Schizophrenia

symptoms of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia has both ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ symptoms. Despite their name, ‘positive symptoms’ are not beneficial. They are experiences or behaviours that the condition adds to your life. Negative symptoms are experiences or behaviours that the condition takes away from your life. 

If you are diagnosed with schizophrenia, you might experience the following ‘positive symptoms’:  

• Hallucinations: Experiencing sensory inputs that are not present, with hearing voices being the most common type. 
• Delusions: You may believe things that are not true, often involving paranoia. 
• Disorganised speech: You may begin to talk quickly or slowly and the things you say might not make sense to other people.  
• Disorganised behaviour: You might struggle to organise your life or stick to appointments, for example. 
• Catatonic behaviour: You may feel unable to move or appear to be in daze.  

Hallucinations and delusions can form psychosis. The difference between schizophrenia and psychosis is that psychosis is a symptom of several mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It refers to a state where a person loses touch with reality, often experiencing hallucinations, delusions or disorganised thinking. 

You might also experience the following ‘negative symptoms’, which involve loss of ability and enjoyment in life: 

• Lack of interest in activities that were previously important (like work, studies or sport) 
• Blunted emotional reactions 
• Poor hygiene 
• Irregular sleep habits 
• Difficulty in planning and setting goals 
• Little interest in conversation 
• Prefer being alone 
• Difficulty in concentrating 
• Inability to experience pleasure 
• Low sex drive 
• Lack of energy to do anything. 

causes

Schizophrenia doesn’t have one single cause, but it usually develops through a mix of the following factors. You can think of these as each increasing the vulnerability to develop the condition.  

• Genetics: Research shows that schizophrenia tends to run in families, suggesting a strong genetic link.
• Birth complications: Problems during pregnancy or birth, like infections in the womb or high levels of maternal stress, can increase risk. 
• Chemical imbalances in the brain: Schizophrenia involves changes in multiple brain systems as well as structural differences in the brain. 
• Stress: Major life stressors, such as bereavement or financial hardship, can trigger symptoms in vulnerable individuals. 
• Trauma: People diagnosed with schizophrenia often report past trauma, including childhood abuse or neglect, which may contribute to the condition. 
• Substance use: Using psychoactive drugs like cannabis, especially during adolescence, has been strongly linked to a higher risk of developing schizophrenia

treatment

Schizophrenia is typically managed through a combination of therapy and medication tailored to each individual’s unique needs. 

Antipsychotic medication

Antipsychotic medications are often the cornerstone of treatment for schizophrenia. These medications help manage symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. In some cases, your healthcare provider might also recommend antidepressants or other medications to address side effects related to antipsychotic drugs.  

Therapy

Therapy plays a vital role in the comprehensive treatment of schizophrenia. One commonly used therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT operates on the principle that our thoughts, beliefs, sensations and emotions are interconnected. By working on one aspect, CBT can positively influence the others. This therapy equips individuals with practical tools to manage their condition and reduce distress. You can read more about it on NHS inform. 

how to support someone with schizophrenia 

Supporting a loved one with schizophrenia can be challenging, but your understanding and encouragement can make a significant difference. Here are some ways to provide effective support: 

• Listen actively: Be patient and listen without judgement. Allow your loved one to express their feelings and thoughts. Foster a safe environment for open and honest communication about their experiences and treatment. 
• Assist with daily activities: Help with everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking or managing appointments, which can be challenging for someone with schizophrenia. Support them in establishing and maintaining a daily routine, which can provide structure and stability. 
• Be patient and compassionate: Understand that the symptoms of schizophrenia can be unpredictable and challenging. Show empathy and avoid criticism. Celebrate small victories and progress, no matter how minor they may seem. 
• Encourage treatment: Gently remind your loved one to take their medication and attend therapy sessions. Offer to accompany them to appointments if they are comfortable with it. Be aware of potential side effects from medications and help them communicate any concerns to their healthcare provider. 
• Seek support for yourself: Join support groups for families and friends of people with schizophrenia to share experiences and gain insights. Ensure you also look after your own mental and physical health by establishing boundaries. Taking breaks and engaging in activities you enjoy is essential for maintaining your wellbeing. 

Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.

Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.

Change Mental Health runs the Hearing Voices service in Tayside and Fife, to support people to live around their voices and other symptoms of schizophrenia. Our support pages share lived experiences from our staff and people supported within the service and how we support people to develop strategies when coping with schizophrenia. Getting support or medical advice from your GP will make treatment more effective.

Change Mental Health runs the Hearing Voices service in Tayside and Fife, to support people to live around their voices and other symptoms of schizophrenia. Our support pages share lived experiences from our staff and people supported within the service and how we support people to develop strategies when living with schizophrenia. 

You can contact our Tayside team through email (tayside@changemh.org) or by calling 0131 563 0223.
Our Fife team are contactable through email (fifeservices@changemh.org) or by calling 01333 841304.