Schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses are usually determined by the presence of psychotic symptoms. Psychotic symptoms include delusions (mistakenly believing things that are not true), hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things that are not real), disconnection from reality, disorganized speech or behaviors, and the absence of feelings.

Some evidence suggests that several psychological therapies are useful in the treatment of schizophrenia, including family intervention, social skills training, and supported employment. While other psychotherapies may be helpful in the treatment of schizophrenia and other severe mental illness, they have not been evaluated scientifically in the same way as the treatments listed here.

For more information on Schizophrenia, please see the Schizophrenia Home Page, which discusses symptoms and causes of schizophrenia, along with providing resources for support for patients and families.