🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 98 (from laksa090)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa098.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://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia","crawl_time":1775035288,"first_indexed_time":1506201383,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,healthline!www,\/health\/schizophrenia s443","src_root_hash":"11478817528691466898","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prognosis","meta_descriptions":["We explain everything you need to know about schizophrenia, including its early symptoms, complications, treatments, and more."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"People with schizophrenia experience distortions of reality, often in the form of delusions or hallucinations.\nAlthough exact estimates are difficult to obtain, researchers estimate that schizophrenia affects less than\n1%\nof the global population.\nMisconceptions about this disorder are common. For example, some people think schizophrenia creates a “split personality.” In fact, schizophrenia and split personality — properly termed\ndissociative identity disorder\n— are two different disorders.\nSchizophrenia can occur in people of all ages. According to the\nAmerican Psychiatric Association\n, men often develop symptoms in their late teens or early 20s. Women tend to show signs in their late 20s and early 30s. A\n2022 report\nstates that young men with cannabis use disorder are at the highest risk of developing schizophrenia.\nHere’s what you need to know about this mental health condition.\nEarly symptoms\nSymptoms of this disorder commonly appear in the teenage years and early 20s. At these ages, the earliest symptoms may get overlooked because they mirror certain “typical” adolescent behaviors.\nEarly symptoms can include:\nisolating oneself from friends and family\nchanging friends or social groups\na change in focus and concentration\nsleeping problems\nirritability and agitation\ndifficulties with schoolwork, or low academic performance\nanxiety\nvague suspiciousness\nodd ideas\nfeeling different from others\nWhen it comes to more advanced symptoms, these tend to fall into three distinct categories: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms.\nThe terms “positive” and “negative” have different connotations here: “Positive” symptoms mean added thoughts or actions to one’s typical experience. “Negative” symptoms are the absence of typical behaviors.\nPositive symptoms\nPositive symptoms of schizophrenia aren’t typical in individuals without schizophrenia or other types of severe mental illness. These behaviors include:\nHallucinations:\nHallucinations\nare experiences that appear real but are created by your mind. They include seeing things, hearing voices, or smelling things that others around you don’t experience.\nDelusions:\nA delusion occurs when you believe something despite evidence or facts to the contrary.\nParanoia:\nParanoia is when someone is unusually distrustful of others or firmly believes they are being followed or persecuted.\nNegative symptoms\nNegative symptoms of schizophrenia interrupt a person’s typical emotions, behaviors, and abilities. These symptoms include:\nreduction in speaking\nodd emotional responses to situations\na lack of emotion or expressions\nloss of interest or excitement for life\nsocial isolation\ntrouble experiencing pleasure\ndifficulty beginning or following through with plans\ndifficulty completing normal everyday activities\nCognitive symptoms\nCognitive symptoms are labeled as such because they illustrate that someone is having trouble with certain mental functions. These symptoms include:\ndisorganized thinking or speech, such as when a person changes topics rapidly when speaking or uses made-up words or phrases\nforgetfulness\ndisorganized thinking, such as trouble focusing or paying attention\nimpaired “executive functioning,” or understanding information and using it to make decisions\nproblems learning information and using it\nSymptoms of schizophrenia can vary in severity and type. They may worsen if an individual is experiencing heightened stress, using substances, or is not taking their prescribed medications correctly.\nThe exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. Medical researchers believe several factors can contribute, including:\nbiological\ngenetic\nenvironmental\nResearch\nsuggests that imaging tests completed on people with schizophrenia may show abnormalities in certain brain structures.\nRisk factors\nEven though it’s still not known what causes schizophrenia, researchers believe genetics may play a role. People with a family history of schizophrenia have a\nhigher risk\nof developing this disorder.\nOther risk factors for schizophrenia may\ninclude\n:\nhaving exposure to toxins, a virus, or malnutrition before birth or during infancy\nusing mind-altering drugs\nliving in a highly stressful situation\ntaking mind-altering drugs in adolescence or young adulthood\nSchizophrenia is a serious mental illness that should not be ignored or left untreated. The condition increases the risk of serious complications, such as:\nself-injury or suicide\nanxiety\nphobias\ndepression\nalcohol or drug misuse\nfamily problems\nSchizophrenia can also make it difficult to work or attend school. If you can’t work or support yourself financially, there’s a higher risk of a lower quality of life.\nThere isn’t a single test to diagnose schizophrenia. A complete psychiatric exam can help healthcare professionals make a diagnosis. A psychiatrist or mental health professional can do this.\nAt your appointment, expect to answer questions about your:\nmedical history\nmental health\nfamily medical history\nYour healthcare professional may conduct the following:\na physical exam\nblood work\nimaging tests, including an\nMRI\nor\nCT scan\nSometimes, there can be other reasons for your symptoms, even though they may be similar to those of schizophrenia. These reasons may include:\nsubstance use\ncertain medications\nother mental health conditions\nYour healthcare team may diagnose schizophrenia if you’ve had at least two symptoms for a 1-month period. These symptoms must include:\nhallucinations\ndelusions\ndisorganized speech\nThere’s\nno cure for schizophrenia\n. Current treatments focus on managing or reducing the severity of symptoms.\nIt’s important to get treatment from a psychiatrist or mental health professional who has experience treating people with this disorder. You may also work with a social worker or a case manager, too.\nPossible treatments include the following:\nMedications\nhallucinations\ndelusions\nPsychosocial intervention\nAnother treatment option for schizophrenia is psychosocial intervention. This includes individual therapy to help you cope with stress and your diagnosis.\nSocial training can improve your social and communication skills.\nVocational rehabilitation\nVocational rehabilitation can provide you with the skills you need to return to work. It may make maintaining a regular job easier.\nFamily support and education\nIf you or someone you care about has received a diagnosis of schizophrenia, having support from family and friends can help lower stress and create a feeling of inclusion. There are educational programs available for family members that can help everyone spot the symptoms and provide support when needed.\nA diagnosis of schizophrenia is common in people in their teens and early 20s. Although less common, it can begin earlier. When symptoms occur before age 13 years, the condition is sometimes called early onset or\nchildhood schizophrenia\n.\nDiagnosing this condition is difficult. Behavior changes aren’t unusual as children and teens develop. Plus, some of the most common symptoms of this mental health disorder also show up in other conditions. These include:\ndepression\nbipolar disorder\nattention disorders\nSymptoms of childhood schizophrenia include:\nunusual fears or anxieties (paranoia)\nsleeping problems\nmood changes\nhearing voices or seeing things (hallucinations)\ndecreased attention to self-care\nsudden changes in behavior\ndeterioration in academic performance\nodd beliefs or thinking\nIt’s important to separate the behaviors that may occur in growing children and teenagers with symptoms of a serious mental health condition.\nHowever, if you are concerned that your child has acquired some new, worrying behaviors, it’s essential to talk with a mental health professional as soon as you can.\nNo matter what the issue is, a professional can support you to make the best decision for your family.\nSchizophrenia and\npsychosis\nmay be confused with one another, but they’re not the same. One is a mental health condition, and the other is a symptom or group of symptoms.\nPsychosis is one element or symptom of several mental health disorders, including schizophrenia. Psychosis can also occur in people with no other mental health symptoms.\nAlthough psychosis can occur in people with schizophrenia, not everyone with this disorder will experience psychosis. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, seek treatment immediately.\nSchizophrenia and\nbipolar disorder\nare both chronic mental health conditions. They may share some characteristics, but there are distinct differences.\nBipolar disorder causes strong mood changes. These changes switch between\nmania\nand\ndepression\n.\nDuring these\nepisodes\n, it’s possible that someone with bipolar disorder will experience hallucinations or delusions, especially in a manic episode. Experiencing\npsychosis\nalong with mood changes may make completing everyday tasks harder.\nLikewise, people with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations or delusions, but they’re also very likely to experience disorganized thinking and speech. Unlike someone with bipolar disorder during a manic episode, the symptoms of psychosis aren’t accompanied by mania.\nNo medical test can determine which condition you have. Instead, your healthcare professional may refer you to a mental health professional who will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and order some tests to help rule out possible medical causes. These tests could include blood tests, imaging tests, and drug screening tests.\nWhile a schizophrenia diagnosis can come with an increased risk of mortality due to co-occurring conditions and the risk of suicide, proper treatment can help an individual live a productive and happy life.\nLike many chronic conditions, a person’s outlook depends on a lot of personal factors, including how early a diagnosis was made, how much an individual is able and willing to follow a treatment plan, and their support system.\nSchizophrenia is typically diagnosed in people in their\nlate teens to early 30s\n.\nMen tend to show symptoms earlier, and cannabis use disorder\nmay be\na contributing factor. Men also receive a diagnosis earlier than others, between\nlate adolescence and their early 20s\n.\nWomen tend to receive a diagnosis later than men, from their\nearly 20s to early 30s\n.\nResearch suggests that schizophrenia occurs in\nless than 1%\nof people. It affects\nmore than 24 million\npeople around the world.\nWorldwide, schizophrenia is\none of the top\ncauses of disability.\nAlmost half\nof people with schizophrenia also have other mental health issues.\nThere’s no real way to prevent schizophrenia. Still, identifying who’s at risk and how to prevent the disorder from occurring in at-risk individuals has been an important focus of researchers in recent years.\nAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO),\nat least one-third\nof people with schizophrenia experience a complete remission of symptoms. To get on the road to improvement, it’s important to:\nlearn about your condition\nunderstand the risk factors\nfollow your healthcare team’s treatment plan\nSchizophrenia symptoms can go away for a while and then return, but it’s possible to enjoy a healthy, symptom-free life. Following your healthcare professional’s recommendations will improve your outlook.","attrs_markdown":"- Health Conditions\n  Health Conditions\n  \n  [All](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/directory\/topics)\n  \n  - [Breast Cancer](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/breast-cancer)\n  - [Cancer Care](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/cancer-care)\n  - [Caregiving for Alzheimer's Disease](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/alzheimers-disease)\n  - [Chronic Kidney Disease](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/ckd)\n  - [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/copd)\n  - [Digestive Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/digestive-health)\n  - [Eye Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/eye-health)\n  - [Heart Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/heart-health)\n  - [Menopause](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/menopause)\n  - [Mental Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/mental-health)\n  - [Migraine](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/migraine)\n  - [Multiple Sclerosis (MS)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/multiple-sclerosis)\n  - 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Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app.\n  \n  [All](https:\/\/www.bezzy.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=nav-bar-connections)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bezzy-Inflammatory-Bowel-Disease.png) Inflammatory Bowel Disease](https:\/\/www.bezzyibd.