schizophrenia essay plans

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Schizophrenia

What is 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 can be distressing for them and for their family and friends. The symptoms of schizophrenia can make it difficult to participate in usual, everyday activities, but effective treatments are available. Many people who receive treatment can engage in school or work, achieve independence, and enjoy personal relationships.

What are the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia?

It’s important to recognize the symptoms of schizophrenia and seek help as early as possible. People with schizophrenia are usually diagnosed between the ages of 16 and 30, after the first episode of psychosis . Starting treatment as soon as possible following the first episode of psychosis is an important step toward recovery. However, research shows that gradual changes in thinking, mood, and social functioning often appear before the first episode of psychosis. Schizophrenia is rare in younger children.

Schizophrenia symptoms can differ from person to person, but they generally fall into three main categories: psychotic, negative, and cognitive.

Psychotic symptoms include changes in the way a person thinks, acts, and experiences the world. A person experiencing psychotic symptoms often has disrupted thoughts and perceptions, and they may have difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not. Psychotic symptoms include:

• Hallucinations : When a person sees, hears, smells, tastes, or feels things that are not actually there. Hearing voices is common for people with schizophrenia. People who hear voices may hear them for a long time before family or friends notice a problem.
• Delusions : When a person has strong beliefs that are not true and may seem irrational to others. For example, individuals experiencing delusions may believe that people on the radio and television are sending special messages that require a certain response, or they may believe that they are in danger or that others are trying to hurt them.
• Thought disorder : When a person has ways of thinking that are unusual or illogical. People with thought disorder may have trouble organizing their thoughts and speech. Sometimes a person will stop talking in the middle of a thought, jump from topic to topic, or make up words that have no meaning.

Negative symptoms include loss of motivation, loss of interest or enjoyment in daily activities, withdrawal from social life, difficulty showing emotions, and difficulty functioning normally.

Negative symptoms include:

• Having trouble planning and sticking with activities, such as grocery shopping
• Having trouble anticipating and being motivated by pleasure in everyday life
• Talking in a dull voice and showing limited facial expression
• Avoiding social interaction or interacting in socially awkward ways
• Having very low energy and spending a lot of time in passive activities. In extreme cases, a person might stop moving or talking for a while, which is a rare condition called catatonia .

These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for symptoms of depression or other mental illnesses.

Cognitive symptoms include problems in attention, concentration, and memory. These symptoms can make it hard to follow a conversation, learn new things, or remember appointments. A person’s level of cognitive functioning is one of the best predictors of their day-to-day functioning. Health care providers evaluate cognitive functioning using specific tests.

Cognitive symptoms include:

• Having trouble processing information to make decisions
• Having trouble using information immediately after learning it
• Having trouble focusing or paying attention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  has recognized that having certain mental disorders, including depression and schizophrenia, can make people more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Learn more about getting help and finding a health care provider .

Risk of violence

Most people with schizophrenia are not violent. Overall, people with schizophrenia are more likely than those without the illness to be harmed by others. For people with schizophrenia, the risk of self-harm and of violence to others is greatest when the illness is untreated or co-occurs with alcohol or substance misuse. It is important to help people who are showing symptoms to get treatment as quickly as possible.

Schizophrenia vs. dissociative identity disorder

Although some of the signs may seem similar on the surface, schizophrenia is not dissociative identity disorder (which used to be called multiple personality disorder or split personality). People with dissociative identity disorder have two or more distinct identities with distinct behaviors and memories.

What are the risk factors for schizophrenia?

Several factors may contribute to a person’s risk of developing schizophrenia.

Genetics: Schizophrenia sometimes runs in families. However, just because one family member has schizophrenia, it does not mean that other members of the family also will have it. Studies suggest that many different genes may increase a person’s chances of developing schizophrenia , but that no single gene causes the disorder by itself.

Environment: Research suggests that a combination of genetic factors and aspects of a person’s environment and life experiences may play a role in the development of schizophrenia. These environmental factors that may include living in poverty, stressful or dangerous surroundings, and exposure to viruses or nutritional problems before birth.

Brain structure and function: Research shows that people with schizophrenia may be more likely to have differences in the size of certain brain areas and in connections between brain areas. Some of these brain differences may develop before birth. Researchers are working to better understand how brain structure and function may relate to schizophrenia.

How is schizophrenia treated?

Current treatments for schizophrenia focus on helping people manage their symptoms, improve day-to-day functioning, and achieve personal life goals, such as completing education, pursuing a career, and having fulfilling relationships.

