Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about schizophrenia:

1. Are my symptoms indicative of schizophrenia? Can they be caused by another health condition?
   
   
2. How will you diagnose my suspected schizophrenia?
   
   
3. If a family member has schizophrenia, how likely am I to get it too?
   
   
4. What type of schizophrenia do I have?
   
   
5. How is schizophrenia differentiated from other mental illnesses?
   
   
6. Will I need medication to treat my schizophrenia?
   
   
7. Are there any side effects with the type of medication prescribed?
   
   
8. Should I receive therapy? What type of therapy would be best for me? For how long will I need to be in therapy?
   
   
9. How soon after starting treatment will I see improvement in my symptoms?
   
   
10. What are the chances that any of my children also will develop schizophrenia?
    
    
11. I have a family member with schizophrenia. What are the best ways I can help?