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| Meta Title | Schizophrenia - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) |
| Meta Description | Learn about NIMH research on schizophrenia. Find resources on the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia, risk factors, and potential treatments and therapies. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | On this page
What is schizophrenia?
Where can I learn more about schizophrenia?
Why is NIMH studying schizophrenia?
How is NIMH research addressing this critical topic?
Explore clinical trials about schizophrenia
Share outreach materials about schizophrenia
Find help and support
Additional federal resources
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem as though they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for them and for their family and friends. People are usually first diagnosed with schizophrenia between the ages of 16 and 30, after the first episode of
psychosis
.
Where can I learn more about schizophrenia?
Free health information
Digital brochures and fact sheets with more information about schizophrenia, including signs, symptoms, and treatment options. Available for free in print and online.
Science updates
NIMH news about schizophrenia, including press releases and highlights on the latest research findings.
Statistics
Information about the prevalence and treatment of schizophrenia in the United States.
Why is NIMH studying schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia symptoms can make it difficult to participate in everyday activities and many people with schizophrenia face significant health, social, and economic challenges. People with schizophrenia often experience a delay between the onset of symptoms and the start of treatment, which can impact their response to treatment and lead to worse health and well-being over the long term.
Research shows that gradual changes in thinking, mood, and social functioning often appear before the first episode of psychosis. Identifying these subtle changes and connecting people with treatment before their first episode could have long-term benefits for their health, well-being, and daily functioning. Treatment can help people with schizophrenia engage in school or work, achieve independence, and enjoy personal relationships.
How is NIMH research addressing this critical topic?
NIMH supports research to understand the origins of schizophrenia and clarify how symptoms develop over time. Researchers are studying ways to identify people who are likely to develop schizophrenia before psychosis and other symptoms emerge. They’re also trying to find better ways to evaluate a person’s symptoms and functioning and predict how they will change over time.
We’re funding research that builds on these findings to develop more effective approaches to prevention and treatment. NIMH-supported research explores new treatment approaches that target the disorder's specific cognitive, emotional, or interpersonal aspects. Researchers are working to improve and expand
coordinated specialty care
, a recovery-oriented approach to treating early psychosis that emphasizes shared decision-making among specialists, the person experiencing psychosis, and family members. They’re also looking at ways to implement evidence-based treatment and services in community settings.
NIMH supports the
Accelerating Medicines Partnership® Program for Schizophrenia
, a public-private partnership that aims to identify new and better treatment targets for schizophrenia and related mental health conditions. We also support the
Early Psychosis Intervention Network
, a research initiative focused on using data to continuously improve early psychosis treatment.
Explore clinical trials about schizophrenia
Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. To learn more or find a study, visit:
Clinical Trials – Information for Participants
: Answers to common questions about clinical trials, including why people might take part in a clinical trial and what they can expect
Clinicaltrials.gov: Current Studies on Schizophrenia
: List of clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) being conducted across the country
NIMH Schizophrenia Studies for Adults
: List of studies being conducted on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD
Digital shareables
Social media graphics, videos, and resources about schizophrenia.
Find help and support
Additional federal resources
Schizophrenia
Â
(MedlinePlus): Information, journal articles, and other resources about schizophrenia collected by the National Library of Medicine
Last Reviewed:
December 2024 |
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[Home](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/) \> [Mental Health Information](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health) \> [Health Topics](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics) \> Schizophrenia
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# Schizophrenia
**On this page**
- [What is schizophrenia?](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-intro)
- [Where can I learn more about schizophrenia?](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-learnmore)
- [Why is NIMH studying schizophrenia?](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-0)
- [How is NIMH research addressing this critical topic?](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-1)
- [Explore clinical trials about schizophrenia](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-trials)
- [Share outreach materials about schizophrenia](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-shareables)
- [Find help and support](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-findhelp)
- [Additional federal resources](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-additional-resources)
## What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem as though they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for them and for their family and friends. People are usually first diagnosed with schizophrenia between the ages of 16 and 30, after the first episode of [psychosis](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/understanding-psychosis "Understanding Psychosis - factsheet").
