Schizophrenia
It is a disorder where your experience does not match up with reality as other people see it.
The main symptom of schizophrenia called psychosis: For example, you might see, hear or believe things that for other people are not true. You can also feel muddled, low or withdrawn.
Schizophrenia is a serious illness, but it can be treated. It usually appears between the ages of 15 and 35. The cause is unknown, but you're more likely to experience it if a parent has it, or if you've have drug and alcohol problems.
Having schizophrenia does not mean you have two personalities.
Common symptoms of schizophrenia include
- hallucinations where you see, feel, smell or hear things that aren't there
- delusions, where you belief in things that seem unreal to other people, e.g. paranoid beliefs that there is a conspiracy against you
- feeling that you're being followed or your life is in danger
- muddled thinking and difficulty concentrating
- a feeling that you're being controlled by something outside yourself
- not feeling up to normal activities like washing, dressing or seeing friends.
How is schizophrenia treated?
Drug treatment: These are medicines called antipsychotics, which are prescribed by a psychiatrist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for psychosis: This is a type of talk therapy that helps review thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behaviors.
Support groups and psychological education about the symptoms of the disorder and how to deal with it