Read our updated information about wearing a mask for your visit , and our visitor policy. People with schizophrenia may have hallucinations, delusional or distorted thoughts, or feelings of paranoia. Hearing voices is the most common type of hallucination among people with schizophrenia.
They may hear these voices talking directly to them about their behavior, ordering them to do things, or warning them of danger. They may also hear these voices talking to each other. People with schizophrenia may hear voices for a long time before their family and friends notice a change in their behavior.
They also may have have firmly held beliefs that others find irrational. These delusions may include paranoid beliefs that others intend to harm them, or are spying on them, or are reading their mind. These delusions can involve a wide range of beliefs that others in the same cultural community find to be strange and contrary to their experience.
Schizophrenia is a common form of psychosis, a medical condition that skews the way a person perceives reality. Hallucinations and delusions are part of psychosis, and people with schizophrenia often experience psychotic episodes. Psychosis can have many causes, and the process of diagnosis often involves ruling out other conditions that can produce similar symptoms, such as substance use, depression , or bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of schizophrenia can vary and even change over time. People with schizophrenia may have poor interpersonal skills. They are sometimes unable to show emotion and may have difficulty initiating a conversation or participating in other activities. Personal hygiene may deteriorate, and some people experience a decline in cognitive functioning, including difficulty with attention, memory, the speed of mental processing, and problem solving.
If a person who is having an acute schizophrenic episode refuses to get help, their nearest relative can request that a mental health assessment is carried out. The social services department of your local authority can advise how to do this. Find your local authority.
In severe cases, people can be compulsorily detained in hospital for assessment and treatment under the Mental Health Act If you or a friend or relative are diagnosed with schizophrenia, you may feel anxious about what will happen. You may be worried about the stigma attached to the condition, or feel frightened and withdrawn. It's important to remember that a diagnosis can be a positive step towards getting good, straightforward information about the illness and the kinds of treatment and services available.
Children and young people with a first episode of schizophrenia should be referred urgently to a specialist mental health service. This should be either children and young people's mental health services CYPMHHS for those aged up to 17, or an early intervention service for those aged 14 years or over, that includes a consultant psychiatrist with training in children and young people's mental health.
Page last reviewed: 11 November Next review due: 11 November Diagnosis - Schizophrenia. It can take several weeks to notice an improvement in symptoms. Because medications for schizophrenia can cause serious side effects, people with schizophrenia may be reluctant to take them.
Willingness to cooperate with treatment may affect drug choice. For example, someone who is resistant to taking medication consistently may need to be given injections instead of taking a pill. These newer, second-generation medications are generally preferred because they pose a lower risk of serious side effects than do first-generation antipsychotics.
Second-generation antipsychotics include:. These first-generation antipsychotics have frequent and potentially significant neurological side effects, including the possibility of developing a movement disorder tardive dyskinesia that may or may not be reversible. First-generation antipsychotics include:. These antipsychotics are often cheaper than second-generation antipsychotics, especially the generic versions, which can be an important consideration when long-term treatment is necessary.
Some antipsychotics may be given as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. They are usually given every two to four weeks, depending on the medication. Ask your doctor about more information on injectable medications.
This may be an option if someone has a preference for fewer pills and may help with adherence. Once psychosis recedes, in addition to continuing on medication, psychological and social psychosocial interventions are important. These may include:. Most individuals with schizophrenia require some form of daily living support. Many communities have programs to help people with schizophrenia with jobs, housing, self-help groups and crisis situations. A case manager or someone on the treatment team can help find resources.
With appropriate treatment, most people with schizophrenia can manage their illness. During crisis periods or times of severe symptoms, hospitalization may be necessary to ensure safety, proper nutrition, adequate sleep and basic hygiene. For adults with schizophrenia who do not respond to drug therapy, electroconvulsive therapy ECT may be considered. ECT may be helpful for someone who also has depression.
Coping with a mental disorder as serious as schizophrenia can be challenging, both for the person with the condition and for friends and family. Here are some ways to cope:.
If you're seeking help for someone with schizophrenia, you may start by seeing his or her family doctor or health care professional. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a psychiatrist. Go with your loved one to the appointment. Getting the information firsthand will help you know what you're facing and what you need to do for your loved one.
The doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions.
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