a long road to diagnosis](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-warning-signs-of-schizophrenia-what-you-need-to-know/), however. People — and families — are often in denial. After all, it’s a tough diagnosis to accept. Psychiatrists may not see all of the [symptoms of a person’s schizophrenia](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/early-signs-of-schizophrenia/) right away. And substance use may further cloud the diagnostic picture. “Given the potential negative consequences of an incorrect schizophrenia diagnosis, we like to be as certain as possible before labeling a psychotic condition schizophrenia,” says psychiatrist [Brian Barnett, MD](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/24859-brian-barnett). Dr. Barnett explains what conditions are on the spectrum and how schizophrenia is diagnosed. ## What conditions fall under the schizophrenia spectrum? Schizophrenia looks different from one person to the next, as symptoms can vary in both content and their prominence. But here are the disorders included on the spectrum: ### Schizophrenia About 2.77 million people each year are diagnosed with schizophrenia worldwide. Schizophrenia can have severe effects on your physical and mental health, disrupting your professional, social and romantic relationships. Schizophrenia typically occurs in stages, each having their own symptoms and behaviors. Depending on your stage, you may experience anxiety, lose motivation and neglect your personal hygiene. You may notice a change in your emotional state and how you relate to others, as well as issues with attention and memory. You may become disconnected from reality and have delusions and hallucinations. You might also experience decreased, increased or unusual movements, which can be a syndrome commonly associated with schizophrenia called catatonia. “While the delusions and hallucinations in schizophrenia often draw the most attention, the impairments in thinking related to attention, memory and ability to plan also make it difficult for those with schizophrenia to hold down a job and manage their own affairs,” explains Dr. Barnett. ### Schizotypal personality disorder Those who have [schizotypal personality disorder](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9636-personality-disorders-overview) may be described as strange or eccentric and they often have magical beliefs or strong superstitions. They may exhibit odd behaviors, have few friends and become anxious in social situations. Unlike schizophrenia, those with schizotypal personality disorder tend not to have delusions or hallucinations. ### Delusional disorder If you have [delusional disorder](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9599-delusional-disorder), you have trouble telling what’s real from what’s imagined. People with delusional disorder often experience non-bizarre delusions. Non-bizarre delusions involve situations that could possibly occur in real life like being followed by someone. But for those with delusional disorder, these situations are either untrue or exaggerated. When it comes to socializing, those with delusional disorder tend to function well and don’t exhibit odd behavior. Many times, if the object of their delusion isn’t brought up in conversation, they might exhibit no signs of being delusional at all. ### Brief psychotic disorder Brief psychotic disorder is a sudden onset of symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, unusual behavior and confusion that occur for a short time. This disorder is rare, but those with antisocial personality disorder or paranoid personality disorder are more likely to experience a brief psychotic disorder. It’s often brought about by an extreme stressor like the death of a loved one or other trauma. ### Schizophreniform disorder This disorder is very similar to schizophrenia. However, while schizophrenia is diagnosed if symptoms last longer than six months, schizophreniform disorder is diagnosed when psychotic symptoms occur for less than six months. [Schizophreniform disorder](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9571-schizophreniform-disorder) can affect the ways you think, act, express emotions, perceive reality and relate to others. In addition to symptoms like delusions and hallucinations, you may also experience fatigue, a lack of interest in life and poor hygiene habits. ### Schizoaffective disorder Those with [schizoaffective disorder](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21544-schizoaffective-disorder) have delusional thinking and other symptoms of schizophrenia. “They also present with mood disorder episodes like depression, mania and/or hypomania,” says Dr. Barnett. “While individuals with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder can experience psychotic symptoms during a mood episode, [what makes schizoaffective disorder unique](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/schizoaffective-disorder-vs-schizophrenia/) is that they also have psychosis outside of mood episodes.” A person with schizoaffective disorder may find it challenging to function at work or school. Their relationships can also become strained. And they may experience symptoms during periodic episodes but then have those symptoms disappear for a time. ## How do doctors diagnose the type of schizophrenia? About one-third of people with schizophrenia don’t believe anything is wrong with them. Many more don’t seek help on their own, for cultural reasons or because they lack resources. So, problems often come to light only when their erratic behavior or other troubles trigger a crisis. “People are often brought to the hospital by family, paramedics or the police,” says Dr. Barnett. “Without such intervention, many of these individuals would not receive care.” To decide whether to admit someone to the hospital, psychiatrists consider the following: - If they pose a risk to themselves or others. - If they can take care of themselves. - If they could benefit from hospital treatment. To diagnose someone, a psychiatrist will talk to them and evaluate their behavior. They’ll also consider whether any symptoms were [triggered by alcohol or drugs](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dual-diagnosis-why-substance-abuse-worsens-your-mental-health/), review any records from prior admissions and talk to the family. A psychiatrist may also order laboratory tests to rule out nonpsychiatric conditions like lupus, which can cause psychotic symptoms. “Initially, we may only see that the individual is losing track of reality,” says Dr. Barnett. “Given the number of potential causes of that symptom, we often need time to rule out medical diagnoses and ensure that other psychiatric diagnoses besides schizophrenia aren’t responsible.” A five- to 10-day hospital stay can usually clarify the type of schizophrenia spectrum disorder. “But we may not be able to make a precise diagnosis during an inpatient hospitalization, particularly if it’s our first time treating an individual or if there is substance use involved,” explains Dr. Barnett. ## What are the treatment options for the different types of schizophrenia spectrum disorders? Most people with schizophrenia will need lifelong treatment with antipsychotic drugs, counseling and social rehabilitation, says Dr. Barnett. “This will control their symptoms, reduce the need for psychiatric hospitalization and help them obtain some stability in their lives,” he adds. Depending on what symptoms someone is experiencing and where they fall on the schizophrenia spectrum, treatments may include: - Antipsychotics. These control hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking and help individuals better adjust to their environment. - Benzodiazepines. These can help treat anxiety or catatonia associated with schizophrenia and allow individuals to become more social and interactive. - Antidepressants or mood stabilizers. These can help lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety. - [Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9302-ect-electroconvulsive-therapy). This is a safe and painless procedure conducted under general anesthesia that uses a small electrical current to produce a short seizure, which brings about helpful changes in the brain. It’s sometimes used to treat psychotic symptoms that are not fully responsive to medications. Despite the potential for side effects, it’s important to keep taking medications prescribed by your healthcare provider. “When people with psychotic disorders go off their medications, their symptoms frequently return and they often end up back in the hospital,” says Dr. Barnett. “Unfortunately, the more psychotic episodes you have, the harder they can be to treat.” ## What is the long-term outlook? Without ongoing care, people with schizophrenia can be hospitalized multiple times, lose their jobs and housing, and fall out of touch with their families. “Early treatment is vital to ensuring those with psychotic disorders remain as functional as possible,” says Dr. Barnett. “Sometimes, it takes multiple attempts to find a medication that is effective without causing side effects, so patience is also important.” Those with psychotic disorders need to have a clear idea about how to maintain their health by taking their medications, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and accessing community support. This will help them function better in society and maintain their independence. The road to diagnosis, treatment and stability can be a challenging one. Along the way, Dr. Barnett recommends getting education and support from national organizations like the [National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)](https://www.nami.org/Support-Education), [Recovery International](https://recoveryinternational.org/) and [Emotions Anonymous](https://emotionsanonymous.org/welcome.html). To learn about local services, families should reach out to their county mental health board, local hospital or mental health center.
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