Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that can affect perception of reality, organisation of thought, emotional expression and everyday functioning; it does not mean ‘split personality’ and does not define a person’s worth or potential.
A varied clinical picture
During active phases, a person may experience delusions, hallucinations, disorganised speech or markedly disorganised behaviour. Negative symptoms can include reduced emotional expression, speech, motivation or social engagement. Attention, memory and planning may also be affected.
Course and support needs vary greatly. Early specialist care, appropriate medication, psychological and family interventions, practical support and attention to physical health can help many people achieve stability, autonomy and personally meaningful goals.
Assessment
- At least two core symptom areas are present during a significant part of one month, and at least one is delusions, hallucinations or disorganised speech.
- Continuous signs persist for at least six months, including at least one month of active symptoms, with clear functional decline.
- Specialists assess mood episodes, substances, medicines and medical or neurological conditions and distinguish related psychotic disorders by timing and course.
Coordinated treatment
Antipsychotic medication is a central treatment for active psychosis and is selected with a psychiatrist through discussion of benefits, side effects and monitoring. CBT for psychosis and family intervention can support coping, communication and relapse prevention.
Early-intervention services combine psychiatric, psychological, social, educational and employment support. Stable housing, substance-use care, physical health monitoring and rehabilitation are often essential parts of recovery.
When urgent help is needed
New or worsening delusions, hallucinations, severe suspiciousness, disorganisation or rapid loss of self-care needs prompt professional assessment, especially in a first episode. Speak calmly, acknowledge distress and focus on safety rather than arguing aggressively about the person’s experience.