What is schizophrenia?

People living with schizophrenia often have difficulty speaking and expressing emotion, and may experience “disorganised” thinking and speech, shifting from one thought to the next without a clear connection. People with schizophrenia often have delusions, where they have false beliefs that can’t be changed even when presented with facts, and often see and hear things that aren’t there, such as hearing voices.

Schizophrenia rates vary by ethnicity and region, but schizophrenia affects around 24 million people worldwide or around 1 in 300 people. Other mental disorders are more common. In the United Kingdom, schizophrenia affects around 1 in 100 people.

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects a person’s behaviour, thinking, and emotions. Psychosis is a common symptom of schizophrenia and some other mental health conditions, and can make it difficult to know what is real. Psychosis involves hallucinations, such as seeing and hearing things that aren’t there.

Schizophrenia symptoms can worsen with age, but they can also improve over time, or stay the same. People with schizophrenia may also physically age more quickly than those without the condition. They may also have a higher risk of developing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease.

By following your treatment plan and taking an active role in your care, it’s possible to live a normal life with schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia symptoms can make it difficult to participate in everyday activities. Depending on the severity of the person’s symptoms, they might experience disorganised thoughts and speech, making communication difficult. They might also experience auditory or visual hallucinations, which can be distressing for them and their family and friends.

However, treatment is available, and symptoms can be managed.

Schizophrenia can feel frightening to the person living with the illness, particularly if they experience distressing hallucinations or paranoia. They may also struggle with motivation, difficulty showing emotions, and feel lonely.

You may not ever know someone has schizophrenia, particularly if their symptoms are well-managed. However, outward symptoms that might become noticeable include jumbled speech and thoughts (such as moving quickly from one subject to another), paranoia, and reactions to hallucinations.

Studies suggest that people with schizophrenia live, on average, 10-20 years less than people without the condition. However, this depends on the individual. This is due to a number of factors, such as a higher risk of health conditions such as heart disease, higher risk of substance misuse, and side effects of medication. It’s worth mentioning that research shows that reducing these risk factors can improve life expectancy.

This is a myth and may come from the fact that the name ‘schizophrenia’ derives from two Greek words meaning ‘split’ and ‘mind’. Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder that often affects thought, perception, behavior, and emotions. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously referred to as multiple personality disorder, involves the presence of distinct personality states.

Schizophrenia does not cause someone to be violent. People with a diagnosis of schizophrenia are more likely to be a danger to themselves than to other people. Research shows that only a small number of people with the illness may become violent, just like how a small minority of the general public may become violent.

If you suspect a loved one might be showing signs of schizophrenia, it’s important to encourage them to seek help as soon as possible. However, they might be reluctant to visit a GP. This is often due to delusional thought patterns, which can be difficult to challenge.

Reassure them that you’re there to support them, and that this is a positive step. Address their fear and any stigma they might vocalise, and let them know you’ll be there every step of the way.

If a person experiencing an acute episode refuses to seek help, you can contact your local authority’s social services department. They will be able to advise you how to arrange for a mental health assessment. Find your local authority

In severe cases, they can be detained in a psychiatric hospital for assessment and treatment under the Mental Health Act (2007).

While rare, children can develop schizophrenia. When schizophrenia starts under the age of 13, it’s called childhood-onset schizophrenia. When schizophrenia starts under the age of 17, it’s called early-onset schizophrenia.

If a child or young person is showing symptoms of schizophrenia, it’s important to seek an urgent referral to a specialist mental health service as soon as possible, depending on their age. This should be a Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service (CYPMHS) or an early intervention service with a consultant psychiatrist with experience in treating children and young people.

More information can be found in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on psychosis and schizophrenia in children and young people.