Diseases
schizophrenia
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown. Research suggests a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can make a person more likely to develop the condition. Some people may be prone to schizophrenia, and a stressful or emotional life event might trigger a psychotic episode.
Symptoms
- delusions. these are false beliefs that are not based in reality.
- hallucinations. these usually involve seeing or hearing things that don't exist.
- disorganized thinking (speech)
- extremely disorganized or abnormal motor behavior.
- negative symptoms. this refers to reduced or lack of ability to function normal
Causes
- it's not known what causes schizophrenia, but researchers believe that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environment contributes to development of the disorder.
Risk factors
- having a family history of schizophrenia
- some pregnancy and birth complications, such as malnutrition
- taking mind-altering (psychoactive or psychotropic) drugs during teen years
Diagnosis
- physical exam
- psychiatric evaluation.
- diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is schizophrenia?
The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown. Research suggests a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can make a person more likely to develop the condition. Some people may be prone to schizophrenia, and a stressful or emotional life event might trigger a psychotic episode.
What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?
delusions. these are false beliefs that are not based in reality., hallucinations. these usually involve seeing or hearing things that don't exist., disorganized thinking (speech), extremely disorganized or abnormal motor behavior., negative symptoms. this refers to reduced or lack of ability to function normal
What causes schizophrenia?
it's not known what causes schizophrenia, but researchers believe that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environment contributes to development of the disorder.
Which medicines are used for schizophrenia?
aripiprazole, asenapine, brexpiprazole, cariprazine, chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, loxapine, lurasidone, olanzapine, paliperidone, perphenazine, quetiapine, risperidone, sulpiride, thioridazine, ziprasidone, zuclopenthixol
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