Schizophrenia

Call 911 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 Reference 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 Reference 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 Reference 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:

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

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.