Schizophrenia is a very severe and disabling brain disease, and it was seen that during their lifetime, about 1% of the population will develop this illness. It affects equally men and women, but appears earlier in men – usually in their late teens or early twenties- and in women appears in their twenties to early thirties. In what concerns children, it was seen that those over 5 years old can develop schizophrenia, but this is a very rare situation schizophrenia to appear before adolescence.

In order to learn about schizophrenia, scientists are using many approaches, from the study of molecular genetics to the study of populations, the future can reserve the possibility for new and safer medications to appear, and also the complex causes of the disease can be discovered. We may also mention that methods of imaging the brain’s structure and function can show new insights into the disorder.

It is known that used regularly, and as prescribed, medications and other treatments for schizophrenia can help reduce and control the symptoms of this illness. There are people that do not experience improvements, or they discontinue the treatment because of the side effects that can be unpleasant, or because of other reasons.

We can mention some of the early signs and symptoms of schizophrenia: social isolation or withdrawal, severe psychotic symptoms, confusion, changes in behavior, unusual speech, thinking, or behavior, and psychosis.

It is known that long-term treatment, generally including medication, to control the symptoms is necessary for the patients with chronic schizophrenia or a continuous or recurring pattern of illness, and often they not fully recover normal functioning.

In order to diagnose schizophrenia, there must be ruled out other possible causes of symptoms. For this, it is necessary a complete medical history, a physical examination, laboratory tests, and drug screening. There is also necessary to be ruled out other mental disorders.

Schizophrenics do not perceive the world like we do, they actually live in a distorted world. They experience hallucinations and delusions, and may feel frightened, anxious, and confused.

Hallucinations and illusions often appear in patients with schizophrenia, in fact, these are disturbances of perception. The patient may hear voices that command him, warn about dangers, or carry on a conversation.

Delusions are false and irrational beliefs. The patient thinks is being harassed, poisoned, or conspired against, and can also believe that someone close to him is the focus of this persecution. In addition, there can appear delusions of grandeur. The patient believes is someone famous, an important figure.

It is known that schizophrenics are not generally violent, but suicide is a serious danger in these people. Schizophrenics have a higher rate of suicide than the rest of population, and if an individual threatens to suicide, professional help must is needed as soon as possible.