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bezzy-Multiple-Sclerosis.png) Multiple Sclerosis](https:\/\/www.bezzyms.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Bezzy-DEP-Icon-Circle.png) Depression](https:\/\/www.bezzydepression.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Bezzy-MIG-Icon-Circle.png) Migraine](https:\/\/www.bezzymigraine.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Bezzy-T2D-Icon-Circle.png) Type 2 Diabetes](https:\/\/www.bezzyt2d.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Bezzy-PsO.png) Psoriasis](https:\/\/www.bezzypsoriasis.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  \n  Follow us on social media\n  \n  Can't get enough? Connect with us for all things health.\n\nSubscribe\n\nExplore more in\n\n- Related Conditions\n- Types\n- Symptoms\n- Causes & Risk Factors\n- Management\n- Treatment\n- Diagnosis\n- Complications\n- Prognosis\n\nSchizophrenia\n\n#### Related Hubs\n[![Mental Well-Being](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/digestive-health-crohns-disease.png)Mental Well-Being A holistic guide to care](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/mental-health)\n#### Related Topics\n- ### Related Conditions\n  Related Conditions\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Vs. Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/bipolar-disorder\/bipolar-vs-schizophrenia)\n  - [Vs. Borderline Personality Disorder](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/borderline-personality-disorder-and-schizophrenia)\n  - [Vs. Delusional Disorder](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/delusional-disorder-vs-schizophrenia)\n  - [Vs. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/did-vs-schizophrenia)\n  - [Related Conditions](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/is-schizophrenia-a-personality-disorder)\n  - [Vs. Psychosis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/psychosis-vs-schizophrenia)\n  - [Vs. Schizoaffective Disorder](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/schizoaffective-disorder-vs-schizophrenia)\n  - [Vs. Anxiety](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-and-anxiety)\n- ### Types\n  Types\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Bipolar Schizoaffective Disorder](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/bipolar-schizoaffective-disorder)\n  - [Catatonic Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/catatonic-schizophrenia)\n  - [High Functioning Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/high-functioning-schizophrenia)\n  - [Types](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia-types)\n  - [Acute Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/acute-schizophrenia)\n  - [Without Hallucinations](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/can-you-have-schizophrenia-without-hallucinations)\n  - [Cenesthopathic](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/cenesthopathic-schizophrenia)\n  - [Disorganized (Hebephrenic) Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/disorganized-hebephrenic-schizophrenia)\n  - [In Females](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/female-schizophrenia)\n  - [Paranoid Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/paranoid-schizophrenia)\n  - [Schizophreniform Disorder](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/schizophreniform)\n- ### Symptoms\n  Symptoms\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Early Signs](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/early-signs-of-schizophrenia)\n  - [Hallucinations vs. Delusions](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/mental-health\/hallucinations-vs-delusions)\n  - [Hearing Voices](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/mental-health\/i-hear-voices-in-my-head)\n  - [Phases](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/mental-health\/phases-of-schizophrenia)\n  - [Hallucinations](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia-hallucinations)\n  - [Symptoms](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/symptoms)\n  - [Types of Delusions](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/types-of-delusions-in-schizophrenia)\n  - [Flat Affect](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/what-is-flat-affect-in-schizophrenia)\n- ### Causes & Risk Factors\n  Causes & Risk Factors\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Genetics](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/is-schizophrenia-hereditary)\n  - [Causes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia-causes)\n  - [Drug-Induced Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/drug-induced-schizophrenia)\n  - [Alcohol Use](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-and-alcohol)\n  - [Dopamine](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-and-dopamine)\n- ### Management\n  Management\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Online Support Groups](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/mental-health\/schizophrenia-support-group)\n  - [CBD](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/cbd-for-schizophrenia)\n  - [In Relationships](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia-and-intimacy)\n  - [Management](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/alternative-treatments)\n  - [Supporting a Loved One](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/how-to-help-someone-with-schizophrenia)\n  - [Sleep](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-and-sleep)\n  - [Employment](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/what-is-a-good-job-for-someone-with-schizophrenia)\n- ### Treatment\n  Treatment\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Treatment](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/mental-health\/schizophrenia-treatment)\n  - [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-schizophrenia)\n  - [Electroconvulsive Therapy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/ect-for-schizophrenia)\n  - [Art Therapy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-art)\n  - [Injections](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-injection)\n- ### Diagnosis\n  Diagnosis\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Clock Drawing Test](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/clock-drawing-test-schizophrenia)\n  - [Diagnosis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/how-is-schizophrenia-diagnosed)\n  - [Lab Tests](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/laboratory-tests-for-schizophrenia)\n  - [Age of Onset](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-age-of-onset)\n  - [Brain Imaging](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-brain-scan)\n- ### Complications\n  Complications\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Dementia Risk](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-and-dementia)\n  - [Eye Changes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-eyes)\n  - [Suicide Risk](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/suicide-in-schizophrenia)\n- ### Prognosis\n  Prognosis\n  \n  #### Related Articles\n  - [Outlook](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/schizophrenia-life-expectancy)\n\n# What Do You Want to Know About Schizophrenia?\n![](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Yalda-Safai-500x500-Bio1.png?w=105&h=105)\n\n[Medically reviewed]() by [Yalda Safai, MD, MPH]() — Written by [Valencia Higuera]() —  [Updated on May 19, 2025]()\n\n- [Symptoms](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia#symptoms)\n- [Causes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia#causes)\n- [Complications](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia#complications)\n- [Diagnosis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia#diagnosis)\n- [Treatments](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia#treatments)\n- [In children](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia#in-children)\n- [Vs. psychosis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia#vs-psychosis)\n- [Vs. bipolar disorder](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia#vs-bipolar-disorder)\n- [Prognosis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia#prognosis)\n- [Statistics](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia#statistics)\n- [Prevention](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia#prevention)\n- [Takeaway](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia#takeaway)\n\n### Key takeaways\n- Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition affecting less than 1% of the global population, with males typically showing symptoms in their late teens or early 20s and females in their late 20s or early 30s.\n- Common symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, reduction in speaking, social isolation, and difficulty completing normal everyday activities.\n- While there’s no cure for schizophrenia, treatments include medications, psychosocial intervention, and vocational rehabilitation to help manage symptoms.\n\nPeople with schizophrenia experience distortions of reality, often in the form of delusions or hallucinations.\n\nAlthough exact estimates are difficult to obtain, researchers estimate that schizophrenia affects less than [1%](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/schizophrenia) of the global population.\n\nMisconceptions about this disorder are common. For example, some people think schizophrenia creates a “split personality.” In fact, schizophrenia and split personality — properly termed [dissociative identity disorder](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/dissociative-identity-disorder) — are two different disorders.\n\nSchizophrenia can occur in people of all ages. According to the [American Psychiatric Association](https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/schizophrenia\/what-is-schizophrenia), men often develop symptoms in their late teens or early 20s. Women tend to show signs in their late 20s and early 30s. A [2022 report](https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/news-events\/news-releases\/young-men-highest-risk-schizophrenia-linked-cannabis-use-disorder) states that young men with cannabis use disorder are at the highest risk of developing schizophrenia.\n\nHere’s what you need to know about this mental health condition.\n\n## [Symptoms of schizophrenia]()\n[Symptoms of schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/symptoms) may include the following:\n\n### Early symptoms\nSymptoms of this disorder commonly appear in the teenage years and early 20s. At these ages, the earliest symptoms may get overlooked because they mirror certain “typical” adolescent behaviors.\n\nEarly symptoms can include:\n\n- isolating oneself from friends and family\n- changing friends or social groups\n- a change in focus and concentration\n- sleeping problems\n- irritability and agitation\n- difficulties with schoolwork, or low academic performance\n- anxiety\n- vague suspiciousness\n- odd ideas\n- feeling different from others\n\nWhen it comes to more advanced symptoms, these tend to fall into three distinct categories: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms.\n\nThe terms “positive” and “negative” have different connotations here: “Positive” symptoms mean added thoughts or actions to one’s typical experience. “Negative” symptoms are the absence of typical behaviors.\n\n### Positive symptoms\nPositive symptoms of schizophrenia aren’t typical in individuals without schizophrenia or other types of severe mental illness. These behaviors include:\n\n- **Hallucinations:** [Hallucinations](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/hallucinations) are experiences that appear real but are created by your mind. They include seeing things, hearing voices, or smelling things that others around you don’t experience.\n- **Delusions:** A delusion occurs when you believe something despite evidence or facts to the contrary.\n- **Paranoia:** Paranoia is when someone is unusually distrustful of others or firmly believes they are being followed or persecuted.\n### Negative symptoms\nNegative symptoms of schizophrenia interrupt a person’s typical emotions, behaviors, and abilities. These symptoms include:\n\n- reduction in speaking\n- odd emotional responses to situations\n- a lack of emotion or expressions\n- loss of interest or excitement for life\n- social isolation\n- trouble experiencing pleasure\n- difficulty beginning or following through with plans\n- difficulty completing normal everyday activities\n### Cognitive symptoms\nCognitive symptoms are labeled as such because they illustrate that someone is having trouble with certain mental functions. These symptoms include:\n\n- disorganized thinking or speech, such as when a person changes topics rapidly when speaking or uses made-up words or phrases\n- forgetfulness\n- disorganized thinking, such as trouble focusing or paying attention\n- impaired “executive functioning,” or understanding information and using it to make decisions\n- problems learning information and using it\n\nSymptoms of schizophrenia can vary in severity and type. They may worsen if an individual is experiencing heightened stress, using substances, or is not taking their prescribed medications correctly.\n\n## [Schizophrenia causes]()\nThe exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. Medical researchers believe several factors can contribute, including:\n\n- biological\n- genetic\n- environmental\n\n[Research](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7724147\/) suggests that imaging tests completed on people with schizophrenia may show abnormalities in certain brain structures.