Explains schizophrenia, including possible causes and how you can access treatment and support. Includes tips for helping yourself, and guidance for friends and family.
Schizophrenia is a complicated mental health problem related to psychosis. There's lots of misconceptions about it. Even mental health professionals don't all agree about it. But the reality is that about 1 in every 100 people get this diagnosis at some point in their life.
This page covers:
Many experiences and behaviours can be part of schizophrenia. They can start suddenly, or they might develop gradually over time.
Each person's experience is unique. A doctor might suggest you have schizophrenia if you experience some of the following:
Hallucinations and delusions are types of psychosis.
"I have bizarre delusions which include psychic battles in which people around me can be perceived as either 'good' or 'evil'. Sometimes I am in a different time zone or move between periods of history in different lives."
You might also find that you:
"Sometimes I feel thoughts are being put in my head and that people are reading my thoughts."
Watch Miles talk about his experience of living with schizophrenia.
Diagnosing schizophrenia is complicated - there's no straightforward test for it. And views on this diagnosis have been changing over the years. Many people think that it may actually be several overlapping conditions, rather than one single condition.
If you're experiencing symptoms, it's a good idea to start by talking to your doctor. They may refer you to a mental health specialist, who can assess you by asking you questions. Most people diagnosed with schizophrenia are aged between 18 and 35.
Read more about how mental health problems are diagnosed.
Some people argue that because there isn't a clear definition of schizophrenia, doctors shouldn't use this term at all. Especially because this diagnosis can feel stigmatising.
Others think that the name of the condition doesn't matter - what matters more is finding ways to help people with their individual symptoms and needs.
If you've been given this diagnosis, it might help to think of it as a tool for treating what you're currently experiencing. Not as a definite condition or label that you will have to live with forever.
There are also several other conditions that share many of the same symptoms of schizophrenia. These include:
It's also possible to experience an episode of psychosis (one of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia) without having any particular condition.
So doctors might find it hard to decide which diagnosis best fits your specific experiences. It's also possible to have more than one diagnosis at once.
If you're worried that your schizophrenia diagnosis doesn't match how you feel, it's important to discuss it with your mental health team.
If you're not happy with how you're being treated, you can complain about health and social care. Or there are steps you can take if you feel that the details in your medical records are wrong.
See our pages on seeking help for a mental health problem and advocacy for more information on how to make sure your voice is heard and what you can do if you're not happy with your doctor or diagnosis.
"What was real and what was not? I couldn't tell the difference any longer and it was exhausting."
Watch Alice, Brian, Jamie, Martin and Louise talk about their experiences of living with schizophrenia.
"More recently my symptoms have included voices outside my head, feelings that people are talking about me and spying on me."
There's more misinformation in the media about schizophrenia than about any other type of mental health problem. Stories in the news and on TV shows are often sensationalised and misleading.
The truth is:
It can be really upsetting to encounter negative attitudes. But there are things you can do. Read more about tackling stigma and misconceptions around mental health problems.
"The stigma of being violent and dangerous is the worst for me. I am a caring and empathetic soul who would do anything for the people I love."
For further information on schizophrenia see our pages on causes, self-care, treatment, and what others can do to help.
This information was published in November 2020. We will revise it in 2023.
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