Schizophrenia

Symptoms of schizophrenia can include hearing voices or seeing things that are not real, unusual beliefs and confused thinking.

Schizophrenia is usually treated with a combination of talking therapies and medicine.

Symptoms of schizophrenia can include:

• hallucinations – hearing or seeing things that do not exist outside of the mind
• delusions – unusual beliefs not based on reality
• muddled thoughts and speech based on hallucinations or delusions
• losing interest in everyday activities
• not wanting to look after yourself and your needs, such as not caring about your personal hygiene
• wanting to avoid people, including friends
• feeling disconnected from your feelings or emotions

People with schizophrenia do not have a split personality. Schizophrenia does not usually cause someone to be violent.

Schizophrenia is usually treated with a combination of medicine and therapy tailored to each individual.

In most cases, this will be antipsychotic medicines and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

People with schizophrenia usually receive help from a community mental health team, which can offer day-to-day support and treatment, depending on the needs of each individual.

Many people recover from schizophrenia, although they may have periods when symptoms return (relapses).

Support and treatment can help reduce the impact the condition has on daily life.