Schizophrenia

Category: Science & Technology / Health / Mental Health

What is it?

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder associated with psychosis and disturbances in perception, thinking and behaviour.

Major Symptoms

  • Delusions

  • Hallucinations

  • Disorganised thinking

  • Disorganised behaviour

  • Negative symptoms

  • Cognitive difficulties.

WHO estimates that approximately 1 in 300 people globally live with schizophrenia.

Causes

No single cause has been established.

Likely interaction of:

  • Genetic factors

  • Environmental factors

  • Psychosocial factors

  • Neurobiological factors.

Treatment

May include:

  • Medication

  • Psychotherapy/psychosocial interventions

  • Family interventions

  • Rehabilitation

  • Community-based support.

Prelims

Schizophrenia → psychotic disorder

Do not confuse it with:

  • Dissociative identity disorder

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Depression.