Services
Schizophrenia
If you think you may have schizophrenia or already have a diagnosis, we can help. Find out more about the services we offer below.
Doctors often describe schizophrenia as a type of psychosis. This means the person may not always be able to distinguish their own thoughts and ideas from reality.
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a severe long-term mental health condition. It causes a range of different psychological symptoms.
Doctors often describe schizophrenia as a type of psychosis. This means the person may not always be able to distinguish their own thoughts and ideas from reality.
Symptoms of schizophrenia
Symptoms of schizophrenia include:
- hallucinations – hearing or seeing things that don’t exist
- delusions – unusual beliefs not based on reality
- muddled thoughts based on hallucinations or delusions
- changes in behaviour
Some people think schizophrenia causes a “split personality” or violent behaviour. This is not true.
Read about symptoms of schizophrenia.
Getting help
There’s no single test for schizophrenia. It’s usually diagnosed after an assessment by a mental health care professional, such as a psychiatrist.
Treatment for schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is usually treated with a combination of medication and therapy tailored to each individual. In most cases, this will be anti-psychotic medicines and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
People with schizophrenia usually receive help from a community mental health team, which offers day-to-day support and treatment.
Many people recover from schizophrenia, although they may have periods when symptoms return (relapses). Support and treatment can help reduce the impact the condition has on daily life.
Read about treating schizophrenia.
Living with schizophrenia
If schizophrenia is well managed, it’s possible to reduce the chance of severe relapses.
This can include:
- recognising the signs of an acute episode
- taking medication as prescribed
- talking to others about the condition
There are many charities and support groups offering help and advice on living with schizophrenia. Most people find it comforting talking to others with a similar condition.
Read about living with schizophrenia.
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Further help and support
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