Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a disease of the brain. It affects one in 100 people and it is a real disease -- as real as diabetes, multiple sclerosis or cancer. It can affect anyone regardless of race, culture, sex or economic status.

Schizophrenia usually occurs in the late teenage years or early adulthood, but has been known to occur in children as well. It is a chronic disease in which symptoms worsen or improve at times. With appropriate treatment, most symptoms can be controlled.

The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre's Schizophrenia Program serves people over the age of 16 with known or suspected schizophrenia or a related disorder whose clinical needs are best addressed in a specialized hospital setting.

For more information about admissions, treatment and other program details, please see the following fact sheets:

• Program Overview
• Treatment