🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 115 (from laksa068)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa115.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.medstarhealth.org/services/schizophrenia\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/schizophrenia\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/schizophrenia","crawl_time":1768245880,"first_indexed_time":1636823260,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,medstarhealth!www,\/services\/schizophrenia s443","src_root_hash":"5193022218726393915","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Schizophrenia | Signs and Symptoms | MedStar Health","meta_descriptions":["Learn about Schizophrenia and the signs and symptoms that disrupt thinking clearly, manage emotions, make decisions. Make an appointment today with a MedStar Health Specialist."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Schizophrenia is a serious, chronic illness that interferes with a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others. The disorder is complex and long term. People with schizophrenia may seem to have lost touch with reality.\nThis disease can disrupt a person’s daily function and typically requires ongoing treatment. The symptoms can be debilitating and disabling; however, with treatment, it is possible to live well with schizophrenia.\nWhat are the signs and symptoms?\nThis disease can be difficult to diagnose, especially in teens. In general, symptoms will begin between ages 15 and 25 for men, and between ages 25 and 35 for women. For many people, the early stages of schizophrenia are characterized by disruptions to normal emotions and behaviors, which can be referred to as negative symptoms.\nThe symptoms of schizophrenia can affect a person’s career, academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and social activities. One of the most common early indicators is social withdrawal and isolation. Other initial signs can include changes in friends, sleep problems, and irritability. Other symptoms include:\nHallucinations.\nThese include hearing voices, seeing things, or smelling things others can’t perceive. Hallucinations are very real to the person experiencing them and it can be confusing for a loved one to witness. The voices in a hallucination can be critical or threatening.\nDelusions.\nThese are false beliefs that don’t change even when the person who holds them is presented with new ideas or facts. People who have delusions may also have problems concentrating, confused thinking, or the sense that their thoughts are blocked.\nNegative symptoms.\nThese symptoms may present as being emotionally flat or speaking in a dull, disconnected way. Individuals may be unable to start or follow through with activities, show little interest in life, or sustain relationships.\nCognitive issues and disorganized thinking.\nPeople with cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia often struggle to remember things, organize their thoughts, or complete tasks. Sometimes people with schizophrenia have anosognosia, or lack of insight, which means the person is unaware they have the illness, making treatment more challenging.\nWhat are the risk factors?\nSchizophrenia is a disease that is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. When levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, are increased in certain parts of the brain it can trigger psychosis. There are many possible causes, including family history and genetics.\nGenetics.\nSchizophrenia isn’t caused by just one genetic variation, but a complex interplay of genetics and environmental influences. Having a family history of psychosis greatly increases a person’s risk of developing the disease.\nBrain chemistry.\nProblems with certain brain chemicals, including the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia.\nSubstance use.\nResearch has indicated that smoking marijuana increases the risk of psychotic incidents and ongoing psychotic experiences. The younger and more frequent the use, the greater the risk. Smoking marijuana can also lead to earlier onset schizophrenia. The use of mind-altering drugs during teen years and young adulthood can also increase the risk of schizophrenia.\nWhat is the difference between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder?\nSchizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder can be difficult to distinguish because many of the symptoms overlap. The important distinction is that individuals with schizoaffective disorder will typically also experience symptoms of a mood disorder, such as mania or depression, in addition to symptoms of schizophrenia. Because the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder are the same as those of other illnesses, it can be difficult to diagnose. Each person may experience different symptoms, but some of the common symptoms of schizoaffective disorder include:\nHallucinations:\nseeing or hearing things that aren’t there\nDelusions:\nfalse, fixed beliefs that are held regardless of contradictory evidence\nDisorganized thinking:\na person may switch very quickly from one topic to another or provide answers that are completely unrelated\nDepressed mood:\nfeelings of sadness, emptiness, and worthlessness\nManic episode:\nfeelings of euphoria, racing thoughts, increased risky behavior, and other symptoms of mania\nWhat are the treatments?\nPeople with schizophrenia can lead normal, prosperous lives with treatment. It’s important to seek treatment as quickly as possible, as the disease becomes more difficult to treat the longer it is left untreated. Schizophrenia treatment involves a multi-modal treatment approach, including biological, psychological, and social symptoms. Medications, such as anti-psychotics, are used to reduce or eliminate symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions and hallucinations.