Antipsychotic medications

Antipsychotic medications can help make psychotic symptoms less intense and less frequent. These medications are usually taken every day in a pill or liquid forms. Some antipsychotic medications are given as injections once or twice a month.

If a person’s symptoms do not improve with usual antipsychotic medications, they may be prescribed clozapine. People who take clozapine must have regular blood tests to check for a potentially dangerous side effect that occurs in 1-2% of patients.

People respond to antipsychotic medications in different ways. It is important to report any side effects to a health care provider. Many people taking antipsychotic medications experience side effects such as weight gain, dry mouth, restlessness, and drowsiness when they start taking these medications. Some of these side effects may go away over time, while others may last.

Shared decision making  between health care providers and patients is the recommended strategy for determining the best type of medication or medication combination and the right dose. To find the latest information about antipsychotic medications, talk to a health care provider and visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website  .

Psychosocial treatments

Psychosocial treatments help people find solutions to everyday challenges and manage symptoms while attending school, working, and forming relationships. These treatments are often used together with antipsychotic medication. People who participate in regular psychosocial treatment are less likely to have symptoms reoccur or to be hospitalized.

Examples of this kind of treatment include types of psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral skills training, supported employment, and cognitive remediation interventions.

Education and support

Educational programs can help family and friends learn about symptoms of schizophrenia, treatment options, and strategies for helping loved ones with the illness. These programs can help friends and family manage their distress, boost their own coping skills, and strengthen their ability to provide support. The National Alliance on Mental Illness website has more information about support groups and education   .

Coordinated specialty care

Coordinated specialty care (CSC) programs are recovery-focused programs for people with first episode psychosis, an early stage of schizophrenia. Health care providers and specialists work together as a team to provide CSC, which includes psychotherapy, medication, case management, employment and education support, and family education and support. The treatment team works collaboratively with the individual to make treatment decisions, involving family members as much as possible.

Compared with typical care, CSC is more effective at reducing symptoms, improving quality of life, and increasing involvement in work or school.

Assertive community treatment

Assertive community treatment (ACT)  is designed especially for people with schizophrenia who are likely to experience multiple hospitalizations or homelessness. ACT is usually delivered by a team of health care providers who work together to provide care to patients in the community.

Treatment for drug and alcohol misuse

People with schizophrenia may also have problems with drugs and alcohol. A treatment program that includes treatment for both schizophrenia and substance use is important for recovery because substance use can interfere with treatment for schizophrenia.

How can I find help for schizophrenia?

If you have concerns about your mental health, talk to a primary care provider. They can refer you to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, who can help you figure out the next steps. Find  tips for talking with a health care provider  about your mental health.

You can  learn more about getting help  on the NIMH website. You can also learn about  finding support    and  locating mental health services   in your area on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website.

It can be difficult to know how to help someone who is experiencing psychosis.

Here are some things you can do:

• Help them get treatment and encourage them to stay in treatment.
• Remember that their beliefs or hallucinations seem very real to them.
• Be respectful, supportive, and kind without tolerating dangerous or inappropriate behavior.
• Look for support groups and family education programs, such as those offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness   .

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline   at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org   . In life-threatening situations, call 911 .

How can I find a clinical trial for schizophrenia?

Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. The goal of clinical trials is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Although individuals may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so that others may be better helped in the future.

Researchers at NIMH and around the country conduct many studies with patients and healthy volunteers. We have new and better treatment options today because of what clinical trials uncovered years ago. Talk to your health care provider about clinical trials, their benefits and risks, and whether one is right for you.

To learn more or find a study, visit:

• NIMH’s Clinical Trials webpage : Information about participating in clinical trials
• Clinicaltrials.gov: Current Studies on Schizophrenia  : List of clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) being conducted across the country
• Join a Study: Schizophrenia : List of studies being conducted on the NIH Campus in Bethesda, MD

Where can I learn more about schizophrenia?

Free brochures and shareable resources.

• Schizophrenia : This brochure on schizophrenia offers basic information on signs and symptoms, treatment, and finding help. Also available en español .
• Understanding Psychosis : This fact sheet presents information on psychosis, including causes, signs and symptoms, treatment, and resources for help. Also available en español .
• Digital Shareables on Schizophrenia : These digital resources, including graphics and messages, can be used to spread the word about schizophrenia and help promote schizophrenia awareness and education in your community.