## Where can I learn more about schizophrenia?
[Free health information Digital brochures and fact sheets with more information about schizophrenia, including signs, symptoms, and treatment options. Available for free in print and online.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia-listing)
[Science updates NIMH news about schizophrenia, including press releases and highlights on the latest research findings.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-updates/schizophrenia)
[Statistics Information about the prevalence and treatment of schizophrenia in the United States.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia)
## Why is NIMH studying schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia symptoms can make it difficult to participate in everyday activities and many people with schizophrenia face significant health, social, and economic challenges. People with schizophrenia often experience a delay between the onset of symptoms and the start of treatment, which can impact their response to treatment and lead to worse health and well-being over the long term.
Research shows that gradual changes in thinking, mood, and social functioning often appear before the first episode of psychosis. Identifying these subtle changes and connecting people with treatment before their first episode could have long-term benefits for their health, well-being, and daily functioning. Treatment can help people with schizophrenia engage in school or work, achieve independence, and enjoy personal relationships.
## How is NIMH research addressing this critical topic?
NIMH supports research to understand the origins of schizophrenia and clarify how symptoms develop over time. Researchers are studying ways to identify people who are likely to develop schizophrenia before psychosis and other symptoms emerge. They’re also trying to find better ways to evaluate a person’s symptoms and functioning and predict how they will change over time.
We’re funding research that builds on these findings to develop more effective approaches to prevention and treatment. NIMH-supported research explores new treatment approaches that target the disorder's specific cognitive, emotional, or interpersonal aspects. Researchers are working to improve and expand [coordinated specialty care](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/health/topics/schizophrenia/raise/evidence-based-treatments-for-first-episode-psychosis.pdf), a recovery-oriented approach to treating early psychosis that emphasizes shared decision-making among specialists, the person experiencing psychosis, and family members. They’re also looking at ways to implement evidence-based treatment and services in community settings.
NIMH supports the [Accelerating Medicines Partnership® Program for Schizophrenia](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-funded-by-nimh/research-initiatives/accelerating-medicines-partnershipr-program-schizophrenia-ampr-scz), a public-private partnership that aims to identify new and better treatment targets for schizophrenia and related mental health conditions. We also support the [Early Psychosis Intervention Network](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-funded-by-nimh/research-initiatives/early-psychosis-intervention-network-epinet), a research initiative focused on using data to continuously improve early psychosis treatment.
## Explore clinical trials about schizophrenia
Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. To learn more or find a study, visit:
- [Clinical Trials – Information for Participants](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/trials): Answers to common questions about clinical trials, including why people might take part in a clinical trial and what they can expect
- [Clinicaltrials.gov: Current Studies on Schizophrenia](https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?aggFilters=funderType:nih,status:not%20rec&viewType=Card&cond=Schizophrenia) : List of clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) being conducted across the country
- [NIMH Schizophrenia Studies for Adults](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-conducted-at-nimh/join-a-study/adults/adults-schizophrenia): List of studies being conducted on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD
## Share outreach materials about schizophrenia
[Digital shareables Social media graphics, videos, and resources about schizophrenia.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved/digital-shareables/shareable-resources-on-schizophrenia)
## Find help and support
Learn [how to find help](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help) for yourself or someone else. You can also [find support](https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support) and [locate mental health services](https://findtreatment.gov/) in your area on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the [988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline](https://988lifeline.org/) at 988 or chat at [988lifeline.org](https://chat.988lifeline.org/) . In life-threatening situations, call 911.