\nOur providers\nExpert behavioral health care\nGetting the care you need starts with seeing one of our psychiatrists.\nView Our Providers\nRelated services\nBehavioral Health\nBehavioral Therapies\nCognitive Behavioral Therapy\nEmergency Medicine\nPharmacy\nPrimary Care\nSchizophrenia","attrs_markdown":"[skip to main navigation](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/schizophrenia#content)\n\n[![MedStar Health logo](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/-\/media\/themes\/mho\/medstar\/mho-theme\/images\/partial-design\/header\/logo.svg?iar=0&hash=427B5894065C2E75C566D94E5A51CA5F)](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/ \"Header Logo\")\n\n- [Healthcare Services](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services)\n- [Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/doctors)\n- [Locations](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/locations)\n- [Patient Portal](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/patient-portal)\n- [Research and Education](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/innovation-and-research)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/careers.medstarhealth.org\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/-\/media\/Themes\/MHO\/Medstar\/MHO%20Theme\/images\/Partial%20Design\/Header\/Stethescope_icon.svg?h=62&w=50&hash=E04B0D0D75EAFF7FF37420743485E601)](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/Doctors#doctorssearch_g=19.0759837%7C72.8776559&doctorssearch_distance%20by%20miles=25000&doctorssearch_o=Distance%2CAscending&doctorssearch_g=39.3555665%7C-76.563896&doctorssearch_distance%20by%20miles=25000&doctorssearch_o=Distance%2CAscending) [![](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/-\/media\/Themes\/MHO\/Medstar\/MHO%20Theme\/images\/Partial%20Design\/Header\/Profile.svg?h=62&w=50&hash=E9D71991CFC4D5C487A966DD79D500ED)](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/patient-portal) [![](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/-\/media\/Themes\/MHO\/Medstar\/MHO%20Theme\/images\/Partial%20Design\/Header\/Career.svg?h=62&w=50&hash=74EE837F39C2063890FE3440CC194C64)](https:\/\/careers.medstarhealth.org\/) [![](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/-\/media\/Themes\/MHO\/Medstar\/MHO%20Theme\/images\/Partial%20Design\/Header\/mSearch.svg?h=62&w=50&hash=F7A8042ED72C21315C9FF6080BADB948)]() [![Search](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/-\/media\/Themes\/MHO\/Medstar\/MHO%20Theme\/images\/Partial%20Design\/Header\/DesktopSearch.png?h=29&w=29&hash=9E5C9C23DAF14DCFDF31A05658F31AD8)](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/schizophrenia#null) [menu](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/schizophrenia#null)\n\n![Close](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/-\/media\/themes\/mho\/medstar\/mho-theme\/images\/partial-design\/hamburger-menu\/group-679.svg?iar=0&hash=8909406604418E7DAE08B757E8859648)\n\nWhat can we help you find?\n\n### Your recent searches\n\n[![Urgent Care](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/-\/media\/themes\/mho\/medstar\/mho-theme\/images\/partial-design\/hamburger-menu\/group-682.svg?iar=0&hash=F0F428665140520050E4DABE971EB4A3)](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/locations#locationsearch_Locations%20by%20Type=Urgent%20Care)\n\n[Urgent Care](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/locations#locationsearch_Locations%20by%20Type=Urgent%20Care)\n\n[![Primary Care](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/-\/media\/themes\/mho\/medstar\/mho-theme\/images\/partial-design\/hamburger-menu\/path-10256.svg?iar=0&hash=F6159D416BF2900F7F815DAE48BA39F1)](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/locations#locationsearch_Locations%20by%20Type=Primary%20Care)\n\n[Primary Care](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/locations#locationsearch_Locations%20by%20Type=Primary%20Care)\n\n[![Specialty Care](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/-\/media\/themes\/mho\/medstar\/mho-theme\/images\/partial-design\/hamburger-menu\/path-10257.svg?iar=0&hash=25B2EE844B3753F0D8E730525F5D2754)](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services)\n\n[Specialty Care](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services)\n\n[![Telehealth](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/-\/media\/themes\/mho\/medstar\/mho-theme\/images\/partial-design\/hamburger-menu\/group-703.svg?h=86&iar=0&w=68&hash=8841879F8D06C6604E4B97574D4435D4)](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/medstar-evisit-telehealth)\n\n[Telehealth](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/medstar-evisit-telehealth)\n\n- [Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/doctors)\n- [Find a Location](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/locations)\n\n- [Careers](https:\/\/careers.medstarhealth.org\/ \"Careers\")\n- [Nursing Careers](https:\/\/careers.medstarhealth.org\/nursing-welcome \"Nursing Careers\")\n- [Physical Therapy Careers](https:\/\/careers.medstarhealth.org\/physicaltherapy \"Physical Therapy Careers\")\n\n- [Medical Education](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/education)\n- [Research & Innovation](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/innovation-and-research)\n\n- [Patient Portal](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/patient-portal)\n- [Pay My Bill](https:\/\/apps.loyale.us\/Patient\/#\/Login\/MEDSTAR)\n- [Billing & Insurance Questions](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/billing-and-insurance)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/contact-us)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/about)\n- [For Healthcare Professionals](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/for-healthcare-professionals)\n- [News & Publications](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/news-and-publications)\n- [Classes & Events](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/classes-and-events)\n- [Philanthropy](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/philanthropy)\n\n.