\n\n### Risk factors\nEven though it’s still not known what causes schizophrenia, researchers believe genetics may play a role. People with a family history of schizophrenia have a [higher risk](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK539864\/) of developing this disorder.\n\nOther risk factors for schizophrenia may [include](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK539864\/):\n\n- having exposure to toxins, a virus, or malnutrition before birth or during infancy\n- using mind-altering drugs\n- living in a highly stressful situation\n- taking mind-altering drugs in adolescence or young adulthood\n\n## [Schizophrenia complications]()\nSchizophrenia is a serious mental illness that should not be ignored or left untreated. The condition increases the risk of serious complications, such as:\n\n- self-injury or suicide\n- [anxiety](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/anxiety-symptoms)\n- [phobias](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/phobia-simple-specific)\n- [depression](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/depression)\n- alcohol or drug misuse\n- family problems\n\nSchizophrenia can also make it difficult to work or attend school. If you can’t work or support yourself financially, there’s a higher risk of a lower quality of life.\n\n## [Schizophrenia diagnosis and tests]()\nThere isn’t a single test to diagnose schizophrenia. A complete psychiatric exam can help healthcare professionals make a diagnosis. A psychiatrist or mental health professional can do this.\n\nAt your appointment, expect to answer questions about your:\n\n- medical history\n- mental health\n- family medical history\n\nYour healthcare professional may conduct the following:\n\n- a physical exam\n- blood work\n- imaging tests, including an [MRI](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/head-mri) or [CT scan](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/cranial-ct-scan)\n\nSometimes, there can be other reasons for your symptoms, even though they may be similar to those of schizophrenia. These reasons may include:\n\n- substance use\n- certain medications\n- other mental health conditions\n\nYour healthcare team may diagnose schizophrenia if you’ve had at least two symptoms for a 1-month period. These symptoms must include:\n\n- hallucinations\n- delusions\n- disorganized speech\n\n## [Schizophrenia treatments]()\nThere’s [no cure for schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/can-schizophrenia-be-cured). Current treatments focus on managing or reducing the severity of symptoms.\n\nIt’s important to get treatment from a psychiatrist or mental health professional who has experience treating people with this disorder. You may also work with a social worker or a case manager, too.\n\nPossible treatments include the following:\n\n### Medications\nAntipsychotic medication is the most common [treatment for schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/mental-health\/schizophrenia-treatment). Medication can help manage:\n\n- hallucinations\n- delusions\n### Psychosocial intervention\nAnother treatment option for schizophrenia is psychosocial intervention. This includes individual therapy to help you cope with stress and your diagnosis.\n\nSocial training can improve your social and communication skills.\n\n### Vocational rehabilitation\nVocational rehabilitation can provide you with the skills you need to return to work. It may make maintaining a regular job easier.\n\n### Family support and education\nIf you or someone you care about has received a diagnosis of schizophrenia, having support from family and friends can help lower stress and create a feeling of inclusion. There are educational programs available for family members that can help everyone spot the symptoms and provide support when needed.\n\nA good place to start is the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s [support and education page](https:\/\/www.nami.org\/Support-Education).\n\n## [Childhood schizophrenia]()\nA diagnosis of schizophrenia is common in people in their teens and early 20s. Although less common, it can begin earlier. When symptoms occur before age 13 years, the condition is sometimes called early onset or [childhood schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/understanding-schizophrenia).\n\nDiagnosing this condition is difficult. Behavior changes aren’t unusual as children and teens develop. Plus, some of the most common symptoms of this mental health disorder also show up in other conditions. These include:\n\n- [depression](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/adolescent-depression)\n- [bipolar disorder](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/bipolar-disorder\/bipolar-vs-schizophrenia)\n- [attention disorders](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/adhd\/adhd-misdiagnosis)\n\nSymptoms of childhood schizophrenia include:\n\n- unusual fears or anxieties (paranoia)\n- sleeping problems\n- mood changes\n- hearing voices or seeing things (hallucinations)\n- decreased attention to self-care\n- sudden changes in behavior\n- deterioration in academic performance\n- odd beliefs or thinking\n\nIt’s important to separate the behaviors that may occur in growing children and teenagers with symptoms of a serious mental health condition.\n\nHowever, if you are concerned that your child has acquired some new, worrying behaviors, it’s essential to talk with a mental health professional as soon as you can.\n\nNo matter what the issue is, a professional can support you to make the best decision for your family.\n\n## [Schizophrenia vs. psychosis]()\nSchizophrenia and [psychosis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/psychosis) may be confused with one another, but they’re not the same. One is a mental health condition, and the other is a symptom or group of symptoms.\n\nPsychosis is one element or symptom of several mental health disorders, including schizophrenia. Psychosis can also occur in people with no other mental health symptoms.\n\nAlthough psychosis can occur in people with schizophrenia, not everyone with this disorder will experience psychosis. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, seek treatment immediately.\n\n## [Schizophrenia vs. bipolar disorder]()\nSchizophrenia and [bipolar disorder](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/bipolar-disorder) are both chronic mental health conditions. They may share some characteristics, but there are distinct differences.\n\nBipolar disorder causes strong mood changes. These changes switch between [mania](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/what-a-bipolar-manic-episode-feels-like) and [depression](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/bipolar-disorder\/depression).\n\nDuring these [episodes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/bipolar-disorder\/episodes), it’s possible that someone with bipolar disorder will experience hallucinations or delusions, especially in a manic episode. Experiencing [psychosis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/bipolar-disorder\/bipolar-psychosis) along with mood changes may make completing everyday tasks harder.\n\nLikewise, people with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations or delusions, but they’re also very likely to experience disorganized thinking and speech. Unlike someone with bipolar disorder during a manic episode, the symptoms of psychosis aren’t accompanied by mania.\n\nNo medical test can determine which condition you have. Instead, your healthcare professional may refer you to a mental health professional who will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and order some tests to help rule out possible medical causes. These tests could include blood tests, imaging tests, and drug screening tests.\n\n## [Schizophrenia prognosis]()\nWhile a schizophrenia diagnosis can come with an increased risk of mortality due to co-occurring conditions and the risk of suicide, proper treatment can help an individual live a productive and happy life.\n\nLike many chronic conditions, a person’s outlook depends on a lot of personal factors, including how early a diagnosis was made, how much an individual is able and willing to follow a treatment plan, and their support system.\n\n### Help is out there\nIf you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:\n\n- Call or text the [988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline](https:\/\/988lifeline.org\/) at 988 or chat at [988lifeline.org](http:\/\/www.988lifeline.org\/). Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24\/7.\n- Text HOME to the [Crisis Text Line](https:\/\/www.crisistextline.org\/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsPDQrdXH5wIVBRx9Ch1YdQjIEAAYASAAEgJ_1_D_BwE) at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24\/7.\n- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with [Befrienders Worldwide](https:\/\/www.befrienders.org\/).\n- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.\n\nIf you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.\n\nIf you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.\n\n## [Schizophrenia statistics]()\n- Schizophrenia is typically diagnosed in people in their\n  [late teens to early 30s](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/schizophrenia.shtml)\n  .\n- Men tend to show symptoms earlier, and cannabis use disorder\n  [may be](https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/news-events\/news-releases\/young-men-highest-risk-schizophrenia-linked-cannabis-use-disorder)\n  a contributing factor. Men also receive a diagnosis earlier than others, between\n  [late adolescence and their early 20s](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/schizophrenia.shtml)\n  .\n- Women tend to receive a diagnosis later than men, from their\n  [early 20s to early 30s](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/schizophrenia.shtml)\n  .\n- Research suggests that schizophrenia occurs in\n  [less than 1%](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/schizophrenia.shtml)\n  of people. It affects\n  [more than 24 million](http:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/schizophrenia)\n  people around the world.\n- Worldwide, schizophrenia is\n  [one of the top](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/schizophrenia)\n  causes of disability.\n- [Almost half](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/schizophrenia.shtml)\n  of people with schizophrenia also have other mental health issues.\n\n## [Schizophrenia prevention]()\nThere’s no real way to prevent schizophrenia. Still, identifying who’s at risk and how to prevent the disorder from occurring in at-risk individuals has been an important focus of researchers in recent years.\n\nAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), [at least one-third](https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/schizophrenia) of people with schizophrenia experience a complete remission of symptoms. To get on the road to improvement, it’s important to:\n\n- learn about your condition\n- understand the risk factors\n- follow your healthcare team’s treatment plan\n\n## [The takeaway]()\nSchizophrenia symptoms can go away for a while and then return, but it’s possible to enjoy a healthy, symptom-free life. Following your healthcare professional’s recommendations will improve your outlook.\n\nIf you’re looking for information on programs that provide services for the assessment and treatment of early signs and symptoms of psychosis or schizophrenia, you can look for a facility near you using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s [Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator](https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/esmi-treatment-locator) and the [Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET) Clinics locator](https:\/\/nationalepinet.org\/epinet-clinics\/).\n\n[Read this article in Spanish.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/es\/esquizofrenia)\n\n### How we reviewed this article:\nSources\n\nHistory\n\nHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/process).\n\n- Causes: Schizophrenia. (2023).  \n  <https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/conditions\/schizophrenia\/causes\/>\n- Hany M, et al. (2024). Schizophrenia.  \n  <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK539864\/>\n- Keshavan MS, et al. (2021). Neuroimaging in schizophrenia.  \n  <https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7724147\/>\n- National Institutes of Health. (2023). Young men at highest risk of schizophrenia linked with cannabis use disorder \\[Press release\\].  \n  <https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/news-events\/news-releases\/young-men-highest-risk-schizophrenia-linked-cannabis-use-disorder>\n- Schizophrenia \\[Fact sheet\\]. (2022).  \n  <https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/schizophrenia>\n- Schizophrenia. (2024).  \n  <https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/schizophrenia>\n- Schizophrenia. (n.d.).  \n  <https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/schizophrenia>\n- Tandon R, et al. (2024). The schizophrenia syndrome, circa 2024: What we know and how that informs its nature.  \n  [https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0920996423004279?via%3Dihub](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0920996423004279?via%3Dihub)\n- What is schizophrenia? (2024).  \n  <https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/schizophrenia\/what-is-schizophrenia>\n\nShare this article\n\n![](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Yalda-Safai-500x500-Bio1.png?w=105&h=105)\n\nMedically reviewed by [Yalda Safai, MD, MPH](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/reviewers\/yalda-safai-md-mph) — Written by [Valencia Higuera](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/authors\/valencia-higuera) —  Updated on May 19, 2025\n\n## More in [Understanding Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/program\/understanding-schizophrenia)\n- [8 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/what-to-ask-doctor-about-schizophrenia)\n- [Schizophrenia Vs. Schizoid Personality Disorder: What’s the Difference?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia-vs-schizoid-personality-disorder)\n- [Types of Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia-types)\n- [View all](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/program\/understanding-schizophrenia)\n\n© 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/contact-us)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/privacy-policy)\n- Privacy Settings\n- [Advertising Policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/advertising-policy)\n- [Health Topics](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/directory\/topics)\n\n- [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/sitemap)\n- [Medical Affairs](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n- [Content Integrity](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/content-integrity)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/newsletter-signup)\n- © 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n© 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n[About](https:\/\/www.healthlinemedia.com\/?utm_source=healthline.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=about)[Careers](https:\/\/rvohealth.com\/careers)[Advertise with us](https:\/\/www.healthlinemedia.com\/advertise?utm_source=healthline.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=advertise)\n\nOUR BRANDS\n\n[Healthline](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/)[Medical News Today](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/)[Greatist](https:\/\/greatist.com\/)[Psych Central](https:\/\/psychcentral.com\/)[Bezzy](https:\/\/bezzy.com\/)\n\n![](http:\/\/b.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=38584006&cv=3.9&cj=1&comscorekw=main)","attrs_readable_markdown":"People with schizophrenia experience distortions of reality, often in the form of delusions or hallucinations.\n\nAlthough exact estimates are difficult to obtain, researchers estimate that schizophrenia affects less than [1%](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/schizophrenia) of the global population.\n\nMisconceptions about this disorder are common. For example, some people think schizophrenia creates a “split personality.” In fact, schizophrenia and split personality — properly termed [dissociative identity disorder](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/dissociative-identity-disorder) — are two different disorders.\n\nSchizophrenia can occur in people of all ages. According to the [American Psychiatric Association](https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/schizophrenia\/what-is-schizophrenia), men often develop symptoms in their late teens or early 20s. Women tend to show signs in their late 20s and early 30s. A [2022 report](https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/news-events\/news-releases\/young-men-highest-risk-schizophrenia-linked-cannabis-use-disorder) states that young men with cannabis use disorder are at the highest risk of developing schizophrenia.\n\nHere’s what you need to know about this mental health condition.\n\nEarly symptoms\n\nSymptoms of this disorder commonly appear in the teenage years and early 20s. At these ages, the earliest symptoms may get overlooked because they mirror certain “typical” adolescent behaviors.\n\nEarly symptoms can include:\n\n- isolating oneself from friends and family\n- changing friends or social groups\n- a change in focus and concentration\n- sleeping problems\n- irritability and agitation\n- difficulties with schoolwork, or low academic performance\n- anxiety\n- vague suspiciousness\n- odd ideas\n- feeling different from others\n\nWhen it comes to more advanced symptoms, these tend to fall into three distinct categories: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms.\n\nThe terms “positive” and “negative” have different connotations here: “Positive” symptoms mean added thoughts or actions to one’s typical experience. “Negative” symptoms are the absence of typical behaviors.\n\nPositive symptoms\n\nPositive symptoms of schizophrenia aren’t typical in individuals without schizophrenia or other types of severe mental illness. These behaviors include:\n\n- **Hallucinations:** [Hallucinations](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/hallucinations) are experiences that appear real but are created by your mind. They include seeing things, hearing voices, or smelling things that others around you don’t experience.\n- **Delusions:** A delusion occurs when you believe something despite evidence or facts to the contrary.\n- **Paranoia:** Paranoia is when someone is unusually distrustful of others or firmly believes they are being followed or persecuted.\n\nNegative symptoms\n\nNegative symptoms of schizophrenia interrupt a person’s typical emotions, behaviors, and abilities. These symptoms include:\n\n- reduction in speaking\n- odd emotional responses to situations\n- a lack of emotion or expressions\n- loss of interest or excitement for life\n- social isolation\n- trouble experiencing pleasure\n- difficulty beginning or following through with plans\n- difficulty completing normal everyday activities\n\nCognitive symptoms\n\nCognitive symptoms are labeled as such because they illustrate that someone is having trouble with certain mental functions. These symptoms include:\n\n- disorganized thinking or speech, such as when a person changes topics rapidly when speaking or uses made-up words or phrases\n- forgetfulness\n- disorganized thinking, such as trouble focusing or paying attention\n- impaired “executive functioning,” or understanding information and using it to make decisions\n- problems learning information and using it\n\nSymptoms of schizophrenia can vary in severity and type. They may worsen if an individual is experiencing heightened stress, using substances, or is not taking their prescribed medications correctly.\n\nThe exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. Medical researchers believe several factors can contribute, including:\n\n- biological\n- genetic\n- environmental\n\n[Research](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7724147\/) suggests that imaging tests completed on people with schizophrenia may show abnormalities in certain brain structures.\n\nRisk factors\n\nEven though it’s still not known what causes schizophrenia, researchers believe genetics may play a role. People with a family history of schizophrenia have a [higher risk](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK539864\/) of developing this disorder.\n\nOther risk factors for schizophrenia may [include](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK539864\/):\n\n- having exposure to toxins, a virus, or malnutrition before birth or during infancy\n- using mind-altering drugs\n- living in a highly stressful situation\n- taking mind-altering drugs in adolescence or young adulthood\n\nSchizophrenia is a serious mental illness that should not be ignored or left untreated. The condition increases the risk of serious complications, such as:\n\n- self-injury or suicide\n- [anxiety](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/anxiety-symptoms)\n- [phobias](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/phobia-simple-specific)\n- [depression](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/depression)\n- alcohol or drug misuse\n- family problems\n\nSchizophrenia can also make it difficult to work or attend school. If you can’t work or support yourself financially, there’s a higher risk of a lower quality of life.\n\nThere isn’t a single test to diagnose schizophrenia. A complete psychiatric exam can help healthcare professionals make a diagnosis. A psychiatrist or mental health professional can do this.\n\nAt your appointment, expect to answer questions about your:\n\n- medical history\n- mental health\n- family medical history\n\nYour healthcare professional may conduct the following:\n\n- a physical exam\n- blood work\n- imaging tests, including an [MRI](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/head-mri) or [CT scan](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/cranial-ct-scan)\n\nSometimes, there can be other reasons for your symptoms, even though they may be similar to those of schizophrenia. These reasons may include:\n\n- substance use\n- certain medications\n- other mental health conditions\n\nYour healthcare team may diagnose schizophrenia if you’ve had at least two symptoms for a 1-month period. These symptoms must include:\n\n- hallucinations\n- delusions\n- disorganized speech\n\nThere’s [no cure for schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schizophrenia\/can-schizophrenia-be-cured). Current treatments focus on managing or reducing the severity of symptoms.\n\nIt’s important to get treatment from a psychiatrist or mental health professional who has experience treating people with this disorder. You may also work with a social worker or a case manager, too.\n\nPossible treatments include the following:\n\nMedications\n\n- hallucinations\n- delusions\n\nPsychosocial intervention\n\nAnother treatment option for schizophrenia is psychosocial intervention. This includes individual therapy to help you cope with stress and your diagnosis.\n\nSocial training can improve your social and communication skills.\n\nVocational rehabilitation\n\nVocational rehabilitation can provide you with the skills you need to return to work. It may make maintaining a regular job easier.\n\nFamily support and education\n\nIf you or someone you care about has received a diagnosis of schizophrenia, having support from family and friends can help lower stress and create a feeling of inclusion. There are educational programs available for family members that can help everyone spot the symptoms and provide support when needed.\n\nA diagnosis of schizophrenia is common in people in their teens and early 20s. Although less common, it can begin earlier. When symptoms occur before age 13 years, the condition is sometimes called early onset or [childhood schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/understanding-schizophrenia).\n\nDiagnosing this condition is difficult. Behavior changes aren’t unusual as children and teens develop. Plus, some of the most common symptoms of this mental health disorder also show up in other conditions. These include:\n\n- [depression](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/adolescent-depression)\n- [bipolar disorder](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/bipolar-disorder\/bipolar-vs-schizophrenia)\n- [attention disorders](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/adhd\/adhd-misdiagnosis)\n\nSymptoms of childhood schizophrenia include:\n\n- unusual fears or anxieties (paranoia)\n- sleeping problems\n- mood changes\n- hearing voices or seeing things (hallucinations)\n- decreased attention to self-care\n- sudden changes in behavior\n- deterioration in academic performance\n- odd beliefs or thinking\n\nIt’s important to separate the behaviors that may occur in growing children and teenagers with symptoms of a serious mental health condition.\n\nHowever, if you are concerned that your child has acquired some new, worrying behaviors, it’s essential to talk with a mental health professional as soon as you can.\n\nNo matter what the issue is, a professional can support you to make the best decision for your family.\n\nSchizophrenia and [psychosis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/psychosis) may be confused with one another, but they’re not the same. One is a mental health condition, and the other is a symptom or group of symptoms.\n\nPsychosis is one element or symptom of several mental health disorders, including schizophrenia. Psychosis can also occur in people with no other mental health symptoms.\n\nAlthough psychosis can occur in people with schizophrenia, not everyone with this disorder will experience psychosis. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, seek treatment immediately.\n\nSchizophrenia and [bipolar disorder](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/bipolar-disorder) are both chronic mental health conditions. They may share some characteristics, but there are distinct differences.\n\nBipolar disorder causes strong mood changes. These changes switch between [mania](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/what-a-bipolar-manic-episode-feels-like) and [depression](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/bipolar-disorder\/depression).\n\nDuring these [episodes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/bipolar-disorder\/episodes), it’s possible that someone with bipolar disorder will experience hallucinations or delusions, especially in a manic episode. Experiencing [psychosis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/bipolar-disorder\/bipolar-psychosis) along with mood changes may make completing everyday tasks harder.