Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. One common symptom is hallucinations, where a person might hear voices or see things that aren't actually there. These experiences can make it difficult for individuals to distinguish between what is real and what is not. The exact cause of schizophrenia is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Treatment typically includes antipsychotic medications and therapy to help manage the symptoms.

Symptoms

People with Schizophrenia tend to interpret the world around them differently than others do. Their experiences may last weeks, months and sometimes years. The main symptoms of Schizophrenia are:

  • Hallucinations: People can have different types of hallucinations. They may be able to hear, see or feel things that others cannot. For example, they may be able to hear voices that other people can not hear, feel things touching their skin or see things that others can not see.
  • Delusions:  A strong false belief that is often not rooted in logic and does not usually make sense to others. For example, you may believe that you are part of the royal family or that you can control the weather. Some people also experience persecutory delusions where they believe they are in harms way. For example, the FBI is after them or someone is trying to kill them (for no apparent reason).
  • Difficulty maintaining your activities of daily living: e.g. deterioration in personal hygiene, appearance, dietary intake etc.
  • Changes in behaviour: social isolation, you may become more unpredictable, your hallucinations may be commanding you to do things.
  • Muddled thoughts and speech - ‘disorganised thinking’

Causes

The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute, including:

  • Genetics: A genetic predisposition, as schizophrenia can run in families.
  • Stressful life events: Stress can trigger the onset of symptoms, especially for those with higher vulnerability.
  • Vulnerability to stress: Individuals have different levels of susceptibility to stress, which can influence the likelihood of developing schizophrenia.
  • Brain chemistry and structure: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate, as well as structural changes in the brain, may contribute to the condition.
  • Prenatal factors: Exposure to infections or malnutrition during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life.
  • Drug use: The use of substances like cannabis, amphetamines, or hallucinogens can trigger or worsen symptoms, particularly in those at risk.
  • Environmental factors: Childhood trauma, abuse, or growing up in a stressful environment may also play a role in the development of schizophrenia.

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    How Can I Help Myself?

    • Seek support from your GP or local crisis mental health team (contact details can usually be found on google)
    • If you feel as though you or someone else may be in immediate danger, please call 999
    • Journal your thoughts/ write down how you are feeling and what you are experiencing
    • Create a risk management crisis plan to help you know what to do when you are experiencing symptoms
    • Try to maintain your self care and keep an active routine

    Forms of treatmentPsychological intervention: talking therapies, family therapies, creative therapiesMedication: Discuss in more depth with your psychiatrist. Common medications consist within the groups of antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, and anti-depressants.  Your psychiatrist will best advise you depending on your symptoms.

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