\n\n![Close](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/-\/media\/themes\/mho\/medstar\/mho-theme\/images\/partial-design\/hamburger-menu\/group-679.svg?iar=0&hash=8909406604418E7DAE08B757E8859648)\n\n### Your recent searches\n\nSchizophrenia \\| Signs and Symptoms \\| MedStar Health\n\n1. [MedStar Health](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/ \"MedStar Health\")\n   \\>\n2. [Healthcare Services](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services \"Healthcare Services\")\n   \\>\n3. [Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/schizophrenia \"Schizophrenia\")\n   \\>\n\n# Schizophrenia\n[Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/doctors#doctorssearch_q=Schizophrenia \"Find a Doctor\")\n\n[Request an Appointment](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/request-an-appointment \"Request an Appointment\")\n\nBrowse this page\n\nSchizophrenia is a serious, chronic illness that interferes with a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others. The disorder is complex and long term. People with schizophrenia may seem to have lost touch with reality.\n\nThis disease can disrupt a person’s daily function and typically requires ongoing treatment. The symptoms can be debilitating and disabling; however, with treatment, it is possible to live well with schizophrenia.\n\n## What are the signs and symptoms?\nThis disease can be difficult to diagnose, especially in teens. In general, symptoms will begin between ages 15 and 25 for men, and between ages 25 and 35 for women. For many people, the early stages of schizophrenia are characterized by disruptions to normal emotions and behaviors, which can be referred to as negative symptoms.\n\nThe symptoms of schizophrenia can affect a person’s career, academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and social activities. One of the most common early indicators is social withdrawal and isolation. Other initial signs can include changes in friends, sleep problems, and irritability. Other symptoms include:\n\n- **Hallucinations.** These include hearing voices, seeing things, or smelling things others can’t perceive. Hallucinations are very real to the person experiencing them and it can be confusing for a loved one to witness. The voices in a hallucination can be critical or threatening.\n- **Delusions.** These are false beliefs that don’t change even when the person who holds them is presented with new ideas or facts. People who have delusions may also have problems concentrating, confused thinking, or the sense that their thoughts are blocked.\n- **Negative symptoms.** These symptoms may present as being emotionally flat or speaking in a dull, disconnected way. Individuals may be unable to start or follow through with activities, show little interest in life, or sustain relationships.\n- **Cognitive issues and disorganized thinking.** People with cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia often struggle to remember things, organize their thoughts, or complete tasks. Sometimes people with schizophrenia have anosognosia, or lack of insight, which means the person is unaware they have the illness, making treatment more challenging.\n\n## What are the risk factors?\nSchizophrenia is a disease that is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. When levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, are increased in certain parts of the brain it can trigger psychosis. There are many possible causes, including family history and genetics.\n\n- **Genetics.** Schizophrenia isn’t caused by just one genetic variation, but a complex interplay of genetics and environmental influences. Having a family history of psychosis greatly increases a person’s risk of developing the disease.\n- **Brain chemistry.** Problems with certain brain chemicals, including the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia.\n- **Substance use.** Research has indicated that smoking marijuana increases the risk of psychotic incidents and ongoing psychotic experiences. The younger and more frequent the use, the greater the risk. Smoking marijuana can also lead to earlier onset schizophrenia. The use of mind-altering drugs during teen years and young adulthood can also increase the risk of schizophrenia.\n\n## What is the difference between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder?\nSchizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder can be difficult to distinguish because many of the symptoms overlap. The important distinction is that individuals with schizoaffective disorder will typically also experience symptoms of a mood disorder, such as mania or depression, in addition to symptoms of schizophrenia. Because the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder are the same as those of other illnesses, it can be difficult to diagnose. Each person may experience different symptoms, but some of the common symptoms of schizoaffective disorder include:\n\n- **Hallucinations:** seeing or hearing things that aren’t there\n- **Delusions:** false, fixed beliefs that are held regardless of contradictory evidence\n- **Disorganized thinking:** a person may switch very quickly from one topic to another or provide answers that are completely unrelated\n- **Depressed mood:** feelings of sadness, emptiness, and worthlessness\n- **Manic episode:** feelings of euphoria, racing thoughts, increased risky behavior, and other symptoms of mania\n\n## What are the treatments?