Have you ever wondered what it’s like not being able to trust your own mind? The voice you hear calling your name? It exists only in your thoughts.
At Alter Behavioral Health, we work with individuals and families who face these challenges every day. Schizophrenia affects about 23 million people worldwide, yet it is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. Many people only know what they’ve seen in TV shows, which rarely show the truth. The real story is more hopeful than you might think.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about Schizophrenia in simple terms.
Recognising the Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia causes different types of symptoms. Not everyone will have every symptom. Some people might only have a few, while others experience many. Onset typically occurs in the late teens to early 30s.
Doctors usually group them into three main categories.
Positive Symptoms
Things that are added to a person’s experience.
- Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there. Most people hear voices.
- Delusions: Believing things that aren’t true, even when shown proof otherwise.
- Confused thinking: Having trouble organizing thoughts or making sense when talking.
Negative Symptoms
Things that are taken away from a person’s usual behavior.
- Feeling empty or showing little emotion
- Not wanting to do activities or spend time with others
- Having trouble starting tasks or staying motivated
- Speaking less than usual
Cognitive Symptoms
Cognitive symptoms include:
- Trouble paying attention
- Memory problems
- Difficulty making decisions or planning things
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), schizophrenia is a brain disorder that can change thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
What Causes Schizophrenia?
There isn’t one single cause of schizophrenia. Instead, several things work together to increase the risk. A study by Siever and Davis (2004) suggests that schizophrenia arises from both biological and environmental influences.
- Genetics: If someone in your family has schizophrenia, your chances are higher. But that doesn’t mean everyone with a family history will develop it.
- Brain Chemistry: The brain uses chemicals called neurotransmitters to send messages. In schizophrenia, there’s an imbalance in these chemicals, especially dopamine and serotonin.
- Environmental Factors: Things that happen during pregnancy or early life might play a role, such as infections, stress, or not getting enough nutrition.
- Substance Use: Using drugs like cannabis heavily, especially at a young age, can increase the risk.
- Brain Structure: Some people with schizophrenia have small differences in their brain structure or how their brain works.
How Schizophrenia Is Diagnosed
The right diagnosis requires careful evaluation. There’s no single test that can tell if someone has schizophrenia.
A doctor will look at several things:
- Symptoms that last for at least six months
- At least two main symptoms (like hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech)
- Problems with daily activities like work, relationships, or self-care
Doctors also need to rule out other conditions that can look like schizophrenia, such as brain tumors or other mental health conditions.
Effective Treatment Approaches for Schizophrenia
Treatment for schizophrenia is most effective when it combines several approaches that work together to support long-term recovery. At Alter Behavioral Health, we create personalized treatment plans that address each person’s unique needs.
Medication
Antipsychotic medications help manage hallucinations and delusions. New medications—including Cobenfy (approved in 2024)—provide effective symptom relief with fewer side effects than older drugs. These medications work by balancing brain chemistry.
A systematic review (2023) confirms that antipsychotic medications are the foundation of schizophrenia treatment.
Therapy
Talk therapy helps people understand their condition and develop coping skills. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) teaches people how to handle persistent symptoms and reduce unhelpful thoughts.
A 2021 review found that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) is effective, especially in reducing positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
Psychosocial Support
This includes help with daily living skills, job training, and social skills. These programs help people build confidence and independence.
Family Support
Therapy for family members helps everyone understand the condition and work together toward recovery. At Alter Behavioral Health, once the client is stable enough, we introduce the option of family therapy and participation. This helps the client as family can provide emotional support.
Living with Schizophrenia
Living with schizophrenia is challenging, but many people manage their symptoms well. Here are some keys to living well with schizophrenia:
- Taking medication as prescribed
- Attending regular therapy sessions
- Building a support network of family and friends that you can rely on
- Taking care of physical health through exercise and healthy eating
- Avoiding drugs and alcohol, which can make symptoms worse
We’ve seen many people move forward in their recovery journey. With the right support and treatment, people with schizophrenia hold jobs, have relationships, and enjoy meaningful lives.
How Schizophrenia Differs from Other Conditions
Sometimes schizophrenia gets confused with other conditions because some symptoms overlap.
Schizophrenia vs. Bipolar Disorder: Both can involve psychosis, but bipolar disorder includes episodes of very high energy (mania) and very low energy (depression). Schizophrenia doesn’t follow this pattern.
Schizophrenia vs. Depression with Psychosis: Depression can sometimes include hallucinations or delusions, but treating the depression usually makes these symptoms go away.
Schizophrenia vs. Substance-Induced Psychosis: Some drugs can cause temporary psychosis. The difference is that schizophrenia symptoms continue even when someone isn’t using substances.
Getting the correct diagnosis matters because each condition needs different treatment. That’s why working with experienced professionals is so important.
When to Seek Professional Help for Schizophrenia
Seek professional help if you or someone you know experiences:
- Seeing or hearing things others don’t
- Believing things that seem impossible to others
- Speaking in ways that are hard to follow
- Withdrawing from friends and activities
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Having thoughts of hurting themselves or others
The earlier someone gets treatment, the better their chances of managing symptoms. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse.
Your Path to Recovery Starts Here
Schizophrenia doesn’t have to control your life. With proper treatment and the right support, recovery is possible.
At Alter Behavioral Health, we understand that taking the first step is hard. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through every stage of treatment. If you or someone you care about is struggling with schizophrenia, reach out today. We accept most major insurance providers and can help you verify your coverage. Don’t let cost get in the way of your recovery.
FAQs
1. Can schizophrenia be cured?
Schizophrenia cannot be cured, but it can be managed effectively with treatment.
2. Is schizophrenia the same as split personality?
No. Schizophrenia is not about having multiple personalities. Schizophrenia involves losing touch with reality.
3. Are people with schizophrenia dangerous?
No. Most people with schizophrenia are not violent. This is a harmful stereotype.
4. At what age does schizophrenia usually start?
Symptoms typically appear in the late teens to early 30s.
5. Can someone with schizophrenia live a normal life?
Yes. With proper treatment and support, many people with schizophrenia work, have families, and live independently.
6. How long does schizophrenia treatment take?
Schizophrenia is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. However, many people see improvement within weeks of starting treatment.