## Additional federal resources
- [**Schizophrenia**](https://medlineplus.gov/schizophrenia.html) (MedlinePlus): Information, journal articles, and other resources about schizophrenia collected by the National Library of Medicine
**Last Reviewed:** December 2024
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[Top](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#skipnav) |
| Readable Markdown | **On this page**
- [What is schizophrenia?](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-intro)
- [Where can I learn more about schizophrenia?](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-learnmore)
- [Why is NIMH studying schizophrenia?](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-0)
- [How is NIMH research addressing this critical topic?](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-1)
- [Explore clinical trials about schizophrenia](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-trials)
- [Share outreach materials about schizophrenia](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-shareables)
- [Find help and support](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-findhelp)
- [Additional federal resources](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#hts-additional-resources)
## What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem as though they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for them and for their family and friends. People are usually first diagnosed with schizophrenia between the ages of 16 and 30, after the first episode of [psychosis](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/understanding-psychosis "Understanding Psychosis - factsheet").
## Where can I learn more about schizophrenia?
[Free health information Digital brochures and fact sheets with more information about schizophrenia, including signs, symptoms, and treatment options. Available for free in print and online.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia-listing)
[Science updates NIMH news about schizophrenia, including press releases and highlights on the latest research findings.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-updates/schizophrenia)
[Statistics Information about the prevalence and treatment of schizophrenia in the United States.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia)
## Why is NIMH studying schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia symptoms can make it difficult to participate in everyday activities and many people with schizophrenia face significant health, social, and economic challenges. People with schizophrenia often experience a delay between the onset of symptoms and the start of treatment, which can impact their response to treatment and lead to worse health and well-being over the long term.
Research shows that gradual changes in thinking, mood, and social functioning often appear before the first episode of psychosis. Identifying these subtle changes and connecting people with treatment before their first episode could have long-term benefits for their health, well-being, and daily functioning. Treatment can help people with schizophrenia engage in school or work, achieve independence, and enjoy personal relationships.
## How is NIMH research addressing this critical topic?
NIMH supports research to understand the origins of schizophrenia and clarify how symptoms develop over time. Researchers are studying ways to identify people who are likely to develop schizophrenia before psychosis and other symptoms emerge. They’re also trying to find better ways to evaluate a person’s symptoms and functioning and predict how they will change over time.
We’re funding research that builds on these findings to develop more effective approaches to prevention and treatment. NIMH-supported research explores new treatment approaches that target the disorder's specific cognitive, emotional, or interpersonal aspects. Researchers are working to improve and expand [coordinated specialty care](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/health/topics/schizophrenia/raise/evidence-based-treatments-for-first-episode-psychosis.pdf), a recovery-oriented approach to treating early psychosis that emphasizes shared decision-making among specialists, the person experiencing psychosis, and family members. They’re also looking at ways to implement evidence-based treatment and services in community settings.
NIMH supports the [Accelerating Medicines Partnership® Program for Schizophrenia](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-funded-by-nimh/research-initiatives/accelerating-medicines-partnershipr-program-schizophrenia-ampr-scz), a public-private partnership that aims to identify new and better treatment targets for schizophrenia and related mental health conditions. We also support the [Early Psychosis Intervention Network](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-funded-by-nimh/research-initiatives/early-psychosis-intervention-network-epinet), a research initiative focused on using data to continuously improve early psychosis treatment.
## Explore clinical trials about schizophrenia
Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. To learn more or find a study, visit:
- [Clinical Trials – Information for Participants](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/trials): Answers to common questions about clinical trials, including why people might take part in a clinical trial and what they can expect
- [Clinicaltrials.gov: Current Studies on Schizophrenia](https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?aggFilters=funderType:nih,status:not%20rec&viewType=Card&cond=Schizophrenia) : List of clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) being conducted across the country
- [NIMH Schizophrenia Studies for Adults](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-conducted-at-nimh/join-a-study/adults/adults-schizophrenia): List of studies being conducted on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD
[Digital shareables Social media graphics, videos, and resources about schizophrenia.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved/digital-shareables/shareable-resources-on-schizophrenia)
## Find help and support
## Additional federal resources
- [**Schizophrenia**](https://medlineplus.gov/schizophrenia.html) (MedlinePlus): Information, journal articles, and other resources about schizophrenia collected by the National Library of Medicine
**Last Reviewed:** December 2024 |
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