Schizophrenia

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a long-term condition where a person’s thoughts, perceptions, and beliefs can become disrupted, making it harder to distinguish their own thoughts from reality. Doctors often describe it as a type of psychosis. It usually needs an assessment by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, and there’s no single test for it.

It affects everyone differently. Some people have one episode and recover fully, while others experience symptoms that come and go over time.

What causes schizophrenia?

The exact cause isn’t known. Most experts believe it develops from a combination of genetic and environmental factors: a family history of schizophrenia can increase the likelihood, and stressful life events or drug and alcohol use can act as triggers in people who are already vulnerable to the condition. 

It’s not caused by anything a person has done.

Common symptoms of schizophrenia

Emotional and mental

• Hallucinations, such as hearing or seeing things that aren’t there.
• Delusions, or strongly held beliefs that others find difficult to understand.
• Feeling that thoughts, feelings or actions are being controlled from outside.
• Muddled or disorganised thinking and difficulty concentrating.

Physical

• Changes in sleep patterns.
• Low energy and motivation.
• Reduced attention to personal hygiene or physical wellbeing.

Behavioural

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or social situations.
• Losing interest in usual activities or routines.
• Appearing flat or disconnected from emotions.
• Difficulty maintaining work, study, or daily structure.

What can help with schizophrenia?

If you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia, it’s important to speak to a GP as soon as possible. Earlier treatment is linked to better outcomes. A GP can assess symptoms and refer to a specialist mental health team where needed.

Medication: antipsychotic medication is the main treatment for schizophrenia. It doesn’t cure the condition but can significantly reduce symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. It’s usually prescribed and monitored by a psychiatrist, and taken consistently, even once symptoms improve.

Talking therapies: approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help someone manage the impact of their experiences, alongside medication rather than instead of it.

Self-care, as a supplement to treatment: these steps don’t replace medical care, but some people find they help alongside it.

• Keeping a steady daily routine, including regular sleep.
• Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs, which can trigger or worsen symptoms.
• Staying connected to trusted people, even in small ways.
• Gentle activity and time outdoors, such as a short walk in green space.
• Recognising early warning signs: warning signs that symptoms may be returning are different for everyone, but often include disrupted sleep, withdrawing more than usual, or feeling suspicious of others. Noticing these early, and having a plan for who to contact, can help reduce the severity of a relapse.

Learn more about schizophrenia

• NHS overview of schizophrenia, symptoms, causes and treatment
• Mind’s information on schizophrenia and support options
• Rethink Mental Illness – UK charity specialising in severe mental illness, including schizophrenia