A person with this condition might become out of touch with reality.
Research shows that the condition affects up to 0.64% of the United States population.
Schizophrenia affects men and women equally.
Fanjianhua / Getty Images
However, men are more likely to exhibit symptoms earlier than women.
This article details the three phases of schizophrenia and the symptoms that appear in each.
It also covers treatment options.
Prodromal Phase of Schizophrenia
This is the earliest stage of schizophrenia.
The wordprodromalis often used to describe the period in illnesses where symptoms havent begin to properly manifest.
Due to this, Its often hard to diagnose a condition in the prodromal phase.
Proper treatment may even slow the progression.
And even when they are noticed people often fail to draw a link to schizophrenia.
And symptoms will look different from person to person.
Acute Phase of Schizophrenia
This phase of schizophrenia is also known as the active phase.
In this stage of the condition, a person with schizophrenia will actively experiencepsychosissymptoms.
Its often easier for an accurate diagnosis to be made in this stage of the condition.
Symptoms of the condition at this stage can severely disrupt a persons daily functioning.
However, with the right treatment, these symptoms can be managed.
Symptoms of schizophrenia are classified into negative and positive symptoms.
In the acute phase of this condition, a person is most likely to predominantly experience positive symptoms.
Proper treatment in the acute phase of the condition is often required to reach this stage.
However, with the right treatment, the odds of this occurring are slim.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms detract from a persons functioning.
Its important to get help immediately.
A diagnosis will likely be made in the acute phase.
With proper treatment, a person with this condition could lead a healthy and full life.
The doctor takes a medical history and evaluates the persons symptoms.
Treatment
A combination of medication andpsychotherapyis often used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia most effectively.
However, these medications dont cure the condition.
There is currently no cure for schizophrenia and medication serves to help lessen the severity of the conditions symptoms.
Its important to prepare a person with this condition for the next steps in managing it.
This is especially important during the recovery phase when they are no longer experiencing psychosis symptoms.
A person with this condition will most likely need treatment for life.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.What is Schizophrenia.
2017;59(4):505-509.
2014;39(9):638-645.
National Institute of Mental Health.Schizophrenia.
