meetara-lab/vectorstore-mental_health huggingface dataset:
What causes schizophrenia?

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

Genes

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 and 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 may include poverty, stressful or dangerous surroundings, and exposure to viruses or nutritional problems before birth.

Brain structure and function
Brain structure and function 

Research shows that people with schizophrenia may be more likely to have subtle 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 individuals 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 medication

Antipsychotic medication can help make psychotic symptoms less intense and less frequent. This type of medication is usually taken every day in a pill or liquid form. Some forms may be given as an injection once or twice a month. To learn more about antipsychotic medication, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/medications.
If a person’s symptoms do not improve with usual antipsychotic medication, 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% to 2% of patients.

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

Do not stop taking a medication without first talking to a health care provider. They can work with you to monitor your health and adjust your treatment plan safely and effectively. Some people may need to try several medications before finding the one that works best.
Read the most up-to-date information on medications, side effects, and warnings on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website at www.fda.gov/drugsatfda.

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 cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral skills training, supported employment, and cognitive remediation interventions.

Learn more about psychosocial treatments and therapies at www.nimh.nih.gov/psychotherapies.

Family education and support
Learn more about psychosocial treatments and therapies at www.nimh.nih.gov/psychotherapies.

Family 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 own distress, boost their coping skills, and strengthen their ability to provide support.

Coordinated specialty care

Coordinated specialty care (CSC) programs are recovery-focused programs for people with first episode psychosis, an early stage of schizophrenia. Health professionals and specialists work together as a team to provide CSC, which includes psychotherapy, medication, case management, employment and education services, 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 in reducing symptoms, improving quality of life, and increasing involvement in work or school.

Assertive community treatment

Assertive community treatment is designed to help individuals with schizophrenia who are likely to experience multiple hospitalizations or homelessness. This type of treatment 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?
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 at www.nimh.nih.gov/talkingtips.

You can learn more about getting help at www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides information about finding support at https://findsupport.gov and locating mental health services in your area at https://findtreatment.gov.

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

How can I help a friend or relative with schizophrenia?
How can I help a friend or relative with schizophrenia?

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 at www.nami.org/Support-Education. Clinical trials
► Look for support groups and family education programs, such as 

those offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org/Support-Education. Clinical trials

Clinical trials are research studies that look at ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. These studies help show whether a treatment is safe and effective in people. Some people join clinical trials to help doctors and researchers learn more about a disease and improve health care. Other people, such as those with health conditions, join to try treatments that aren’t widely available.

NIMH supports clinical trials across the United States. Talk to a health care provider about clinical trials and whether one is right for you. For more information, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/clinicaltrials.

For more information
For more information

Learn more by visiting NIMH’s website at www.nimh.nih.gov/health. For information on a wide variety of health topics, visit the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus resource at https://medlineplus.gov.

Contact us

National Institute of Mental Health Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications 6001 Executive Boulevard, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 Phone: 1-866-615-6464 Email: nimhinfo@nih.gov Website: www.nimh.nih.gov En español: www.nimh.nih.gov/espanol

Reprints

The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reused or copied without permission. However, you may not reuse or copy images. Please cite the National Institute of Mental Health as the source. Read our copyright policy to learn more about our guidelines for reusing NIMH content at www.nimh.nih.gov/copyright.

National Institute of Mental Health
National Institute of Mental Health

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health NIH Publication No. 24-MH-8082 Revised 2024
5 Action Steps to Help Someone 

Having Thoughts of Suicide

We can all take steps to help prevent suicide. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can save lives.

Here are 5 steps you can take to #BeThe1To help someone who is having thoughts of suicide:

1. ASK: “Are you thinking about suicide?” It’s not an easy question to ask, but it can help start a conversation. Studies show that asking people if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal behavior or thoughts.

2. BE THERE: Listening without judgment is key to learning what the person is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal thoughts.

3. HELP KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing access to highly lethal items or places can help prevent suicide. Asking the person if they have a plan and making lethal means less available or less deadly can help the person stay safe when suicidal thoughts arise.
4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Connecting the person with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) and other community resources can give them a safety net when they need it. You can also help them reach out to a trusted family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

5. FOLLOW UP: Staying in touch with the person after they have experienced a crisis or been discharged from care can make a difference. Studies show that supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in suicide prevention.

For more information on suicide prevention: www.nimh.nih.gov/suicideprevention www.bethe1to.com

NIMH Identifier No. OM 24-4315 Revised 2024
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

About Suicide

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and a major public health concern. When a person dies by suicide, the effects are felt by family, friends, and communities. This brochure can help you, a friend, or a family member learn more about the warning signs of suicide, ways to help prevent suicide, and effective treatment options.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS: 

Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. The Lifeline provides free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States.

