Schizophrenia: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

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. 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.

Symptoms in teenagers

Information about NIMH, research results, summaries of scientific meetings, and mental health resources. The latest information and resources on mental disorders shared on X, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you or someone you know has a mental illness, there are ways to get help. Use these resources to find treatment for schizophrenia help for yourself, a friend, or a family member.

Risk factors

Mr. Atkinson is a candidate for a doctorate in pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. Schizophrenia has historically been divided into several subtypes, but the evidence suggests that these divisions are probably not clinically useful. No laboratory, psychometric, or radiologic studies currently exist for diagnosing schizophrenia. A good place to start is the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s support and education page. Schizophrenia can also make it difficult to work or attend school. If you can’t work or support yourself financially, there’s a higher risk for poverty and homelessness.

This includes tardive dyskinesia, which causes repetitive and involuntary movements, such as grimacing, eye blinking and other movements. Instead, your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional who will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and order some tests to help rule out possible medical causes. These tests could include blood tests, imaging tests, and drug screening tests.