Research and statistics

• Accelerating Medicines Partnership® Program - Schizophrenia (AMP® SCZ) : This AMP   public-private collaborative effort aims to promote the development of effective, targeted treatments for those at risk of developing schizophrenia. More information about the program is also available on the AMP SCZ website   .
• Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET) : This broad research initiative aims to develop models for the effective delivery of coordinated specialty care services for early psychosis.
• Journal Articles:   This webpage provides information on references and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine).
• Psychotic Disorders Research Program : This program supports research into the origins, onset, course, and outcome of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and other psychotic illnesses.
• Risk and Early Onset of Psychosis Spectrum Disorders Program : This program supports research on childhood and adolescent psychosis and thought disorders.
• Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) : The NIMH RAISE research initiative included two studies examining different aspects of coordinated specialty care treatments for people who were experiencing early psychosis.
• Statistics: Schizophrenia : This webpage provides the statistics currently available on the prevalence and treatment of schizophrenia among people in the United States.
• NIMH Experts Discuss Schizophrenia : Learn the signs and symptoms, risk factors, treatments of schizophrenia, and the latest NIMH-supported research in this area.

Last Reviewed: April 2024

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How To Establish A Schizophrenia Care Plan Following Diagnosis

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, you may need to prepare for some major changes in your life. This mental health disorder can often be managed effectively, but it may require a considerable amount of effort, organization, and attention to detail. Putting together an appropriate schizophrenia care plan could greatly increase your chances of ensuring a healthy, fulfilling life for yourself or the person for whom you’re caring. 

Your care plan will likely need to include regular interactions with a psychiatrist, a therapist, and a primary care doctor. Social workers may also provide helpful assistance. Effective schizophrenia care may involve meeting your social needs and maintaining a thriving connection with your local community as well. 

Can schizophrenia be treated?

Receiving a diagnosis of schizophrenia can be frightening. Many people assume that individuals with this condition will inevitably experience poor quality of life and severe functional impairment.

While schizophrenia can be a serious mental illness, it can often be effectively treated with the right combination of medication, therapy, and interpersonal support. There’s no known method to completely cure this disorder, but if it’s managed properly, those affected may still be able to lead full and satisfying lives . Some individuals have gone on to achieve significant personal, relational, and career successes following their schizophrenia diagnoses.

Evidence suggests that seeking treatment as soon as possible when signs of schizophrenia manifest may be a significant factor in achieving the best long-term outcomes . If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with this disease, you may want to start planning for the future as soon as possible. 

Below, we’ll review some strategies that may help you create an effective schizophrenia care plan.

Educate yourself about schizophrenia

Learning as much as you can from reputable, evidence-based sources can help you make the right schizophrenia care decisions. Researchers have found that educational interventions can improve a patient’s adherence to a treatment regimen and decrease their odds of relapsing. 

Education can also improve the health and happiness of family caregivers while helping them better assist their loved ones. 

You may want to start this process by reviewing the description of schizophrenia in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Schizophrenia can include several different types of symptoms:

• Positive symptoms: Active signs of psychosis, such as hallucinations, delusional beliefs, or disorganized and hard-to-understand speech and behavior
• Negative symptoms: Diminishment of motivation, energy, emotional responsiveness, verbal complexity, enjoyment, and other mental health functions
• Cognitive symptoms: Impairments in mental abilities like concentration, short-term memory, and reasoning

Once you’re familiar with the DSM definition of schizophrenia, you can learn more about this disorder from professional, governmental, or nonprofit organizations focused on mental illness. Reliable sources include the following:

• American Psychiatric Association (APA)
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Mental Health America (MHA)

Assemble a care team

Living well with schizophrenia is usually easier with help from professionals experienced in working with mental illness. An effective care team may include some or all of the following specialties:

• Primary care provider (PCP): Often a general medicine or family medicine practitioner, a PCP is generally the person the patient sees regarding general health and wellness. 
• Psychiatrist: A medical doctor with a specialty in mental health care can both offer psychotherapy and prescribe medication, which may be important since antipsychotics can play a significant role in achieving positive outcomes in schizophrenia.
• Social worker: People with schizophrenia may face difficulties securing housing and employment. A licensed social worker may be able to help them access social services, educational programs, rehabilitation programs, and other forms of assistance. 
• Psychologist/therapist/counselor: While a psychiatrist will typically oversee medication management, they may not be able to see you frequently for psychotherapy. Seeing a therapist can help with negative symptoms , such as difficulties with social function, which may not respond to medication.
• Psychiatric nurse: Nurses may be heavily involved in day-to-day psychiatric care in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and many helpful treatment options may still be effective when delivered as nursing interventions. Individuals with severe functional impairments might also benefit from home mental health nursing.
• Family caregivers: While they may not be licensed medical professionals, caring family members can often make a significant difference in helping a person with schizophrenia recover and thrive.

