UNDERSTANDING SCHIZOPHRENIA 

WHAT IS SCHIZOPHRENIA?

SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. 

1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) • 1-800-487-4889 (TDD) • www.samhsa.gov Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Services Administration

The subject in this photo is a model for illustrative purposes only.

Schizophrenia is a serious mental 

disorder in which people interpret reality 

abnormally—resulting in a combination of 

hallucinations, delusions, and exaggerated 

or irrational thinking and behavior. Less 

than one percent of people in the United 

States suffer from this illness. 

When people first experience symptoms 

and episodes, they are often in denial that 

they are sick. They may be unaware that 

they’re showing signs of schizophrenic 

behavior. Schizophrenia can be disruptive in 

many ways, making it difficult to socialize, 

maintain a regular schedule, work, and 

keep relationships. 

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of schizophrenia can change in type and severity over time and involve a combination of:

Delusions: 

false beliefs that are not based in reality

Hallucinations:

seeing or hearing things that 

don’t exist

Extremely disorganized or 

abnormal physical behavior:

resistance to instructions, 

inappropriate or bizarre 

posture, a complete lack of 

response, childlike silliness, 

unpredictable agitation, or useless 

and excessive movement 

Disorganized thinking and speech: 

impaired communication, such as answers 

that may be partially or completely 

unrelated to questions or a conversation

Negative symptoms: 

reduced or lack of ability to function 

normally, such as not paying attention 

to personal hygiene 

Suicidal thoughts and behavior 

are common among people 

with schizophrenia. 

Delusions: 

false beliefs that are not based in reality

Hallucinations:

seeing or hearing things that 

don’t exist

Extremely disorganized or 

abnormal physical behavior:

resistance to instructions, 

inappropriate or bizarre 

posture, a complete lack of 

response, childlike silliness, 

unpredictable agitation, or useless 

and excessive movement 

Disorganized thinking and speech: 

impaired communication, such as answers 

that may be partially or completely 

unrelated to questions or a conversation

Negative symptoms: 

reduced or lack of ability to function 

normally, such as not paying attention 

to personal hygiene 

Suicidal thoughts and behavior 

are common among people 

with schizophrenia. 
TREATMENT

Medication and therapy can help manage schizophrenia. The sooner treatment begins, the higher likelihood there 

is for improvement and recovery. However, people with schizophrenia require lifelong treatment, even when 

symptoms are less severe.

MEDICATION:

Antipsychotic medications help get 

symptoms under control. It may be 

necessary for a psychiatrist to try different 

medications at different doses to find the 

right combination. It can take several weeks 

to notice an improvement in symptoms.

If experiencing periods of crisis, 

hospitalization may be needed to ensure 

safety, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, 

nd basic hygiene.

For people who do not respond to 

medication, electroconvulsive therapy 

(ECT) may an option. ECT is a brain 

stimulation technique in which small 

electric currents are passed through 

the brain to quickly ease the symptoms 

of schizophrenia. The subject in this photo is a model for illustrative purposes only.

PSYCHOSOCIAL THERAPY AND TRAINING:

In addition to medication, therapy and support are important: 

Individual therapy

helps normalize 

thought patterns.

Social skills

training improves 

communication and 

social interactions. 

Family therapy 

provides support 

and education to 

families dealing 

with schizophrenia.

Vocational 

rehabilitation 

and supported 

employment 

help people find 

and keep jobs.

NEED HELP OR MORE INFORMATION?

If you or someone you know has schizophrenia, these resources can help. Visit SAMHSA’s Early Serious Mental 

Treatment Locator and Behavioral Health Treatment Locator at SAMHSA.gov. Or, call SAMHSA’s National 

Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or 1-800-487-4889 (TDD).

Learn more at SAMHSA.gov/Serious-Mental-Illness

SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. 

1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) • 1-800-487-4889 (TDD) • www.samhsa.gov Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Services Administration