\n\nLikewise, people with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations or delusions, but they’re also very likely to experience disorganized thinking and speech. Unlike someone with bipolar disorder during a manic episode, the symptoms of psychosis aren’t accompanied by mania.\n\nNo medical test can determine which condition you have. Instead, your healthcare professional may refer you to a mental health professional who will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and order some tests to help rule out possible medical causes. These tests could include blood tests, imaging tests, and drug screening tests.\n\nWhile a schizophrenia diagnosis can come with an increased risk of mortality due to co-occurring conditions and the risk of suicide, proper treatment can help an individual live a productive and happy life.\n\nLike many chronic conditions, a person’s outlook depends on a lot of personal factors, including how early a diagnosis was made, how much an individual is able and willing to follow a treatment plan, and their support system.\n\n- Schizophrenia is typically diagnosed in people in their\n  [late teens to early 30s](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/schizophrenia.shtml)\n  .\n- Men tend to show symptoms earlier, and cannabis use disorder\n  [may be](https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/news-events\/news-releases\/young-men-highest-risk-schizophrenia-linked-cannabis-use-disorder)\n  a contributing factor. Men also receive a diagnosis earlier than others, between\n  [late adolescence and their early 20s](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/schizophrenia.shtml)\n  .\n- Women tend to receive a diagnosis later than men, from their\n  [early 20s to early 30s](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/schizophrenia.shtml)\n  .\n- Research suggests that schizophrenia occurs in\n  [less than 1%](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/schizophrenia.shtml)\n  of people. It affects\n  [more than 24 million](http:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/schizophrenia)\n  people around the world.\n- Worldwide, schizophrenia is\n  [one of the top](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/schizophrenia)\n  causes of disability.\n- [Almost half](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/schizophrenia.shtml)\n  of people with schizophrenia also have other mental health issues.\n\nThere’s no real way to prevent schizophrenia. Still, identifying who’s at risk and how to prevent the disorder from occurring in at-risk individuals has been an important focus of researchers in recent years.\n\nAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), [at least one-third](https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/schizophrenia) of people with schizophrenia experience a complete remission of symptoms. To get on the road to improvement, it’s important to:\n\n- learn about your condition\n- understand the risk factors\n- follow your healthcare team’s treatment plan\n\nSchizophrenia symptoms can go away for a while and then return, but it’s possible to enjoy a healthy, symptom-free life. Following your healthcare professional’s recommendations will improve your outlook.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prognosis
Meta Description	We explain everything you need to know about schizophrenia, including its early symptoms, complications, treatments, and more.
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Boilerpipe Text	People with schizophrenia experience distortions of reality, often in the form of delusions or hallucinations. Although exact estimates are difficult to obtain, researchers estimate that schizophrenia affects less than 1% of the global population. Misconceptions about this disorder are common. For example, some people think schizophrenia creates a “split personality.” In fact, schizophrenia and split personality — properly termed dissociative identity disorder — are two different disorders. Schizophrenia can occur in people of all ages. According to the American Psychiatric Association , men often develop symptoms in their late teens or early 20s. Women tend to show signs in their late 20s and early 30s. A 2022 report states that young men with cannabis use disorder are at the highest risk of developing schizophrenia. Here’s what you need to know about this mental health condition. Early symptoms Symptoms of this disorder commonly appear in the teenage years and early 20s. At these ages, the earliest symptoms may get overlooked because they mirror certain “typical” adolescent behaviors. Early symptoms can include: isolating oneself from friends and family changing friends or social groups a change in focus and concentration sleeping problems irritability and agitation difficulties with schoolwork, or low academic performance anxiety vague suspiciousness odd ideas feeling different from others When it comes to more advanced symptoms, these tend to fall into three distinct categories: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms. The terms “positive” and “negative” have different connotations here: “Positive” symptoms mean added thoughts or actions to one’s typical experience. “Negative” symptoms are the absence of typical behaviors. Positive symptoms Positive symptoms of schizophrenia aren’t typical in individuals without schizophrenia or other types of severe mental illness. These behaviors include: Hallucinations: Hallucinations are experiences that appear real but are created by your mind. They include seeing things, hearing voices, or smelling things that others around you don’t experience. Delusions: A delusion occurs when you believe something despite evidence or facts to the contrary. Paranoia: Paranoia is when someone is unusually distrustful of others or firmly believes they are being followed or persecuted. Negative symptoms Negative symptoms of schizophrenia interrupt a person’s typical emotions, behaviors, and abilities. These symptoms include: reduction in speaking odd emotional responses to situations a lack of emotion or expressions loss of interest or excitement for life social isolation trouble experiencing pleasure difficulty beginning or following through with plans difficulty completing normal everyday activities Cognitive symptoms Cognitive symptoms are labeled as such because they illustrate that someone is having trouble with certain mental functions. These symptoms include: disorganized thinking or speech, such as when a person changes topics rapidly when speaking or uses made-up words or phrases forgetfulness disorganized thinking, such as trouble focusing or paying attention impaired “executive functioning,” or understanding information and using it to make decisions problems learning information and using it Symptoms of schizophrenia can vary in severity and type. They may worsen if an individual is experiencing heightened stress, using substances, or is not taking their prescribed medications correctly. The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. Medical researchers believe several factors can contribute, including: biological genetic environmental Research suggests that imaging tests completed on people with schizophrenia may show abnormalities in certain brain structures. Risk factors Even though it’s still not known what causes schizophrenia, researchers believe genetics may play a role. People with a family history of schizophrenia have a higher risk of developing this disorder. Other risk factors for schizophrenia may include : having exposure to toxins, a virus, or malnutrition before birth or during infancy using mind-altering drugs living in a highly stressful situation taking mind-altering drugs in adolescence or young adulthood Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that should not be ignored or left untreated. The condition increases the risk of serious complications, such as: self-injury or suicide anxiety phobias depression alcohol or drug misuse family problems Schizophrenia can also make it difficult to work or attend school. If you can’t work or support yourself financially, there’s a higher risk of a lower quality of life. There isn’t a single test to diagnose schizophrenia. A complete psychiatric exam can help healthcare professionals make a diagnosis. A psychiatrist or mental health professional can do this. At your appointment, expect to answer questions about your: medical history mental health family medical history Your healthcare professional may conduct the following: a physical exam blood work imaging tests, including an MRI or CT scan Sometimes, there can be other reasons for your symptoms, even though they may be similar to those of schizophrenia. These reasons may include: substance use certain medications other mental health conditions Your healthcare team may diagnose schizophrenia if you’ve had at least two symptoms for a 1-month period. These symptoms must include: hallucinations delusions disorganized speech There’s no cure for schizophrenia . Current treatments focus on managing or reducing the severity of symptoms. It’s important to get treatment from a psychiatrist or mental health professional who has experience treating people with this disorder. You may also work with a social worker or a case manager, too. Possible treatments include the following: Medications hallucinations delusions Psychosocial intervention Another treatment option for schizophrenia is psychosocial intervention. This includes individual therapy to help you cope with stress and your diagnosis. Social training can improve your social and communication skills. Vocational rehabilitation Vocational rehabilitation can provide you with the skills you need to return to work. It may make maintaining a regular job easier. Family support and education If you or someone you care about has received a diagnosis of schizophrenia, having support from family and friends can help lower stress and create a feeling of inclusion. There are educational programs available for family members that can help everyone spot the symptoms and provide support when needed. A diagnosis of schizophrenia is common in people in their teens and early 20s. Although less common, it can begin earlier. When symptoms occur before age 13 years, the condition is sometimes called early onset or childhood schizophrenia . Diagnosing this condition is difficult. Behavior changes aren’t unusual as children and teens develop. Plus, some of the most common symptoms of this mental health disorder also show up in other conditions. These include: depression bipolar disorder attention disorders Symptoms of childhood schizophrenia include: unusual fears or anxieties (paranoia) sleeping problems mood changes hearing voices or seeing things (hallucinations) decreased attention to self-care sudden changes in behavior deterioration in academic performance odd beliefs or thinking It’s important to separate the behaviors that may occur in growing children and teenagers with symptoms of a serious mental health condition. However, if you are concerned that your child has acquired some new, worrying behaviors, it’s essential to talk with a mental health professional as soon as you can. No matter what the issue is, a professional can support you to make the best decision for your family. Schizophrenia and psychosis may be confused with one another, but they’re not the same. One is a mental health condition, and the other is a symptom or group of symptoms. Psychosis is one element or symptom of several mental health disorders, including schizophrenia. Psychosis can also occur in people with no other mental health symptoms. Although psychosis can occur in people with schizophrenia, not everyone with this disorder will experience psychosis. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, seek treatment immediately. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are both chronic mental health conditions. They may share some characteristics, but there are distinct differences. Bipolar disorder causes strong mood changes. These changes switch between mania and depression . During these episodes , it’s possible that someone with bipolar disorder will experience hallucinations or delusions, especially in a manic episode. Experiencing psychosis along with mood changes may make completing everyday tasks harder. Likewise, people with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations or delusions, but they’re also very likely to experience disorganized thinking and speech. Unlike someone with bipolar disorder during a manic episode, the symptoms of psychosis aren’t accompanied by mania. No medical test can determine which condition you have. Instead, your healthcare professional may refer you to a mental health professional who will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and order some tests to help rule out possible medical causes. These tests could include blood tests, imaging tests, and drug screening tests. While a schizophrenia diagnosis can come with an increased risk of mortality due to co-occurring conditions and the risk of suicide, proper treatment can help an individual live a productive and happy life. Like many chronic conditions, a person’s outlook depends on a lot of personal factors, including how early a diagnosis was made, how much an individual is able and willing to follow a treatment plan, and their support system. Schizophrenia is typically diagnosed in people in their late teens to early 30s . Men tend to show symptoms earlier, and cannabis use disorder may be a contributing factor. Men also receive a diagnosis earlier than others, between late adolescence and their early 20s . Women tend to receive a diagnosis later than men, from their early 20s to early 30s . Research suggests that schizophrenia occurs in less than 1% of people. It affects more than 24 million people around the world. Worldwide, schizophrenia is one of the top causes of disability. Almost half of people with schizophrenia also have other mental health issues. There’s no real way to prevent schizophrenia. Still, identifying who’s at risk and how to prevent the disorder from occurring in at-risk individuals has been an important focus of researchers in recent years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least one-third of people with schizophrenia experience a complete remission of symptoms. To get on the road to improvement, it’s important to: learn about your condition understand the risk factors follow your healthcare team’s treatment plan Schizophrenia symptoms can go away for a while and then return, but it’s possible to enjoy a healthy, symptom-free life. Following your healthcare professional’s recommendations will improve your outlook.
