Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder. People may hear voices other people don't. They may believe other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. This can terrify people and make them withdrawn or agitated.

People with schizophrenia may not make sense when they talk. They may sit for hours without moving or talking. Sometimes people with schizophrenia seem perfectly fine until they talk about what they are really thinking.

Treatment helps relieve many symptoms of schizophrenia, but most people who have the disorder cope with symptoms throughout their lives. However, many people with schizophrenia can lead rewarding and meaningful lives in their communities.

Experts think schizophrenia is caused by several factors. Genetics and environment both play into the development of the disorder. Scientists know that schizophrenia runs in families. People with schizophrenia tend to have rare genetic mutations, such as strange eye color or eye color features.

Scientists don't know all of the various genes that come into play with schizophrenia.

Scientists think interactions between genes and the environment are necessary for schizophrenia to develop. Many environmental factors may be involved, such as exposure to viruses or malnutrition before birth, problems during birth, and other unknown psycho-social factors

A different brain chemistry and structure causing an imbalance in the complex, interrelated chemical reactions of the brain play roles in schizophrenia.

The problem may not show up in a person until puberty. The brain undergoes major changes during puberty, and these changes could trigger psychotic symptoms. Scientists have learned a lot about schizophrenia, but more research is needed to help explain how it develops.

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