The University of Texas at Dallas - Center for BrainHealth

Schizophrenia

Did You Know?

  • Schizophrenia ranks among the top 10 causes of disability in developed countries worldwide.
  • Schizophrenia, considered the most chronic, debilitating, and costly mental illness, now consumes a total of about $63 billion a year for direct treatment, societal and family costs.
  • The earlier schizophrenia is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome of the person, and the better the recovery.
  • Approximately 1.1% of the population over the age of 18 has schizophrenia.

Center for BrainHealth Programs

UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth may be able to place individuals with schizophrenia in a research study to undergo a detailed evaluation of functional details and work toward improved social cognition (ability to observe social rules, participate in social routines or understand and express emotions and behavior). For more information on becoming part of a research study, visit our research studies section.

About Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that affects a person’s perception, language, communication, behavior, volition and attention.

If you think you or someone you know may have schizophrenia you should seek out an evaluation by a licensed psychological professional. The evaluation will probably include questionnaires, clinician-administered diagnostic assessments and thorough medical and psychological background questionnaires for the patient and his or her family. A proper evaluation is necessary for a correct diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of schizophrenia include:

  • delusions
  • hallucinations
  • disorganized speech (e.g., frequently losing train of thought or incoherence)
  • grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
  • inappropriate affect or affective flattening (lack of emotional expression)
  • alogia (decreased fluency of thought and speech)
  • avolition (marked decrease in goal-directed behavior)

These symptoms are likely to significantly affect work, interpersonal relations or self-care.

Treatment

Treatment with an antipsychotic medication should begin as soon as possible after the onset of the illness and must be taken consistently for the best results. A skilled psychiatrist and/or psychologist with specific knowledge and experience in treating schizophrenia should be an ally in the continual process of treatment and recovery and should respect family members as part of the treatment team.

Links and Resources

For more information about schizophrenia visit: http://www.schizophrenia.comNew Window