Patient Education: Schizophrenia

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may have trouble distinguishing what is real from what is not, which can make daily life challenging. It is not the same as having a “split personality.”

Causes of Schizophrenia

The exact cause is not known, but several factors may contribute:

• Genetics – Schizophrenia can run in families.
  
  

• Brain chemistry and structure – Imbalances in brain chemicals like dopamine and differences in brain structure may play a role.
  
  

• Environmental stressors – Stress, infections, or complications during pregnancy or birth.
  
  

• Drug or alcohol use – Some substances can trigger or worsen symptoms.
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

Positive Symptoms (things added to normal experience):

• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  
  

• Delusions (strong beliefs that are not true)
  
  

• Disorganized thinking or speech
  
  

• Agitated or unusual movements
  
  

Negative Symptoms (things taken away from normal experience):

• Lack of motivation
  
  

• Limited speaking or emotional expression
  
  

• Social withdrawal
  
  

• Trouble performing daily tasks
  
  

Cognitive Symptoms (thinking difficulties):

• Trouble focusing or paying attention
  
  

• Poor memory or decision-making
  
  

Possible Complications if Not Treated

• Difficulty keeping a job, going to school, or maintaining relationships
  
  

• Homelessness or financial problems
  
  

• Substance abuse
  
  

• Risk of self-harm or harming others (emergency concern)
  
  

Treatment Options

Schizophrenia is treatable, and treatment can improve quality of life:

• Medications – Antipsychotic medicines help control symptoms.
  
  

• Therapy – Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and counseling can help manage stress and reality testing.
  
  

• Social support – Family, friends, and support groups provide help and encouragement.
  
  

• Healthy lifestyle – Sleep, exercise, nutrition, and avoiding alcohol or drugs.
  
  

In-Home Care / What You Can Do

• Take medicine exactly as prescribed – Never stop or change doses without consulting a doctor.
  
  

• Keep routines – Regular sleep, meals, and daily activities.
  
  

• Avoid drugs and alcohol – These can worsen symptoms.
  
  

• Track symptoms – Write down changes in mood, thoughts, or behaviors to share with your healthcare provider.
  
  

• Stay connected – Talk with supportive family or friends.
  
  

Medication Safety and Lab Tests

• Some antipsychotic medicines require blood tests or monitoring for side effects like weight gain, high blood sugar, or heart issues.
  
  

• Report side effects to your doctor or nurse.
  
  

• Never adjust your medication dose without guidance.
  
  

When to Call the Home Health Nurse

Call the nurse if:

• Hallucinations, delusions, or unusual thoughts are getting worse
  
  

• Side effects from medicine occur (like severe drowsiness or shaking)
  
  

• Daily tasks are difficult to perform
  
  

• Sleep or appetite changes significantly
  
  

When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room

Go immediately if:

• You have thoughts of harming yourself or others
  
  

• You are experiencing severe hallucinations or delusions that put you or others at risk
  
  

• You cannot care for yourself
  
  

• You are confused, agitated, or acting dangerously
  
  

True/False Questions

Write True or False before each number:

1. ___ Schizophrenia is the same as having a split personality.
   
   

2. ___ Genetics may play a role in developing schizophrenia.
   
   

3. ___ Hallucinations and delusions are common symptoms.
   
   

4. ___ Schizophrenia can cause social withdrawal and lack of motivation.
   
   

5. ___ People with schizophrenia have trouble distinguishing what is real.
   
   

6. ___ Schizophrenia cannot be treated.
   
   

7. ___ Antipsychotic medicines can help control symptoms.
   
   

8. ___ Therapy can help manage stress and improve coping skills.
   
   

9. ___ Drug and alcohol use can worsen schizophrenia symptoms.
   
   

10. ___ Following a routine with sleep, meals, and activities can help.
    
    

11. ___ It is safe to stop medication suddenly if you feel better.
    
    

12. ___ Side effects of medicine should be reported to your healthcare provider.
    
    

13. ___ Cognitive symptoms include trouble focusing and poor decision-making.
    
    

14. ___ Schizophrenia only affects adults.
    
    

15. ___ Family support and social connections are helpful for recovery.
    
    

16. ___ Daily tracking of symptoms can help you and your healthcare provider.
    
    

17. ___ Sleep and nutrition do not affect schizophrenia.
    
    

18. ___ Worsening hallucinations or delusions should be reported to the nurse.
    
    

19. ___ Suicidal or violent thoughts require immediate emergency attention.
    
    

20. ___ With proper treatment, people with schizophrenia can have improved quality of life.
    
    

Individualized Patient Questions

1. What is one hallucination or unusual thought you have noticed recently?
   
   

2. Who can you contact if you start having thoughts of self-harm or harming others?
   
   

3. How do you take your medicine regularly and safely?
   
   

4. What routines help you manage daily life at home?
   
   

5. How can family or friends support you when symptoms worsen?
   
   

Answer Key with Explanations

1. False – Schizophrenia is not the same as split personality.
   
   

2. True – Genetics can contribute to risk.
   
   

3. True – Hallucinations and delusions are positive symptoms.
   
   

4. True – Negative symptoms include withdrawal and low motivation.
   
   

5. True – Difficulty distinguishing reality is a hallmark.
   
   

6. False – Schizophrenia can be treated.
   
   

7. True – Antipsychotics help control symptoms.
   
   

8. True – Therapy improves coping and stress management.
   
   

9. True – Drugs and alcohol worsen symptoms.
   
   

10. True – Routines help stabilize life.
    
    

11. False – Never stop medication without doctor advice.
    
    

12. True – Report side effects promptly.
    
    

13. True – Cognitive symptoms affect thinking and memory.
    
    

14. False – Schizophrenia can start in teens or adults.
    
    

15. True – Support is important for recovery.
    
    

16. True – Tracking symptoms helps healthcare providers adjust treatment.
    
    

17. False – Sleep and nutrition are important for managing symptoms.
    
    

18. True – Report worsening hallucinations or delusions.
    
    

19. True – Suicidal or violent thoughts are emergencies.
    
    

20. True – Proper treatment improves quality of life.