Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that affects the way you think, feel, and behave. It is one of the most common severe mental health conditions, with 1 in 300 people being affected worldwide, many of whom succeed in leading normal lives.
Schizophrenia is most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35 and affects men and women equally, although symptoms tend to arise earlier in males.
Many people who are diagnosed with schizophrenia recover but may suffer relapses throughout their life; chances of recovery are higher if the condition is diagnosed early on.
Symptoms of schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is often described as a psychotic illness, meaning that a person with schizophrenia may not be able to distinguish their thoughts from reality. The symptoms of schizophrenia can be divided into what are called ‘positive’, ‘negative’, and cognitive symptoms.
'Positive' symptoms reflect an excess or distortion of normal function, including delusions, hallucinations and disorganised behaviours. The most common hallucination is hearing voices. The voices are not imaginary in the sense that they don’t exist; a person with schizophrenia really does hear them, but they are created by the mind. Scans have shown that brain activity ‘lights up’ during hallucinating voices in the same way that it would if you were talking to someone.
'Negative' symptoms refer to a reduction or absence of typical behaviours, including feeling withdrawn, unmotivated, and/or depressed; these symptoms are usually longer lasting.
Cognitive symptoms impact how a person learns, stores, and recalls information. A person with schizophrenia may have trouble using their working memory to hold different kinds of information at once. It may also be difficult to organise information and make decisions.
Living with schizophrenia
If managed, schizophrenia does not have to be a debilitating condition. Learning your triggers, learning how to recognise the signs of an acute schizophrenic episode, taking medication as recommended, and being open with others about your condition are all ways in which you can decrease the prevalence of symptoms.
"1 in 300 people are affected worldwide, many of whom succeed in leading normal lives."
Common misconceptions about schizophrenia
The term ‘schizophrenia’ makes many people uneasy, largely a result of unfair media coverage, which for a long time has associated the condition with violence and disturbance. Having schizophrenia does not mean that you have a split personality.
People living with schizophrenia also have a reputation for violence; however, statistically speaking, this is unjustified. Violent behaviour is usually triggered by drugs, alcohol, or poor management of symptoms.
Sadly, these misconceptions inhibit people from getting help, as they fear rejection and judgement. Rates of suicide and self-harm are much higher in those with schizophrenia; one in 10 will take their own life.
Did you know?
Schizophrenia cannot be traced back to a single cause. Rather, it arises due to a complex combination of both genetic and environmental factors.
How counselling can help with schizophrenia
Seeing a counsellor or psychotherapist may be helpful in many ways. You may feel that it is difficult for people to understand your condition without prejudice; a professional therapist or counsellor will provide a non-judgemental space wherein you can discuss your feelings and experiences.
Therapy can help alleviate symptoms associated with schizophrenia, such as stress, depression, and paranoia. CBT can be extremely helpful, teaching you the tools to identify and modify damaging thought patterns. Family therapy might also be worth considering as a means to help you and your family be more at ease with the condition and its symptoms.
Last updated August 23 2024
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