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Connect with us for all things health. Subscribe Explore more in - Related Conditions - Types - Symptoms - Causes & Risk Factors - Management - Treatment - Diagnosis - Complications - Prognosis Schizophrenia #### Related Hubs [![Mental Well-Being](https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/digestive-health-crohns-disease.png)Mental Well-Being A holistic guide to care](https://www.healthline.com/mental-health) #### Related Topics - ### Related Conditions Related Conditions #### Related Articles - [Vs. Bipolar Disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-vs-schizophrenia) - [Vs. Borderline Personality Disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/borderline-personality-disorder-and-schizophrenia) - [Vs. Delusional Disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/delusional-disorder-vs-schizophrenia) - [Vs. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/did-vs-schizophrenia) - [Related Conditions](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/is-schizophrenia-a-personality-disorder) - [Vs. Psychosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/psychosis-vs-schizophrenia) - [Vs. Schizoaffective Disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/schizoaffective-disorder-vs-schizophrenia) - [Vs. Anxiety](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-and-anxiety) - ### Types Types #### Related Articles - [Bipolar Schizoaffective Disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-schizoaffective-disorder) - [Catatonic Schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/health/catatonic-schizophrenia) - [High Functioning Schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/health/high-functioning-schizophrenia) - [Types](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia-types) - [Acute Schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/acute-schizophrenia) - [Without Hallucinations](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/can-you-have-schizophrenia-without-hallucinations) - [Cenesthopathic](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/cenesthopathic-schizophrenia) - [Disorganized (Hebephrenic) Schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/disorganized-hebephrenic-schizophrenia) - [In Females](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/female-schizophrenia) - [Paranoid Schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/paranoid-schizophrenia) - [Schizophreniform Disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/schizophreniform) - ### Symptoms Symptoms #### Related Articles - [Early Signs](https://www.healthline.com/health/early-signs-of-schizophrenia) - [Hallucinations vs. Delusions](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/hallucinations-vs-delusions) - [Hearing Voices](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/i-hear-voices-in-my-head) - [Phases](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/phases-of-schizophrenia) - [Hallucinations](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia-hallucinations) - [Symptoms](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/symptoms) - [Types of Delusions](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/types-of-delusions-in-schizophrenia) - [Flat Affect](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/what-is-flat-affect-in-schizophrenia) - ### Causes & Risk Factors Causes & Risk Factors #### Related Articles - [Genetics](https://www.healthline.com/health/is-schizophrenia-hereditary) - [Causes](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia-causes) - [Drug-Induced Schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/drug-induced-schizophrenia) - [Alcohol Use](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-and-alcohol) - [Dopamine](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-and-dopamine) - ### Management Management #### Related Articles - [Online Support Groups](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/schizophrenia-support-group) - [CBD](https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-for-schizophrenia) - [In Relationships](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia-and-intimacy) - [Management](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/alternative-treatments) - [Supporting a Loved One](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/how-to-help-someone-with-schizophrenia) - [Sleep](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-and-sleep) - [Employment](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/what-is-a-good-job-for-someone-with-schizophrenia) - ### Treatment Treatment #### Related Articles - [Treatment](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/schizophrenia-treatment) - [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-schizophrenia) - [Electroconvulsive Therapy](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/ect-for-schizophrenia) - [Art Therapy](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-art) - [Injections](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-injection) - ### Diagnosis Diagnosis #### Related Articles - [Clock Drawing Test](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/clock-drawing-test-schizophrenia) - [Diagnosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/how-is-schizophrenia-diagnosed) - [Lab Tests](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/laboratory-tests-for-schizophrenia) - [Age of Onset](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-age-of-onset) - [Brain Imaging](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-brain-scan) - ### Complications Complications #### Related Articles - [Dementia Risk](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-and-dementia) - [Eye Changes](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-eyes) - [Suicide Risk](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/suicide-in-schizophrenia) - ### Prognosis Prognosis #### Related Articles - [Outlook](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-life-expectancy) # What Do You Want to Know About Schizophrenia? ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Yalda-Safai-500x500-Bio1.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Yalda Safai, MD, MPH]() — Written by [Valencia Higuera]() — [Updated on May 19, 2025]() - [Symptoms](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia#symptoms) - [Causes](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia#causes) - [Complications](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia#complications) - [Diagnosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia#diagnosis) - [Treatments](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia#treatments) - [In children](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia#in-children) - [Vs. psychosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia#vs-psychosis) - [Vs. bipolar disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia#vs-bipolar-disorder) - [Prognosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia#prognosis) - [Statistics](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia#statistics) - [Prevention](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia#prevention) - [Takeaway](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia#takeaway) ### Key takeaways - Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition affecting less than 1% of the global population, with males typically showing symptoms in their late teens or early 20s and females in their late 20s or early 30s. - Common symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, reduction in speaking, social isolation, and difficulty completing normal everyday activities. - While there’s no cure for schizophrenia, treatments include medications, psychosocial intervention, and vocational rehabilitation to help manage symptoms. People with schizophrenia experience distortions of reality, often in the form of delusions or hallucinations. Although exact estimates are difficult to obtain, researchers estimate that schizophrenia affects less than [1%](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia) of the global population. Misconceptions about this disorder are common. For example, some people think schizophrenia creates a “split personality.” In fact, schizophrenia and split personality — properly termed [dissociative identity disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/dissociative-identity-disorder) — are two different disorders. Schizophrenia can occur in people of all ages. According to the [American Psychiatric Association](https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia), men often develop symptoms in their late teens or early 20s. Women tend to show signs in their late 20s and early 30s. A [2022 report](https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/young-men-highest-risk-schizophrenia-linked-cannabis-use-disorder) states that young men with cannabis use disorder are at the highest risk of developing schizophrenia. Here’s what you need to know about this mental health condition. ## [Symptoms of schizophrenia]() [Symptoms of schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/symptoms) may include the following: ### Early symptoms Symptoms of this disorder commonly appear in the teenage years and early 20s. At these ages, the earliest symptoms may get overlooked because they mirror certain “typical” adolescent behaviors. Early symptoms can include: - isolating oneself from friends and family - changing friends or social groups - a change in focus and concentration - sleeping problems - irritability and agitation - difficulties with schoolwork, or low academic performance - anxiety - vague suspiciousness - odd ideas - feeling different from others When it comes to more advanced symptoms, these tend to fall into three distinct categories: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms. The terms “positive” and “negative” have different connotations here: “Positive” symptoms mean added thoughts or actions to one’s typical experience. “Negative” symptoms are the absence of typical behaviors. ### Positive symptoms Positive symptoms of schizophrenia aren’t typical in individuals without schizophrenia or other types of severe mental illness. These behaviors include: - Hallucinations: [Hallucinations](https://www.healthline.com/health/hallucinations) are experiences that appear real but are created by your mind. They include seeing things, hearing voices, or smelling things that others around you don’t experience. - Delusions: A delusion occurs when you believe something despite evidence or facts to the contrary. - Paranoia: Paranoia is when someone is unusually distrustful of others or firmly believes they are being followed or persecuted. ### Negative symptoms Negative symptoms of schizophrenia interrupt a person’s typical emotions, behaviors, and abilities. These symptoms include: - reduction in speaking - odd emotional responses to situations - a lack of emotion or expressions - loss of interest or excitement for life - social isolation - trouble experiencing pleasure - difficulty beginning or following through with plans - difficulty completing normal everyday activities ### Cognitive symptoms Cognitive symptoms are labeled as such because they illustrate that someone is having trouble with certain mental functions. These symptoms include: - disorganized thinking or speech, such as when a person changes topics rapidly when speaking or uses made-up words or phrases - forgetfulness - disorganized thinking, such as trouble focusing or paying attention - impaired “executive functioning,” or understanding information and using it to make decisions - problems learning information and using it Symptoms of schizophrenia can vary in severity and type. They may worsen if an individual is experiencing heightened stress, using substances, or is not taking their prescribed medications correctly. ## [Schizophrenia causes]() The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. Medical researchers believe several factors can contribute, including: - biological - genetic - environmental [Research](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7724147/) suggests that imaging tests completed on people with schizophrenia may show abnormalities in certain brain structures. ### Risk factors Even though it’s still not known what causes schizophrenia, researchers believe genetics may play a role. People with a family history of schizophrenia have a [higher risk](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539864/) of