\nPeople with schizophrenia can lead normal, prosperous lives with treatment. It’s important to seek treatment as quickly as possible, as the disease becomes more difficult to treat the longer it is left untreated. Schizophrenia treatment involves a multi-modal treatment approach, including biological, psychological, and social symptoms. Medications, such as anti-psychotics, are used to reduce or eliminate symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions and hallucinations.\n\n## Our providers\n![Psychiatrist performing therapy with young patient](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/-\/media\/project\/mho\/medstar\/services\/psychiatric-care_1.jpg?h=191&iar=0&w=255&hash=8C17341607EC38DE97C06FB73F3DBF00)\n\n### Expert behavioral health care\nGetting the care you need starts with seeing one of our psychiatrists.\n\n[View Our Providers](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/doctors#doctorssearch_q=Schizophrenia \"View Our Providers\")\n\n## Related services\n[Behavioral Health](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/behavioral-health)\n\n[Behavioral Therapies](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/behavioral-health-treatments)\n\n[Cognitive Behavioral Therapy](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-program)\n\n[Emergency Medicine](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/emergency)\n\n[Pharmacy](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/pharmacy)\n\n[Primary Care](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/primary-care)\n\n[Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/schizophrenia)\n\n[Use My Current Location](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/schizophrenia#null)\n\nPlease Enable Location Services in Your Browser Settings to Continue\n\nOr\n\nEnter Your Preferred Location\n\n![MedStar Health logo](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/-\/media\/themes\/mho\/medstar\/mho-theme\/images\/partial-design\/footer\/mwhc_footer_logo.svg?h=70&iar=0&w=253&hash=EA930484D59B62F2270DC2F9C0D18ED6)\n\n- [COVID-19 Information](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/services\/covid-19-info \"Covid-19 Information\")\n- [Disclaimer](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/disclaimer)\n- [Disclosure of Outside Interests](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/disclosure-of-outside-interests)\n- [Equity, Inclusion & Diversity](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/about\/equity-inclusion-diversity \"Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity\")\n- [Feedback](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/feedback)\n- [Financial Assistance Policy](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/financial-assistance-policy)\n- [Good Faith Estimate and No Surprise Billing](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/good-faith-estimate \"Good Faith Estimate and No Surprise Billing\")\n- [Infection Control Policy](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/infection-control-policy)\n- [MedStar Family Choice](https:\/\/www.medstarfamilychoice.com\/)\n- [MedStar Health Office Policies](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/office-policies)\n- [MedStar Health Partners]()\n- [Notice of Nondiscrimination](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/notice-of-nondiscrimination)\n- [Online Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/online-privacy-policy)\n- [Patient and Visitor Code of Conduct](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/code-of-conduct \"Patient and Visitor Code of Conduct\")\n- [Patient Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/patient-privacy-policy)\n- [Patient Rights & Responsibilities](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/patient-rights-and-responsibilities)\n- [Price Transparency](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/price-transparency-disclosures \"Price Transparency\")\n- [Quality & Patient Safety](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/quality-and-patient-safety)\n- [Social Media Sites and Disclaimers](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/quality-and-patient-safety\/social-media-sites-and-disclaimers)\n- [Support Persons for Patients with Disabilities](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/support-persons-policy \"Support Persons for Patients with Disabilities\")\n- [Translate]()\n\n© 2026 MedStar Health\n\n- [Careers](https:\/\/careers.medstarhealth.org\/ \"Careers\")\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.medstarhealth.org\/contact-us)\n\n- [Medstar Facebook opens a new window](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MedStarHealth)\n- [Medstar Twitter opens a new window](https:\/\/twitter.com\/MedStarHealth)\n- [Medstar Instagram opens a new window](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/accounts\/login\/?next=\/MedStarHealth\/)\n- [Medstar Youtube opens a new window](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/MedStarHealth)\n- [Medstar Linkedin opens a new window](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/medstar-health\/)","attrs_readable_markdown":null,"meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

2 months ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	2.8 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/schizophrenia
Last Crawled	2026-01-12 19:24:40 (2 months ago)
