Positive Symptoms
These are things you see, hear, or feel that other people don’t — like hearing voices.
What are hallucinations? (hearing or seeing things that aren’t there)
This is when your face and voice show very little emotion, almost like a blank look.
What is flat affect? (little or no emotion showing)
These are the main medicines doctors give to help with schizophrenia symptoms.
What are antipsychotic medications?
Taking your medicine every day the way your doctor told you is one of the most important things you can do.
What is taking medicine every day?
These are group meetings where people who also have schizophrenia share tips and support each other.
What are peer support groups?
These are strong beliefs that aren’t true, even when facts show they are wrong (for example, thinking people are out to get you).
What are delusions? (false beliefs that feel very real)
This is when you have almost no energy or drive to start or finish everyday tasks.
What is avolition? (lack of drive or motivation)
This kind of therapy helps you notice unhelpful thoughts and find better ways to handle them.
What is talk therapy / CBT?
Simple things like slow breathing, relaxing your muscles, or quiet mindfulness can lower stress that makes symptoms worse.
What are stress-reducing techniques? (breathing, relaxing, mindfulness)
Getting your family involved in learning about the illness and your treatment can help everyone.
What is family support?
This is when your talking jumps from one idea to another in a way that is hard for others to follow.
What is disorganized speech? (talking in a jumbled or hard-to-follow way)
This is when you speak very little or give short answers that don’t say much.
What is alogia? (speaking very little)
This is when the whole family learns about schizophrenia together and practices better ways to talk and support each other.
What is family education or family therapy?
This skill means checking if what you’re seeing or hearing is real — for example, asking someone you trust.
What is reality checking?
These programs help you find a job and give you a coach who supports you while you work.
What is supported employment? (job help with a coach)
This can look like sudden restlessness, strange body positions, or freezing and not moving at all.
What is disorganized or catatonic behavior? (unusual or frozen movements)
This is when things you used to enjoy no longer feel fun or interesting.
What is anhedonia? (not enjoying things anymore)
This is a full team approach that includes medicine, therapy, help with school or work, and community support so you can live more independently.
What is a full support team / coordinated care?
Writing down early warning signs, what helps you, and who to call can stop a crisis before it gets big.
What is a crisis or wellness plan?
This is the bigger network of helpers — case managers, clinics, housing programs, and crisis lines — that keep you stable.
What is community support services?
This is the belief that someone or something is putting thoughts into your head, taking them out, or broadcasting them to others.
What is thought insertion, withdrawal, or broadcasting? (feeling like thoughts are being controlled)
This is when you pull away from friends and family and don’t feel like being around people.
What is asociality? (pulling away from people)
This special medicine (often used when others haven’t worked) needs regular blood tests but can help people who haven’t improved with other treatments.
What is clozapine? (a strong medicine that needs blood checks)
Planning small daily activities and setting easy goals can help when motivation is low.
What is making a simple daily schedule / small goals?
This kind of housing lets you live on your own but with staff nearby who can help when you need it.
What is supported housing?