Schizophrenia
Pronunciation
  • /ˌskɪtsəˈfrniə/, UK also /ˌskɪdzə-/, US also /-ˈfrɛniə/
SpecialtyPsychiatry
SymptomsFalse beliefs, confused thinking, hearing voices others do not
ComplicationsSuicide, heart disease, lifestyle diseases
Usual onsetAges 16 to 30
DurationChronic
CausesEnvironmental and genetic factors
Risk factorsFamily history, cannabis use, problems during pregnancy, being raised in a city, older father
Diagnostic methodBased on observed behavior, reported experiences, and reports of others familiar with the person
Differential diagnosisSubstance misuse, Huntington's disease, mood disorders (bipolar disorder), autism
TreatmentCounseling, job training
MedicationAntipsychotics
Prognosis18–20 years shorter life expectancy
Frequency~0.5%
Deaths~17,000 (2015)