Schizophrenia

A serious mental health condition affecting how a person thinks, feels and behaves, including hallucinations and delusions.

Mental healthLast updated: 21 October 2026

Quick Summary

Primary Symptoms

Hearing voices, false beliefs, confused thinking and speech, withdrawal, lack of motivation and reduced emotion.

Common Treatments

Antipsychotic medicines, family support, rehabilitation and talking therapies.

Risk Factors

Family history, cannabis use, complications around birth and stressful life events.

OverviewSymptomsCausesTreatmentFAQ

Overview

Schizophrenia usually starts in late teens or early adulthood. People may lose touch with reality during episodes of psychosis.

Early treatment improves outcomes. With medicine and support, many people work and live independently.

Symptoms

Hallucinations

Often hearing voices.

Delusions

Strong false beliefs, such as being followed.

Disorganised thinking

Confused speech.

Negative symptoms

Withdrawal and lack of motivation.

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological Causes

A combination of genes and brain development, with environmental triggers.

Key Risk Factors

  • Family history Increases risk.
  • Cannabis Especially heavy use in teenagers.
  • Stress Can trigger episodes.

Management & Treatment

01. Antipsychotics

Such as risperidone, olanzapine or aripiprazole.

02. Support

Family education and community services.

03. Rehabilitation

Help with work, skills and daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is schizophrenia split personality?
No. That's a common myth.
Are people with schizophrenia violent?
Most aren't; they're more likely to be victims of violence.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.