Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition, sadly surrounded by misunderstanding and stigma. Yet it is the most common psychotic illness, affecting around 20 million individuals worldwide.

In a nutshell, it is a disorder characterised by hallucinations, including voices heard in the first or third person, and delusions. Delusions may be those of grandeur, such as “I am the Son of God”, or indeed persecutory; “everyone hates me”.

Typically, a diagnosis is made between the ages of 15-35, but subtle symptoms may be present for up to 10 years before formal recognition.

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Risk factors are both genetic and environmental. You are more likely to be affected if you have a first degree relative with the condition. Schizophrenia is associated with infection while in the uterus, low birth weight and neurodevelopmental issues in early life. There is a link between recreational drug use and the development of symptoms.

Diagnosis and treatment are important simply because it is a treatable condition, which if addressed can yield significant benefit. However according to the World Health Organisation, over two thirds of those with schizophrenia are not receiving the appropriate care. As a result, these individuals are two to three times more likely to die than those of the same age, without the condition.

Once a diagnosis is made, treatment consists of medication and talking therapies. Antipsychotic drugs are first line. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is an established treatment, and Family Therapy has also shown to be useful.

Art therapy including music, dancing and drama may improve symptoms in young people.

We have moved a long way from mental health institutions, acknowledging that these may have made conditions worse and indeed violated the basic human rights of several patients.

Research has shown that excellent and sustainable results can be achieved.

Though medication may often be required long term, up to 80% will demonstrate improvement within the first year and 20% will not have another psychotic episode within five years.

Prolonged external support may be needed, yet over half manage to live alone.

Remaining well relies on timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and support, as well as rapid recognition of signs of potential relapse into illness.