First Indexed	2021-11-13 17:07:40 (4 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Schizophrenia \| Signs and Symptoms \| MedStar Health
Meta Description	Learn about Schizophrenia and the signs and symptoms that disrupt thinking clearly, manage emotions, make decisions. Make an appointment today with a MedStar Health Specialist.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Schizophrenia is a serious, chronic illness that interferes with a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others. The disorder is complex and long term. People with schizophrenia may seem to have lost touch with reality. This disease can disrupt a person’s daily function and typically requires ongoing treatment. The symptoms can be debilitating and disabling; however, with treatment, it is possible to live well with schizophrenia. What are the signs and symptoms? This disease can be difficult to diagnose, especially in teens. In general, symptoms will begin between ages 15 and 25 for men, and between ages 25 and 35 for women. For many people, the early stages of schizophrenia are characterized by disruptions to normal emotions and behaviors, which can be referred to as negative symptoms. The symptoms of schizophrenia can affect a person’s career, academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and social activities. One of the most common early indicators is social withdrawal and isolation. Other initial signs can include changes in friends, sleep problems, and irritability. Other symptoms include: Hallucinations. These include hearing voices, seeing things, or smelling things others can’t perceive. Hallucinations are very real to the person experiencing them and it can be confusing for a loved one to witness. The voices in a hallucination can be critical or threatening. Delusions. These are false beliefs that don’t change even when the person who holds them is presented with new ideas or facts. People who have delusions may also have problems concentrating, confused thinking, or the sense that their thoughts are blocked. Negative symptoms. These symptoms may present as being emotionally flat or speaking in a dull, disconnected way. Individuals may be unable to start or follow through with activities, show little interest in life, or sustain relationships. Cognitive issues and disorganized thinking. People with cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia often struggle to remember things, organize their thoughts, or complete tasks. Sometimes people with schizophrenia have anosognosia, or lack of insight, which means the person is unaware they have the illness, making treatment more challenging. What are the risk factors? Schizophrenia is a disease that is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. When levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, are increased in certain parts of the brain it can trigger psychosis. There are many possible causes, including family history and genetics. Genetics. Schizophrenia isn’t caused by just one genetic variation, but a complex interplay of genetics and environmental influences. Having a family history of psychosis greatly increases a person’s risk of developing the disease. Brain chemistry. Problems with certain brain chemicals, including the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia. Substance use. Research has indicated that smoking marijuana increases the risk of psychotic incidents and ongoing psychotic experiences. The younger and more frequent the use, the greater the risk. Smoking marijuana can also lead to earlier onset schizophrenia. The use of mind-altering drugs during teen years and young adulthood can also increase the risk of schizophrenia. What is the difference between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder? Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder can be difficult to distinguish because many of the symptoms overlap. The important distinction is that individuals with schizoaffective disorder will typically also experience symptoms of a mood disorder, such as mania or depression, in addition to symptoms of schizophrenia. Because the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder are the same as those of other illnesses, it can be difficult to diagnose. Each person may experience different symptoms, but some of the common symptoms of schizoaffective disorder include: Hallucinations: seeing or hearing things that aren’t there Delusions: false, fixed beliefs that are held regardless of contradictory evidence Disorganized thinking: a person may switch very quickly from one topic to another or provide answers that are completely unrelated Depressed mood: feelings of sadness, emptiness, and worthlessness Manic episode: feelings of euphoria, racing thoughts, increased risky behavior, and other symptoms of mania What are the treatments? People with schizophrenia can lead normal, prosperous lives with treatment. It’s important to seek treatment as quickly as possible, as the disease becomes more difficult to treat the longer it is left untreated. Schizophrenia treatment involves a multi-modal treatment approach, including biological, psychological, and social symptoms. Medications, such as anti-psychotics, are used to reduce or eliminate symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions and hallucinations. Our providers Expert behavioral health care Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our psychiatrists. View Our Providers Related services Behavioral Health Behavioral Therapies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Emergency Medicine Pharmacy Primary Care Schizophrenia
