Schizophrenia: Your GoodRx Guide

Approximately 24 million people around the world live with schizophrenia. It affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Around 50% of people with schizophrenia also have a substance use disorder.  

Most people with schizophrenia are first diagnosed between the ages of 16 and 30. Recognizing and getting treatment for schizophrenia early on is important. Treatment and support can help you manage your condition and live a healthy life.

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Causes

We don’t know exactly what causes schizophrenia. Experts still have much to learn. But they believe several factors play a role:

• Genetics: Certain genes may increase your risk of developing schizophrenia. Having a family member with the condition increases your chances of developing it. 

• Environment: Exposure to certain environmental factors (such as poverty, childhood trauma, and stress) might also play a role in the development of schizophrenia. 

• Brain differences: Some people with schizophrenia display differences in the structure and function of the brain. More research is needed to fully understand these differences and the roles they may play in schizophrenia.

Keep in mind that having risk factors does not necessarily mean you will have schizophrenia. It just means your risk for this particular mental illness may be higher than other people.

Symptoms

Schizophrenia is an ongoing health condition that can affect many areas of your life. The symptoms can be scary and confusing for those with the condition, as well as those who are close to them. It may be challenging to work and maintain healthy relationships. 

People with schizophrenia often have two or more of these symptoms:

• Hallucinations: This is when you see, hear, or feel things that are not actually there. Common examples are hearing noises or voices, or seeing people.

• Delusions: This means strongly believing in things that are irrational, or not true. Common delusions include the belief that you’re being watched, or that someone else is trying to harm you. 

• Disorganized thinking and speech: This means the way you talk doesn't make a lot of sense to other people. People with schizophrenia may make up words, use confusing sentences, or repeat nonsensical noises and sounds.  

• Disorganized or catatonic behavior: Some people with schizophrenia may display strange behavior or movements, such as holding a body posture for an extended period of time. Or they may not react normally to the environment around them. 

• Decreased interest in daily life: People with schizophrenia may start to withdraw from daily life, including emotionally. This might mean losing interest in activities and relationships, or having trouble keeping up with personal hygiene and other daily tasks.

Diagnosis

Schizophrenia is typically diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a:

• Psychiatrist

• Psychologist

• Social worker

• Therapist

To determine if you have schizophrenia, your provider will gather information about your: 

• Current symptoms

• Medical history

• Ability to keep up with daily life

• Family medical and mental health history

Your mental health provider may want you to get a full physical exam or complete blood work to rule out other possible health conditions. They may also speak with family members and friends. Loved ones can sometimes provide additional information about your symptoms. 

Once your provider has gathered enough information, they can make a decision about whether or not you have schizophrenia, or another similar condition, like schizoaffective disorder.

Medications

Treatment for schizophrenia typically involves psychiatric medications. Some of the most common types of medications used include antipsychotics and some other medications such as antidepressants.

Antipsychotic medications

Antipsychotic medications can help relieve psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Antipsychotics are available in pill form or as a monthly injection. Examples include:

• Quetiapine (Seroquel)

• Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

• Paliperidone (Invega)

• Risperidone (Risperdal)

• Aripiprazole (Abilify)

• Clozapine (Clozaril)

• Lurasidone (Latuda)

Other medications

Depending on your symptoms and response to antipsychotics, your provider may prescribe other medications. These can either help address symptoms of schizophrenia or other mental health conditions. 

Examples of other medications your prescriber may suggest include:

• Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

• Mood stabilizers such as lithium

• Anti-anxiety medications 

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Therapy and other treatments

Group, individual, and family therapy can all be beneficial for schizophrenia, as well.

Therapy

Different therapy approaches can help people with schizophrenia. In general, therapy helps you learn how to cope with your emotions, maintain healthy relationships, and develop life skills. 

Types of therapy with the most evidence for helping people with schizophrenia include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

• Assertive community treatment (ACT)

• Social learning

• Social skills training

• Cognitive remediation

• Cognitive adaptation training (CAT)

Family support

Providers often encourage family members to participate in therapy sessions to support their loved one’s recovery. Families may learn strategies for improving communication, handling crisis situations, and encouraging a loved one to take their medications. 

Attending a family group such as a NAMI Family Support Group can also help family members connect with one another and feel less alone.   

Peer support

Peer support groups, in addition to therapy, can be helpful for people with schizophrenia. Groups allow you to connect with others experiencing the same condition, develop social skills, and have structure. 

Some clinics or organizations may offer different options for peer support, such as clubs, classes, or social events. 

Treatment for substance use disorder

People with schizophrenia are at greater risk for substance use disorders. If you have both schizophrenia and a substance use disorder, then it’s best to receive co-occurring treatment. This type of treatment addresses both addiction and your mental health condition(s) at the same time. 

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