General description
 
Schizophrenia is a rare illness, only one in a hundred is affected. It tends to emerge in late teens/early twenties for men, twenties and thirties for women. The cause is as yet unknown, but evidence so far points to a genetic link. Brain injury, stress or substance misuse may cause or contribute to a genetic predisposition.
 
The main effect of schizophrenia is that the patients brain perceives a different reality from others. This can often take the form of hallucinations or delusions. Although some people will be ill permanently, most patients will fully recover.
 
Common symptoms

• Hallucinations (these may affect any of the five senses)
• Delusions - often paranoid
• Inability to concentrate
• Feelings of being controlled
• Demotivation
• Apathy
• Irritability

Common treatments

• Anti-psychotic drugs (taken as tablets, capsules, syrup or depot injection)
• Professional mental health support

General Advice
 
Seek treatment as soon as possible, early treatment is much more effective.