Call 911 in life-threatening situations. What is suicide?

Suicide is when people harm themselves with the goal of ending their life, and they die as a result. 

A suicide attempt is when people harm themselves with the goal of ending their life, but they do not die.
A suicide attempt is when people harm themselves with the goal of ending their life, but they do not die.

Avoid using terms such as “committing suicide,” “successful suicide,” or “failed suicide” when referring to suicide and suicide attempts, as these terms often carry negative meanings.

Who is at risk for suicide?

People of all ages, sexes, and ethnicities can be at risk for suicide. 

The main risk factors for suicide are:

● A history of suicide attempts

● Depression, other mental disorders, or substance use disorder

● Chronic pain

● Family history of a mental disorder or substance use

● Family history of suicide

● Exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

● Presence of guns or other firearms in the home

● Having recently been released from prison or jail

● Exposure, either directly or indirectly, to others’ suicidal behavior, such as

that of family members, peers, or celebrities
● Having recently been released from prison or jail

● Exposure, either directly or indirectly, to others’ suicidal behavior, such as

that of family members, peers, or celebrities

Most people who have risk factors for suicide will not attempt suicide, and it is difficult to tell who will act on suicidal thoughts. Although risk factors for suicide are important to keep in mind, someone who is showing warning signs of suicide may be at higher risk for danger and need immediate attention.

Stressful life events (such as the loss of a loved one, legal troubles, or financial difficulties) and interpersonal stressors (such as shame, harassment, bullying, discrimination, or relationship troubles) may contribute to suicide risk, especially when they occur along with suicide risk factors. What are the warning signs of suicide?

Warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide include:

 ● Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
Warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide include:

 ● Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

 ● Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live

 ● Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions

 ● Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain

 ● Talking about being a burden to others

 ● Withdrawing from family and friends

 ● Giving away important possessions

 ● Saying goodbye to friends and family

 ● Putting affairs in order, such as making a will

 ● Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast

 ● Talking or thinking about death often

Other serious warning signs that someone may be at risk for attempting suicide include:

 ● Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very 

calm or happy

 ● Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for
● Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very 

calm or happy

 ● Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for 

lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun

 ● Talking about feeling great guilt or shame

 ● Using alcohol or drugs more often

 ● Acting anxious or agitated

 ● Changing eating or sleeping habits

 ● Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge What treatment options and therapies are available?

Effective, evidence-based interventions are available to help people who are at risk for suicide: 

 ● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of psychotherapy that 

can help people learn new ways of dealing with stressful experiences. CBT helps people learn to recognize their thought patterns and consider alternative actions when thoughts of suicide arise.
can help people learn new ways of dealing with stressful experiences. CBT helps people learn to recognize their thought patterns and consider alternative actions when thoughts of suicide arise.

 ● Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of psychotherapy that has been shown to reduce suicidal behavior in adolescents. DBT also has been shown to reduce the rate of suicide attempts in adults with borderline personality disorder, a mental illness characterized by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior that often results in impulsive actions and problems in relationships. A therapist trained in DBT can help a person recognize when their feelings or actions are disruptive or unhealthy and teach the person skills that can help them cope more effectively with upsetting situations.
● Brief Intervention Strategies: Research has shown that creating a safety plan or crisis response plan—with specific instructions for what to do and how to get help when having thoughts about suicide—can help reduce a person’s risk of acting on suicidal thoughts. Staying connected and following up with people who are at risk for suicide also has been shown to help lower the risk of future suicide attempts. Research also has shown that increasing safe storage of lethal means can help reduce suicide attempts and deaths by suicide. In addition, collaborative assessment and management of suicide risk can help to reduce suicidal thoughts.
● Collaborative Care: Collaborative care is a team-based approach to mental health care. A behavioral health care manager will work with the person, their primary health care provider, and mental health specialists to develop a treatment plan. Collaborative care has been shown to be an effective way to treat depression and reduce suicidal thoughts. What should I do if I am struggling or someone I know is having thoughts of suicide?

If you notice warning signs of suicide—especially a change in behavior or new, concerning behavior—get help as soon as possible. 

Family and friends are often the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide, and they can take the first step toward helping a loved one find mental health treatment. 

If someone tells you that they are going to kill themselves, do not leave them alone. Do not promise that you will keep their suicidal thoughts a secret—tell a trusted friend, family member, or other trusted adult.
Call 911 if there is an immediate life-threatening situation.