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[MedStar Health](https://www.medstarhealth.org/ "MedStar Health") \> 2. [Healthcare Services](https://www.medstarhealth.org/services "Healthcare Services") \> 3. [Schizophrenia](https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/schizophrenia "Schizophrenia") \> # Schizophrenia [Find a Doctor](https://www.medstarhealth.org/doctors#doctorssearch_q=Schizophrenia "Find a Doctor") [Request an Appointment](https://www.medstarhealth.org/request-an-appointment "Request an Appointment") Browse this page Schizophrenia is a serious, chronic illness that interferes with a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others. The disorder is complex and long term. People with schizophrenia may seem to have lost touch with reality. This disease can disrupt a person’s daily function and typically requires ongoing treatment. The symptoms can be debilitating and disabling; however, with treatment, it is possible to live well with schizophrenia. ## What are the signs and symptoms? This disease can be difficult to diagnose, especially in teens. In general, symptoms will begin between ages 15 and 25 for men, and between ages 25 and 35 for women. For many people, the early stages of schizophrenia are characterized by disruptions to normal emotions and behaviors, which can be referred to as negative symptoms. The symptoms of schizophrenia can affect a person’s career, academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and social activities. One of the most common early indicators is social withdrawal and isolation. Other initial signs can include changes in friends, sleep problems, and irritability. Other symptoms include: - Hallucinations. These include hearing voices, seeing things, or smelling things others can’t perceive. Hallucinations are very real to the person experiencing them and it can be confusing for a loved one to witness. The voices in a hallucination can be critical or threatening. - Delusions. These are false beliefs that don’t change even when the person who holds them is presented with new ideas or facts. People who have delusions may also have problems concentrating, confused thinking, or the sense that their thoughts are blocked. - Negative symptoms. These symptoms may present as being emotionally flat or speaking in a dull, disconnected way. Individuals may be unable to start or follow through with activities, show little interest in life, or sustain relationships. - Cognitive issues and disorganized thinking. People with cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia often struggle to remember things, organize their thoughts, or complete tasks. Sometimes people with schizophrenia have anosognosia, or lack of insight, which means the person is unaware they have the illness, making treatment more challenging. ## What are the risk factors? Schizophrenia is a disease that is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. When levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, are increased in certain parts of the brain it can trigger psychosis. There are many possible causes, including family history and genetics. - Genetics. Schizophrenia isn’t caused by just one genetic variation, but a complex interplay of genetics and environmental influences. Having a family history of psychosis greatly increases a person’s risk of developing the disease. - Brain chemistry. Problems with certain brain chemicals, including the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia. - Substance use. Research has indicated that smoking marijuana increases the risk of psychotic incidents and ongoing psychotic experiences. The younger and more frequent the use, the greater the risk. Smoking marijuana can also lead to earlier onset schizophrenia. The use of mind-altering drugs during teen years and young adulthood can also increase the risk of schizophrenia. ## What is the difference between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder? Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder can be difficult to distinguish because many of the symptoms overlap. The important distinction is that individuals with schizoaffective disorder will typically also experience symptoms of a mood disorder, such as mania or depression, in addition to symptoms of schizophrenia. Because the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder are the same as those of other illnesses, it can be difficult to diagnose. Each person may experience different symptoms, but some of the common symptoms of schizoaffective disorder include: - Hallucinations: seeing or hearing things that aren’t there - Delusions: false, fixed beliefs that are held regardless of contradictory evidence - Disorganized thinking: a person may switch very quickly from one topic to another or provide answers that are completely unrelated - Depressed mood: feelings of sadness, emptiness, and worthlessness - Manic episode: feelings of euphoria, racing thoughts, increased risky behavior, and other symptoms of mania ## What are the treatments? People with schizophrenia can lead normal, prosperous lives with treatment. It’s important to seek treatment as quickly as possible, as the disease becomes more difficult to treat the longer it is left untreated. Schizophrenia treatment involves a multi-modal treatment approach, including biological, psychological, and social symptoms. Medications, such as anti-psychotics, are used to reduce or eliminate symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions and hallucinations. ## Our providers ![Psychiatrist performing therapy with young patient](https://www.medstarhealth.org/-/media/project/mho/medstar/services/psychiatric-care_1.jpg?h=191&iar=0&w=255&hash=8C17341607EC38DE97C06FB73F3DBF00) ### Expert behavioral health care Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our psychiatrists. 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