Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition. It causes several different psychological symptoms.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
If you or someone you know is going through a mental health crisis or emergency, support is available, whatever the situation. Find out where to get urgent mental health support.
Speak to your doctor if you notice:
- changes in your thoughts or behaviour that have lasted a long time or are affecting your everyday life
- that you have already been diagnosed with schizophrenia and your treatment does not seem to be helping (or speak to your mental health specialist, if you have one)
If you are worried about someone else, encourage them to see their doctor, or call the health helpline yourself for advice.
Causes
What causes schizophrenia?
It’s not known exactly what causes schizophrenia. A combination of factors may make you more likely to develop the condition. This includes:
- genetics
- differences in brain structure and chemicals
- complications in pregnancy or after birth
- trauma, including sexual and emotional abuse and neglect
If you’re already vulnerable to schizophrenia, a psychotic episode can then be triggered by:
- a stressful life event
- drug use
It’s not known why some people develop symptoms while others don’t.
Support with schizophrenia
It can be helpful to talk to others about your condition. It’s a good way to share experiences and get support.
You can get support from organisations and local support groups like:
- Change Mental Health
- Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH)
Looking after your health
The chance of a severe relapse can be reduced if schizophrenia is well managed. There are some things that can help.
Do
- try to have a regular rouine
- get plenty of sleep
- eat a healthy diet
- exerxise regularly
- avoid smoking
Don’t
- do not take recreational drugs
- do not drink too much alcohol
Diagnosis
Diagnosing schizophrenia
If you’re experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia, speak to your GP practice as soon as possible. They’ll ask about your symptoms and check they’re not caused by something else.
Your GP will ask you questions and assess your symptoms further. They may refer you to a mental health specialist.
Treatment
Treatment for schizophrenia
Antipsychotic medication is often used to treat schizophrenia. Psychological treatments might also be offered. This can help to reduce the impact that it has on your life.
Psychological treatments include:
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – aims to reduce the impact of voice hearing, unusual beliefs and fear on peoples lives
- family therapy – informal meetings to help you and your family cope with your condition
- arts therapy – work with an arts therapist to express your experiences with schizophrenia
Community mental health teams (CMHTs)
People with schizophrenia are usually treated by CMHTs. They work with your GP and are made up of different mental health professionals, including:
- social workers
- community mental health nurses
- occupational therapists
- community support workers
- psychologists
- psychiatrists
CMHTs provide day-to-day support and treatment. They also help to ensure you have as much independence as possible.
Dealing with an episode of schizophrenia
People with severe episodes of schizophrenia may need more care. For example, through a Crisis Resolution Team (CRT) or Intensive Home Treatment Team.
These teams aim to treat people outside of a hospital. They also plan care for when the crisis has passed.
Your healthcare team should provide you with contact information in case of a crisis.
In severe episodes of schizophrenia, you might need hospital care. If you refuse care, the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 2015 could be used to ensure you get treatment.
Advance statements
You may want to write an advance statement if you’re at risk of a serious episode of schizophrenia. This records your preferences about your care. Your healthcare team must consider your preferences when giving you treatment.
If you want to make an advance statement, talk to your healthcare team.
Complications
Living with schizophrenia
Even if you do not have a job or are unable to work, it’s still important to go out and do everyday things. This can give structure to your week.
An occupational therapist might be able to support you to establish a daily routine.
In some places, community facilities offer a range of activities to help you get active again and spend time with other people. Speak to your healthcare professional about what options might be available to you.
Work projects may also be an option to help develop your work skills and support you back into work. For example, read about SAMH’s individual placement and support services.
Some people with schizophrenia may be given supported accommodation. This means there will be someone around who’s trained to support you. They can also help you deal with day-to-day problems.
Living with or caring for a friend or family member
Living with or caring for someone with schizophrenia can have a big positive impact on their recovery. But, the person’s behaviour may change and relationships can feel the strain.
You may find it helpful to talk to a support group. You can also contact a psychologist and ask for family therapy, if needed.
Change Mental Health can help you get the mental health support you need.
SAMH have further information and support on being there for someone.
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