You also can contact: 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988lifeline.org Call or text 988; Llame al 988 (para ayuda en español) The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Support is also available in English via chat at 988lifeline.org.

What if I see suicidal messages on social media?

Knowing how to get help when someone posts suicidal messages can help save a life. Many social media sites have a process to get help for the person posting the message. To learn more, visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s webpage about safety and support on social media at https://988lifeline.org/ help-someone-else/safety-and-support-on-social-media.
If you see messages or live streaming content that suggests someone is actively engaging in suicidal behavior, you can contact safety teams at the social media company. They will reach out to connect the person with the help they need. Does asking someone about suicide put the idea in their head?

No. Studies have shown that asking people about suicidal thoughts and behaviors does not cause or increase such thoughts. Asking someone directly, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” can be the best way to identify someone at risk for suicide.

Do people “threaten” suicide to get attention?

Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress and an indicator that someone needs help. Talking about wanting to die by suicide is not a typical response to stress. All talk of suicide should be taken seriously and requires immediate attention. 

How do suicide rates differ among groups of people?
How do suicide rates differ among groups of people? 

Data show that the rates of suicide attempts and suicide deaths vary according to characteristics such as age, sex, race, ethnicity, and geographic location. The most recent statistics and information on suicide risk are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/suicide and the National Institute of Mental Health’s website at www.nimh.nih.gov/suicidestats. 

How can I find help for mental health concerns?

If you have concerns about your mental health, tell your health care provider. Your health care provider will listen to your concerns and can help you figure out next steps. Find tips for talking with your doctor about mental health concerns at www.nimh.nih.gov/talkingtips.
To find mental health treatment facilities in your area, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357, visit their website at https://findtreatment.gov, or text your ZIP code to 435748. Where can I learn about NIMH research on suicide?

NIMH supports promising research that is likely to have an impact on reducing suicide in the United States. Research is helping improve our ability to identify people at risk for suicide and to develop and improve effective treatments. NIMH researchers continue to study suicide and how to best implement suicide prevention and intervention programs in different settings, including health care, community, school, and the justice system. 

To learn more about NIMH research priorities and recent research on suicide prevention, visit the NIMH website at www.nimh.nih.gov.
To learn more about NIMH research priorities and recent research on suicide prevention, visit the NIMH website at www.nimh.nih.gov. 

For additional information about suicide prevention efforts, visit the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention at https://theactionalliance.org and Zero Suicide at http://zerosuicide.sprc.org. 

What should I know about clinical trials?

Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. 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.

Talk to your health care provider about clinical trials, their benefits and risks, and whether one is right for you. For more information, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/clinicaltrials. Reprints
Talk to your health care provider about clinical trials, their benefits and risks, and whether one is right for you. For more information, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/clinicaltrials. Reprints

This publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without permission from NIMH. We encourage you to reproduce and use NIMH publications in your efforts to improve public health. If you do use our materials, we request that you cite the National Institute of Mental Health. To learn more about using NIMH publications, refer to www.nimh.nih.gov/ reprints. 

For More Information

NIMH website www.nimh.nih.gov www.nimh.nih.gov/espanol (en español)

MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) https://medlineplus.gov https://medlineplus.gov/spanish (en español)

ClinicalTrials.gov www.clinicaltrials.gov https://salud.nih.gov/investigacion-clinica (en español)
ClinicalTrials.gov www.clinicaltrials.gov https://salud.nih.gov/investigacion-clinica (en español)

National Institute of Mental Health Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications 6001 Executive Boulevard Room 6200, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 Toll-free: 1-866-615-6464 Email: nimhinfo@nih.gov Website: www.nimh.nih.gov 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health NIH Publication No. 23-MH-6389 Revised 2023
WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE: The behaviors listed below may be some of the signs that someone is thinking about suicide.

TALKING ABOUT: Wanting to die

 Great guilt or shame

 Being a burden to others

FEELING: 

 Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live

 Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage

 Unbearable emotional or physical pain

CHANGING BEHAVIOR, SUCH AS:

 Making a plan or researching ways to die

 Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will

 Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast

 Displaying extreme mood swings

 Eating or sleeping more or less

 Using drugs or alcohol more often

If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 Chat at 988lifeline.org

National Institute of Mental Health

www.nimh.nih.gov/suicideprevention
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 Chat at 988lifeline.org

National Institute of Mental Health

www.nimh.nih.gov/suicideprevention

NIMH Identifier No. OM 25-4316