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Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, which causes significant distress for the individual, their family members, and friends. If left untreated, the symptoms of schizophrenia can be persistent and disabling. However, effective treatments are available. When delivered in a timely, coordinated, and sustained manner, treatment can help affected individuals to engage in school or work, achieve independence, and enjoy personal relationships.

Gradual changes in thinking, mood, and social functioning often begin before the first episode of psychosis.

The symptoms of schizophrenia generally fall into the following three categories:

  • Psychotic symptoms
  • Negative symptoms
  • Cognitive symptoms

Schizophrenia