developing this disorder. Other risk factors for schizophrenia may [include](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539864/): - having exposure to toxins, a virus, or malnutrition before birth or during infancy - using mind-altering drugs - living in a highly stressful situation - taking mind-altering drugs in adolescence or young adulthood ## [Schizophrenia complications]() Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that should not be ignored or left untreated. The condition increases the risk of serious complications, such as: - self-injury or suicide - [anxiety](https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-symptoms) - [phobias](https://www.healthline.com/health/phobia-simple-specific) - [depression](https://www.healthline.com/health/depression) - alcohol or drug misuse - family problems Schizophrenia can also make it difficult to work or attend school. If you can’t work or support yourself financially, there’s a higher risk of a lower quality of life. ## [Schizophrenia diagnosis and tests]() There isn’t a single test to diagnose schizophrenia. A complete psychiatric exam can help healthcare professionals make a diagnosis. A psychiatrist or mental health professional can do this. At your appointment, expect to answer questions about your: - medical history - mental health - family medical history Your healthcare professional may conduct the following: - a physical exam - blood work - imaging tests, including an [MRI](https://www.healthline.com/health/head-mri) or [CT scan](https://www.healthline.com/health/cranial-ct-scan) Sometimes, there can be other reasons for your symptoms, even though they may be similar to those of schizophrenia. These reasons may include: - substance use - certain medications - other mental health conditions Your healthcare team may diagnose schizophrenia if you’ve had at least two symptoms for a 1-month period. These symptoms must include: - hallucinations - delusions - disorganized speech ## [Schizophrenia treatments]() There’s [no cure for schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/can-schizophrenia-be-cured). Current treatments focus on managing or reducing the severity of symptoms. It’s important to get treatment from a psychiatrist or mental health professional who has experience treating people with this disorder. You may also work with a social worker or a case manager, too. Possible treatments include the following: ### Medications Antipsychotic medication is the most common [treatment for schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/schizophrenia-treatment). Medication can help manage: - hallucinations - delusions ### Psychosocial intervention Another treatment option for schizophrenia is psychosocial intervention. This includes individual therapy to help you cope with stress and your diagnosis. Social training can improve your social and communication skills. ### Vocational rehabilitation Vocational rehabilitation can provide you with the skills you need to return to work. It may make maintaining a regular job easier. ### Family support and education If you or someone you care about has received a diagnosis of schizophrenia, having support from family and friends can help lower stress and create a feeling of inclusion. There are educational programs available for family members that can help everyone spot the symptoms and provide support when needed. A good place to start is the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s [support and education page](https://www.nami.org/Support-Education). ## [Childhood schizophrenia]() A diagnosis of schizophrenia is common in people in their teens and early 20s. Although less common, it can begin earlier. When symptoms occur before age 13 years, the condition is sometimes called early onset or [childhood schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/health/understanding-schizophrenia). Diagnosing this condition is difficult. Behavior changes aren’t unusual as children and teens develop. Plus, some of the most common symptoms of this mental health disorder also show up in other conditions. These include: - [depression](https://www.healthline.com/health/adolescent-depression) - [bipolar disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-vs-schizophrenia) - [attention disorders](https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adhd-misdiagnosis) Symptoms of childhood schizophrenia include: - unusual fears or anxieties (paranoia) - sleeping problems - mood changes - hearing voices or seeing things (hallucinations) - decreased attention to self-care - sudden changes in behavior - deterioration in academic performance - odd beliefs or thinking It’s important to separate the behaviors that may occur in growing children and teenagers with symptoms of a serious mental health condition. However, if you are concerned that your child has acquired some new, worrying behaviors, it’s essential to talk with a mental health professional as soon as you can. No matter what the issue is, a professional can support you to make the best decision for your family. ## [Schizophrenia vs. psychosis]() Schizophrenia and [psychosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/psychosis) may be confused with one another, but they’re not the same. One is a mental health condition, and the other is a symptom or group of symptoms. Psychosis is one element or symptom of several mental health disorders, including schizophrenia. Psychosis can also occur in people with no other mental health symptoms. Although psychosis can occur in people with schizophrenia, not everyone with this disorder will experience psychosis. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, seek treatment immediately. ## [Schizophrenia vs. bipolar disorder]() Schizophrenia and [bipolar disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder) are both chronic mental health conditions. They may share some characteristics, but there are distinct differences. Bipolar disorder causes strong mood changes. These changes switch between [mania](https://www.healthline.com/health/what-a-bipolar-manic-episode-feels-like) and [depression](https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/depression). During these [episodes](https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/episodes), it’s possible that someone with bipolar disorder will experience hallucinations or delusions, especially in a manic episode. Experiencing [psychosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-psychosis) along with mood changes may make completing everyday tasks harder. Likewise, people with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations or delusions, but they’re also very likely to experience disorganized thinking and speech. Unlike someone with bipolar disorder during a manic episode, the symptoms of psychosis aren’t accompanied by mania. No medical test can determine which condition you have. Instead, your healthcare professional may refer you to a mental health professional who will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and order some tests to help rule out possible medical causes. These tests could include blood tests, imaging tests, and drug screening tests. ## [Schizophrenia prognosis]() While a schizophrenia diagnosis can come with an increased risk of mortality due to co-occurring conditions and the risk of suicide, proper treatment can help an individual live a productive and happy life. Like many chronic conditions, a person’s outlook depends on a lot of personal factors, including how early a diagnosis was made, how much an individual is able and willing to follow a treatment plan, and their support system. ### Help is out there If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support: - Call or text the [988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline](https://988lifeline.org/) at 988 or chat at [988lifeline.org](http://www.988lifeline.org/). Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7. - Text HOME to the [Crisis Text Line](https://www.crisistextline.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsPDQrdXH5wIVBRx9Ch1YdQjIEAAYASAAEgJ_1_D_BwE) at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7. - Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with [Befrienders Worldwide](https://www.befrienders.org/). - Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so. If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely. If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives. ## [Schizophrenia statistics]() - Schizophrenia is typically diagnosed in people in their [late teens to early 30s](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml) . - Men tend to show symptoms earlier, and cannabis use disorder [may be](https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/young-men-highest-risk-schizophrenia-linked-cannabis-use-disorder) a contributing factor. Men also receive a diagnosis earlier than others, between [late adolescence and their early 20s](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml) . - Women tend to receive a diagnosis later than men, from their [early 20s to early 30s](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml) . - Research suggests that schizophrenia occurs in [less than 1%](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml) of people. It affects [more than 24 million](http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia) people around the world. - Worldwide, schizophrenia is [one of the top](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia) causes of disability. - [Almost half](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml) of people with schizophrenia also have other mental health issues. ## [Schizophrenia prevention]() There’s no real way to prevent schizophrenia. Still, identifying who’s at risk and how to prevent the disorder from occurring in at-risk individuals has been an important focus of researchers in recent years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), [at least one-third](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia) of people with schizophrenia experience a complete remission of symptoms. To get on the road to improvement, it’s important to: - learn about your condition - understand the risk factors - follow your healthcare team’s treatment plan ## [The takeaway]() Schizophrenia symptoms can go away for a while and then return, but it’s possible to enjoy a healthy, symptom-free life. Following your healthcare professional’s recommendations will improve your outlook. If you’re looking for information on programs that provide services for the assessment and treatment of early signs and symptoms of psychosis or schizophrenia, you can look for a facility near you using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s [Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator](https://www.samhsa.gov/esmi-treatment-locator) and the [Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET) Clinics locator](https://nationalepinet.org/epinet-clinics/). [Read this article in Spanish.](https://www.healthline.com/health/es/esquizofrenia) ### How we reviewed this article: Sources History Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.healthline.com/about/process). - Causes: Schizophrenia. (2023). <https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/causes/> - Hany M, et al. (2024). Schizophrenia. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539864/> - Keshavan MS, et al. (2021). Neuroimaging in schizophrenia. <https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7724147/> - National Institutes of Health. (2023). Young men at highest risk of schizophrenia linked with cannabis use disorder \[Press release\]. <https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/young-men-highest-risk-schizophrenia-linked-cannabis-use-disorder> - Schizophrenia \[Fact sheet\]. (2022). <https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia> - Schizophrenia. (2024). <https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia> - Schizophrenia. (n.d.). <https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia> - Tandon R, et al. (2024). The schizophrenia syndrome, circa 2024: What we know and how that informs its nature. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0920996423004279?via%3Dihub](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0920996423004279?via%3Dihub) - What is schizophrenia? (2024). <https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia> Share this article ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Yalda-Safai-500x500-Bio1.png?w=105&h=105) Medically reviewed by [Yalda Safai, MD, MPH](https://www.healthline.com/reviewers/yalda-safai-md-mph) — Written by [Valencia Higuera](https://www.healthline.com/authors/valencia-higuera) — Updated on May 19, 2025 ## More in [Understanding Schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/program/understanding-schizophrenia) - [8 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/what-to-ask-doctor-about-schizophrenia) - [Schizophrenia Vs. Schizoid Personality Disorder: What’s the Difference?](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia-vs-schizoid-personality-disorder) - [Types of Schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia-types) - [View all](https://www.healthline.com/program/understanding-schizophrenia) © 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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[See additional information](https://www.healthline.com/additional-information). © 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https://www.healthline.com/additional-information). 