Schizophrenia

What is schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder. It occurs in about 1 in 300 people worldwide.

The name comes from Greek and literally means “split mind”. It refers to a break between the different components of mental life (thinking, emotions, perception), which normally work together.

The first symptoms usually appear in late adolescence or early adulthood (between the ages of 18 and 30), earlier in men than in women. Today, the outlook is much better than many people think.

Factors that contribute to schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is the result of a combination of factors:

Genetics: a family history increases the risk. The lifetime risk in the general population is about 1%; in those with a first-degree relative with schizophrenia, the risk rises to 10%. However, most people with schizophrenia do not have a clear family history.

Neurodevelopmental factors: subtle changes in brain development, originating before birth or in early childhood.

Environmental factors: chronic stress, early trauma, exposure to certain substances (especially cannabis in adolescence), social isolation.

Triggering factors: periods of major stress, major life changes or substance use can precipitate the first episode in a predisposed person.

Myths and reality

The stigma attached to schizophrenia is fuelled by several myths. A few important clarifications:

Schizophrenia and “multiple personality” are different disorders. The confusion comes from the name. “Multiple personality” is the popular name for dissociative identity disorder.

People with schizophrenia are much more often victims than perpetrators of violence. Their risk of violence is only slightly higher than in the general population, and is mostly linked to substance use or a lack of treatment. The image of the “dangerous madman” is a cultural creation.

Schizophrenia is a complex neurobiological disorder, like diabetes or multiple sclerosis, and has nothing to do with character or with how the person was brought up.

When to see a specialist

An assessment is recommended if you notice any of the following in yourself or someone close to you:

• hallucinations (especially auditory: voices that others do not hear)
• beliefs that seem obvious to the person, but that others consider unrealistic
• serious difficulties with thinking or communicating, with speech that is hard to follow
• a profound, recent change in personality
• significant withdrawal from social and professional life
• noticeable changes in hygiene, behaviour or functioning
• a family history of schizophrenia, together with worrying symptoms

Treatment agreed with a doctor, together with support from those close to them, helps many people keep their balance and their plans.

Important: a first psychotic episode is a psychiatric emergency. The sooner assessment and treatment begin, the better the prognosis. If you or someone close to you is going through an episode with intense hallucinations, marked delusions or a significant loss of contact with reality, contact a psychiatric ward or the nearest emergency department directly, or call 112.

The first step

If you recognise these signs in yourself or someone close to you, book a conversation with one of our specialists. Together, we’ll look at what’s going on and what your options are.

If hallucinations, unusual beliefs or a sudden change in behaviour appear for the first time, especially with agitation or thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, seek an urgent assessment at a psychiatric emergency department or call 112. If the signs are mild and the person is safe, book a psychiatric appointment as soon as possible. It helps if the person comes with a close relative.

Services: Psychiatry · Psychotherapy
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This information is for educational purposes and does not replace a specialist consultation.