Overview
What is schizophrenia?
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.
Symptoms of schizophrenia
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:
* a lack of interest in things
* feeling disconnected from your emotions
* difficulty concentrating
* wanting to avoid people
* hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things others don't
* delusions (strong beliefs that others don't share), including paranoid delusions
* disorganised thinking and speech
* not wanting to look after yourself.
Hallucinations and delusions are types of psychosis.
You might also find that you:
* aren't able to carry on with day-to-day activities, like going to work or taking care of yourself
* become upset, confused or suspicious of other people or particular groups (like strangers, or people in authority)
* disagree with people who think something is wrong
* feel worried or afraid of seeking help.
Diagnosis and misdiagnosis
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. It seems to affect roughly the same number of men and women.