What Increases Your Risk

Schizophrenia is a complex illness. Experts don't know what causes it or why some people get it and others don't. But some things increase your chances of getting it. These are called risk factors.

You may be at risk for schizophrenia if:

• Your mother, father, brother, or sister has schizophrenia.
• Your mother had certain problems while she was pregnant with you. For example, if your mother didn't get enough to eat (malnutrition), had a viral infection, or took certain medicines for high blood pressure, you may be at increased risk.
• You or a family member have another disorder that is like schizophrenia. An example of this is a delusional disorder, which means you believe things that you know are false.
• You have a problem with alcohol or drugs. Experts don't know whether substance abuse triggers schizophrenia or whether schizophrenia makes a person more likely to have this problem.

When to Call a Doctor

Call or other emergency services if you (or a loved one with schizophrenia):

• Are thinking about suicide or are threatening suicide.
• Hear voices that tell you to hurt yourself or someone else or to do something illegal, such as destroy property or steal.
• Notice warning signs of violence toward others, such as thinking or talking about harming someone or becoming aggressive.

Call a doctor if you (or a loved one with schizophrenia):

• Have a sudden change in behavior, such as refusing to eat because you think someone has poisoned your food.
• Have experiences that don't usually occur, such as hearing someone calling your name when no one is there.
• Have a hard time taking care of basic needs, such as grooming, or become confused doing simple chores or tasks.
• Show signs of schizophrenia, such as talking to people who aren't present or believing things that you know are false.
• Show the first signs of relapse, such as finding it hard to focus or withdrawing from other people.

If you are worried that you or a loved one may have schizophrenia but need help deciding whether to see your doctor, read about some of the reasons people don't get help and how to overcome them.

Who can treat schizophrenia?

Health professionals who can help diagnose schizophrenia or who may work together with other health professionals to treat schizophrenia include:

• General practitioners.
• Family medicine physicians.
• Internists.
• Neurologists.
• Psychiatrists.
• Psychologists.
• Physician assistants.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Social workers.