Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition. It brings on several different psychological symptoms.

People experience schizophrenia in different ways. The symptoms may start suddenly, or they may develop slowly over time.

Symptoms of schizophrenia can include:

• hallucinations, which means hearing voices or seeing things that other people can't
• delusions, which are unusual beliefs that are not based on reality and that other people might find difficult to understand
• muddled thoughts and speech
• a lack of interest in things
• not wanting to look after yourself
• difficulty with day-to-day activities
• wanting to avoid people
• feeling disconnected from your emotions
• worrying that other people may wish you harm
• difficulty concentrating
• feeling fearful or worried

Doctors often describe schizophrenia as a psychotic illness. This means you may not be able to distinguish your own thoughts and ideas from reality.

You may have episodes of schizophrenia. This means the symptoms can be severe, followed by a period where you have few symptoms or none at all. About one third of people recover completely from schizophrenia after one episode.

• You have changes in your thoughts or behaviour that last a long time or affect your everyday life
• You have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and the treatments are not helping (or speak to your mental health specialist if you have one)

If you're worried about someone else, encourage them to speak to their doctor, or call a doctor or the 16263 health line yourself for advice.

If you're having symptoms of schizophrenia, see a doctor as soon as you can. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and check that something else isn't causing them.

They'll ask you more questions and look at your symptoms in greater detail. You may then be referred to a mental health specialist.

Some other conditions have symptoms similar to schizophrenia. These include:

• bipolar disorder
• schizoaffective disorder
• some types of personality disorder

It's also possible to have an episode of psychosis without having schizophrenia.

So it can be hard to find a diagnosis that fits your own experiences. It also means you may have more than one diagnosis at the same time.

Doctors often use antipsychotic medicine to treat schizophrenia. You might also be offered psychological treatments, which can help reduce the impact the condition has on your life.

Psychological treatments include:

• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which aims to reduce the impact of voice hearing, unusual beliefs and fear on people's lives
• family therapy, which is informal meetings to help you and your family cope with your condition
• arts therapy, where you work with an arts therapist to express your experiences with schizophrenia

People with severe episodes of schizophrenia may need more care, for example through a Crisis Resolution Team (CRT) or an Intensive Home Treatment Team. These teams try to treat people outside a hospital, and they also plan care for when the crisis has passed.

Your healthcare team should give you contact information in case of a crisis.

In a severe episode of schizophrenia, you might need hospital care. If you refuse care, the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 2015 could be used to make sure you get treatment.

No one knows exactly what causes schizophrenia. It seems that a mix of factors can make you more likely to develop the condition. These include:

• 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.

If schizophrenia is well managed, the chance of a severe relapse can come down. There are some things that can help.

• try to have a regular routine
• get plenty of sleep
• eat a healthy diet
• exercise regularly
• avoid smoking

• don't take recreational drugs
• don't drink too much alcohol

Even if you don't have a job or can't work, it's still important to go out and do everyday things. It gives your week some structure.

An occupational therapist might be able to help you set up a daily routine.

In some places, community facilities run activities to help you get active again and spend time with other people. Speak to your doctor about what options might be open to you.

Work projects may also be an option, to help you build your work skills and support you back into work. For example, you can read about SAMH's individual placement and support services.

Some people with schizophrenia may be given supported accommodation. This means someone trained to support you will be around. They can also help you deal with day-to-day problems.

The warning signs that you're becoming unwell with schizophrenia are different for everyone. They could include:

• feeling anxious or stressed
• poor sleep
• hearing quiet voices
• finding it hard to concentrate
• avoiding people
• feeling suspicious or fearful

If you notice any of these warning signs, ask for help.

Living with or caring for someone with schizophrenia can have a big positive effect 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 has further information and support on being there for someone.

Don't include personal information such as your name, location or any personal health conditions.