Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects perception of reality. 

Schizophrenia is not a split in personality. In Greek, schizophrenia means “split” and “mind”. People with schizophrenia cannot tell what is reality and what is not.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three clusters: positive, negative, disorganised symptoms.

Positive

• Hallucinations e.g. hearing voices
• Delusions e.g. believing their mind is being read

Negative

• Inability to form close relationships
• Reduced feelings of pleasure
• Reduced speaking
• Decreased ability in expressing emotions 

Disorganised 

• Disorganised thinking pattern and speech
• Problems in concentration and memory

Risk Factors

Biological

• Several genes increase the risk of having schizophrenia
• History of family members with schizophrenia increases the likelihood of getting schizophrenia
• Chemical imbalances in the brain

Environmental

• Malnutrition before birth
• Problems during birth
• Greater reactivity to stressors

Treatment

Medication

Antipsychotics can relieve hallucinations and delusions associated with schizophrenia. They can also reduce the chances of relapse.

Rehabilitation

People are taught to manage their symptoms. They learn skills for interpersonal situations such as completing a job application, and making appointments. This results in better social functioning and fewer relapses.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy enables people to explore their experiences with schizophrenia. They are able to discuss their feelings about having schizophrenia, and the impacts schizophrenia has had on their relationships. With the help of the therapist, people are able to learn how to deal with their thoughts and behaviours. The therapist can also teach them to decide whether something is real or not.

For support:

Reach out to our specialised therapists at The Therapy Platform

Call us at 66770725 or chat with our friendly Therapy Support Specialist 

Mon-Fri: 9am to 6pm