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Schizophrenia Resource Center

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The American Journal of Psychiatry has several issues devoted to schizophrenia. View the issues now:

AJP November 2023 Issue cover
Psychiatric News

Psych News Milestones in the History of Schizophrenia

A Comprehensive Chronology of Schizophrenia Research: What Do We Know and When Did We Know It

After centuries of scientific wandering, psychiatry is recognized as a capable discipline of medicine. In this article, Dr. Lieberman traces the history of schizophrenia research to highlight the long and sometimes bumpy path to psychiatry’s legitimacy.

For a timeline of the major milestones in the understanding and treatment of schizophrenia, click here.

The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline For The Treatment Of Patients With Schizophrenia, Third Edition

Practice Guideline For The Treatment Of Patients With Schizophrenia, Third Edition The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Schizophrenia seeks to reduce substantial psychosocial and public health consequences for the individuals affected by schizophrenia. The guideline focuses specifically on evidence-based pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for schizophrenia and includes statements related to assessment and treatment planning, which are an integral part of patient-centered care. The guideline provides direction on implementing these recommendations into clinical practice, with the goal of improving the quality of care and treatment outcomes for patients with schizophrenia.

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Expert Q & A: Schizophrenia

Find answers to your questions about schizophrenia written by leading psychiatrists.

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The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry, 7th Edition

Textbook of Psychiatry, 6th Edition Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that manifests its symptoms in adolescence and young adulthood...

Continue reading in Chapter 10. Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

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What Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects less than one percent of the U.S. population. When schizophrenia is active, symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations, trouble with thinking and concentration, and lack of motivation. However, with treatment, most symptoms of schizophrenia will greatly improve.

The complexity of schizophrenia may help explain why there are misconceptions about the disease. Schizophrenia does not mean split personality or multiple-personality. Most people with schizophrenia are not dangerous or violent. They also are not homeless nor do they live in hospitals. Most people with schizophrenia live with family, in group homes or on their own.

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Featured in AJP Audio.
Patient Story: Schizophrenia

Myles was a 20 year-old man who was brought to the emergency room by the campus police of the college from which he had been suspended several months ago. A professor had called and reported that Myles had walked into his classroom, accused him of taking his tuition money and refused to leave... continue reading

About This Story
This patient story is excerpted from Understanding Mental Disorders: A Patient And Family Resource.

Based on the latest, fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—known as DSM-5®—Understanding Mental Disorders provides valuable insight on what to expect from an illness and its treatment—and will help readers recognize symptoms, know when to seek help, and get the right care. Featured disorders include depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder, among others.

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View Table of Contents for Understanding Mental Disorders: A Patient and Family Resource
Featured & Noteworthy Books:
View Table of Contents for Gabbard’s Treatments of Psychiatric Disorders
Gabbard’s Treatments of Psychiatric Disorders, Fifth Edition

View information on the treatment of schizophrenia in Parts I, II and XII of this textbook.

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Resource Centers

View curated content from our journals, books, textbooks, and other APA resources:

Find a Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to understand the complex interrelation between mental and physical health since their training includes four years of medical school and at least three additional years in a psychiatric residency.

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Help With Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects about one percent of the population. When schizophrenia is active, symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations, trouble with thinking and concentration, and lack of motivation. However, when these symptoms are treated, most people with schizophrenia will greatly improve over time.

Learn more