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Readable Markdown	People with schizophrenia experience distortions of reality, often in the form of delusions or hallucinations. Although exact estimates are difficult to obtain, researchers estimate that schizophrenia affects less than [1%](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia) of the global population. Misconceptions about this disorder are common. For example, some people think schizophrenia creates a “split personality.” In fact, schizophrenia and split personality — properly termed [dissociative identity disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/dissociative-identity-disorder) — are two different disorders. Schizophrenia can occur in people of all ages. According to the [American Psychiatric Association](https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia), men often develop symptoms in their late teens or early 20s. Women tend to show signs in their late 20s and early 30s. A [2022 report](https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/young-men-highest-risk-schizophrenia-linked-cannabis-use-disorder) states that young men with cannabis use disorder are at the highest risk of developing schizophrenia. Here’s what you need to know about this mental health condition. Early symptoms Symptoms of this disorder commonly appear in the teenage years and early 20s. At these ages, the earliest symptoms may get overlooked because they mirror certain “typical” adolescent behaviors. Early symptoms can include: - isolating oneself from friends and family - changing friends or social groups - a change in focus and concentration - sleeping problems - irritability and agitation - difficulties with schoolwork, or low academic performance - anxiety - vague suspiciousness - odd ideas - feeling different from others When it comes to more advanced symptoms, these tend to fall into three distinct categories: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms. The terms “positive” and “negative” have different connotations here: “Positive” symptoms mean added thoughts or actions to one’s typical experience. “Negative” symptoms are the absence of typical behaviors. Positive symptoms Positive symptoms of schizophrenia aren’t typical in individuals without schizophrenia or other types of severe mental illness. These behaviors include: - Hallucinations: [Hallucinations](https://www.healthline.com/health/hallucinations) are experiences that appear real but are created by your mind. They include seeing things, hearing voices, or smelling things that others around you don’t experience. - Delusions: A delusion occurs when you believe something despite evidence or facts to the contrary. - Paranoia: Paranoia is when someone is unusually distrustful of others or firmly believes they are being followed or persecuted. Negative symptoms Negative symptoms of schizophrenia interrupt a person’s typical emotions, behaviors, and abilities. These symptoms include: - reduction in speaking - odd emotional responses to situations - a lack of emotion or expressions - loss of interest or excitement for life - social isolation - trouble experiencing pleasure - difficulty beginning or following through with plans - difficulty completing normal everyday activities Cognitive symptoms Cognitive symptoms are labeled as such because they illustrate that someone is having trouble with certain mental functions. These symptoms include: - disorganized thinking or speech, such as when a person changes topics rapidly when speaking or uses made-up words or phrases - forgetfulness - disorganized thinking, such as trouble focusing or paying attention - impaired “executive functioning,” or understanding information and using it to make decisions - problems learning information and using it Symptoms of schizophrenia can vary in severity and type. They may worsen if an individual is experiencing heightened stress, using substances, or is not taking their prescribed medications correctly. The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. Medical researchers believe several factors can contribute, including: - biological - genetic - environmental [Research](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7724147/) suggests that imaging tests completed on people with schizophrenia may show abnormalities in certain brain structures. Risk factors Even though it’s still not known what causes schizophrenia, researchers believe genetics may play a role. People with a family history of schizophrenia have a [higher risk](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539864/) of developing this disorder. Other risk factors for schizophrenia may [include](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539864/): - having exposure to toxins, a virus, or malnutrition before birth or during infancy - using mind-altering drugs - living in a highly stressful situation - taking mind-altering drugs in adolescence or young adulthood Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that should not be ignored or left untreated. The condition increases the risk of serious complications, such as: - self-injury or suicide - [anxiety](https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-symptoms) - [phobias](https://www.healthline.com/health/phobia-simple-specific) - [depression](https://www.healthline.com/health/depression) - alcohol or drug misuse - family problems Schizophrenia can also make it difficult to work or attend school. If you can’t work or support yourself financially, there’s a higher risk of a lower quality of life. There isn’t a single test to diagnose schizophrenia. A complete psychiatric exam can help healthcare professionals make a diagnosis. A psychiatrist or mental health professional can do this. At your appointment, expect to answer questions about your: - medical history - mental health - family medical history Your healthcare professional may conduct the following: - a physical exam - blood work - imaging tests, including an [MRI](https://www.healthline.com/health/head-mri) or [CT scan](https://www.healthline.com/health/cranial-ct-scan) Sometimes, there can be other reasons for your symptoms, even though they may be similar to those of schizophrenia. These reasons may include: - substance use - certain medications - other mental health conditions Your healthcare team may diagnose schizophrenia if you’ve had at least two symptoms for a 1-month period. These symptoms must include: - hallucinations - delusions - disorganized speech There’s [no cure for schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia/can-schizophrenia-be-cured). Current treatments focus on managing or reducing the severity of symptoms. It’s important to get treatment from a psychiatrist or mental health professional who has experience treating people with this disorder. You may also work with a social worker or a case manager, too. Possible treatments include the following: Medications - hallucinations - delusions Psychosocial intervention Another treatment option for schizophrenia is psychosocial intervention. This includes individual therapy to help you cope with stress and your diagnosis. Social training can improve your social and communication skills. Vocational rehabilitation Vocational rehabilitation can provide you with the skills you need to return to work. It may make maintaining a regular job easier. Family support and education If you or someone you care about has received a diagnosis of schizophrenia, having support from family and friends can help lower stress and create a feeling of inclusion. There are educational programs available for family members that can help everyone spot the symptoms and provide support when needed. A diagnosis of schizophrenia is common in people in their teens and early 20s. Although less common, it can begin earlier. When symptoms occur before age 13 years, the condition is sometimes called early onset or [childhood schizophrenia](https://www.healthline.com/health/understanding-schizophrenia). Diagnosing this condition is difficult. Behavior changes aren’t unusual as children and teens develop. Plus, some of the most common symptoms of this mental health disorder also show up in other conditions. These include: - [depression](https://www.healthline.com/health/adolescent-depression) - [bipolar disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-vs-schizophrenia) - [attention disorders](https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adhd-misdiagnosis) Symptoms of childhood schizophrenia include: - unusual fears or anxieties (paranoia) - sleeping problems - mood changes - hearing voices or seeing things (hallucinations) - decreased attention to self-care - sudden changes in behavior - deterioration in academic performance - odd beliefs or thinking It’s important to separate the behaviors that may occur in growing children and teenagers with symptoms of a serious mental health condition. However, if you are concerned that your child has acquired some new, worrying behaviors, it’s essential to talk with a mental health professional as soon as you can. No matter what the issue is, a professional can support you to make the best decision for your family. Schizophrenia and [psychosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/psychosis) may be confused with one another, but they’re not the same. One is a mental health condition, and the other is a symptom or group of symptoms. Psychosis is one element or symptom of several mental health disorders, including schizophrenia. Psychosis can also occur in people with no other mental health symptoms. Although psychosis can occur in people with schizophrenia, not everyone with this disorder will experience psychosis. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, seek treatment immediately. Schizophrenia and [bipolar disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder) are both chronic mental health conditions. They may share some characteristics, but there are distinct differences. Bipolar disorder causes strong mood changes. These changes switch between [mania](https://www.healthline.com/health/what-a-bipolar-manic-episode-feels-like) and [depression](https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/depression). During these [episodes](https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/episodes), it’s possible that someone with bipolar disorder will experience hallucinations or delusions, especially in a manic episode. Experiencing [psychosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-psychosis) along with mood changes may make completing everyday tasks harder. Likewise, people with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations or delusions, but they’re also very likely to experience disorganized thinking and speech. Unlike someone with bipolar disorder during a manic episode, the symptoms of psychosis aren’t accompanied by mania. No medical test can determine which condition you have. Instead, your healthcare professional may refer you to a mental health professional who will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and order some tests to help rule out possible medical causes. These tests could include blood tests, imaging tests, and drug screening tests. While a schizophrenia diagnosis can come with an increased risk of mortality due to co-occurring conditions and the risk of suicide, proper treatment can help an individual live a productive and happy life. Like many chronic conditions, a person’s outlook depends on a lot of personal factors, including how early a diagnosis was made, how much an individual is able and willing to follow a treatment plan, and their support system. - Schizophrenia is typically diagnosed in people in their [late teens to early 30s](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml) . - Men tend to show symptoms earlier, and cannabis use disorder [may be](https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/young-men-highest-risk-schizophrenia-linked-cannabis-use-disorder) a contributing factor. Men also receive a diagnosis earlier than others, between [late adolescence and their early 20s](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml) . - Women tend to receive a diagnosis later than men, from their [early 20s to early 30s](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml) . - Research suggests that schizophrenia occurs in [less than 1%](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml) of people. It affects [more than 24 million](http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia) people around the world. - Worldwide, schizophrenia is [one of the top](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia) causes of disability. - [Almost half](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia.shtml) of people with schizophrenia also have other mental health issues. There’s no real way to prevent schizophrenia. Still, identifying who’s at risk and how to prevent the disorder from occurring in at-risk individuals has been an important focus of researchers in recent years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), [at least one-third](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia) of people with schizophrenia experience a complete remission of symptoms. To get on the road to improvement, it’s important to: - learn about your condition - understand the risk factors - follow your healthcare team’s treatment plan Schizophrenia symptoms can go away for a while and then return, but it’s possible to enjoy a healthy, symptom-free life. Following your healthcare professional’s recommendations will improve your outlook.
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