Seek family support

Research suggests that people with schizophrenia usually have better long-term outcomes when their family members communicate and collaborate with treatment providers from the start. If you’ve been diagnosed with this disorder, you may want to let your trusted family members or friends know and ask if they’ll accompany you to some of your appointments with care providers. 

A robust family support network can help in a variety of ways. They can:

• Encourage better medication adherence
• Keep an eye out for indicators of relapse 
• Provide opportunities for social engagement
• Assist with aspects of everyday life you may find challenging

Reaching out to family and friends for help may also be a good idea if a loved one is experiencing schizophrenia. Caring for a family member with a psychotic disorder can involve significant mental and emotional strain. Studies indicate that robust social support may improve resilience among caregivers . 

Develop relapse prevention strategies

People with schizophrenia may experience prolonged periods during which their psychotic symptoms abate. However, relapses in which active symptoms return can be common, and more frequent relapses tend to be associated with a worse long-term prognosis . 

Here are a few ways that you or your loved one may be able to prevent relapses:

• Learn the potential warning signs
• Get regular exercise (30+ minutes per day)
• Avoid substance misuse (formerly referred to as substance abuse) and any use of cannabis or psychedelic substances
• Pay attention to unpleasant side effects of prescriptions and communicate with medical professionals about them
• Find healthy outlets for stress
• Ask your doctor whether long-acting, injectable antipsychotic medications may be right for you

Create a relapse care plan

Although the techniques described above may lower the risk of relapse in schizophrenia, there’s still a chance of experiencing increased psychotic symptoms. It may be a good idea to talk with your care team about how to handle this if it happens.

Creating a psychiatric advance directive (PAD) may help. This can be defined as a legal document spelling out the wishes of an individual if their mental illness symptoms prevent them from being able to make rational decisions. Even if your state doesn’t allow for advance directives, developing a relapse plan with the help of your care team may help you avoid problems during a schizophrenia relapse. 

You might also want to prepare a list of key information that caregivers, doctors, and first responders can quickly review in a crisis, potentially including the following:

• Contact information of care providers and case managers
• Emergency contacts like trusted friends and family members
• Information about your diagnosis
• Names of medications you’re taking
• Information about what has helped with past relapses

Find ways to stay socially and mentally engaged

Regular social interaction may help people with schizophrenia achieve better outcomes. Not only can it provide a support network that may help with the stresses of daily life, but it may also protect and improve cognitive function . People with this condition tend to have a better prognosis when they stay connected with their communities and friends.

Seeking out structured social activities, such as clubs and teams, can help, and so can any hobbies involving regular contact with other people. If you or your family member with schizophrenia can maintain steady employment, this can also be a valuable source of cognitive stimulation and social connection. 

This may seem easier said than done. Many people with schizophrenia experience impaired social interaction, related both to dysfunction in social cognition and to stigma or discomfort from other people. However, educational programs like social skills training (SST) may improve social abilities . Many people with psychotic disorders can also benefit from supported employment (SE), in which they receive assistance from professionals in finding and maintaining steady work.

Peer support groups could also be a helpful option, both for people with mental illness and their caregivers. Meeting regularly with others who have similar experiences can provide a sense of community as well as an opportunity to get advice and learn coping skills from those with more experience.

Engage in regular psychotherapy

Meeting regularly with a licensed therapist can have many benefits for people with schizophrenia, including a constructive outlet for stress, mental health support, and monitoring for relapse warning signs. If the realities of your condition make it hard for you to see a therapist in person, online therapy could be a good alternative. It’s often easier to attend sessions remotely rather than face-to-face.

Online therapy may assist with obstacles like depression and cognitive difficulties. Some research suggests it may also be able to improve psychotic symptoms as well, although individuals experiencing acute psychosis may need to seek in-person care. A 2017 trial found that an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy program typically reduced auditory hallucinations in individuals with schizophrenia. 

A comprehensive schizophrenia care plan may involve several kinds of assistance, including psychiatric care, vocational training, and case management. Accounting for healthy social interaction and relapse prevention can also be valuable. It may be a good idea to think about how family caregivers can receive social and mental health support as well. Online therapy may be a convenient way to seek professional insight and guidance.

• Are Schizophrenia Subtypes Still Used Today? Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia , LCSW
• Schizophrenia Research: Latest Findings Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant , LMHC
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ALL Schizophrenia Essay Plans (AQA Psychology)

Subject: Psychology

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

17 May 2020

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All of the Essay Plans for Schizophrenia topic in AQA Psychology.

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