Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Schizophrenia

9-minute read

Key facts

  • Schizophrenia is a mental illness that causes someone to have an altered experience of reality.
  • People with schizophrenia may experience delusions and hallucinations.
  • Most people with schizophrenia are not violent, but some may experience delusions or hallucinations that cause them to act aggressively.
  • The main form of treatment for schizophrenia is antipsychotic medicines.
  • With treatment, most people with schizophrenia can live productive and meaningful lives.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that causes someone to have an altered experience of reality. It causes psychosis, which is when people experience delusions and hallucinations.

Schizophrenia affects people’s thoughts, perceptions and behaviour. It interferes with their ability to function at work, school or relate to other people.

People with schizophrenia often experience stigma in the community, which can be one of their biggest problems. Many people find this illness hard to understand, and there are many myths about schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia do not have a ‘split personality’. Only a very small number of people with schizophrenia become violent. People with schizophrenia do, however, have a higher rate of suicide than the general population.

Schizophrenia affects about 1 in 500 people in Australia. Its symptoms usually begin in late adolescence or early adulthood. It is generally a long-term illness and can cause serious disability if left untreated.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia has a large variety of symptoms. Some people may experience some symptoms but not others. If it’s not treated, schizophrenia may lead to long-term psychosis.

The main symptoms of schizophrenia are:

  • hallucinations — hearing or seeing something that isn’t real, such as hearing voices when no one is there
  • delusions — believing something that can be proven to be untrue, such as believing you have superhuman powers, or can read minds
  • confused thinking — jumbled thoughts, or difficulty understanding what others are staying
  • ‘negative’ symptoms such as low motivation, difficulties with memory or attention and fewer expressed emotions

Someone with schizophrenia will have symptoms for more than 6 months. They may have unusual ideas or beliefs about themselves or the world around them. This can be very frightening.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia involves complex changes in brain functioning, but experts don’t yet know the exact causes.

People are more likely to develop schizophrenia if they have a family member who also has the condition. In the general population, just 1 in 500 people have a chance of developing schizophrenia. People with a parent or sibling with the condition have a 1 in 10 chance of developing schizophrenia.

There is no single gene that causes schizophrenia. Rather, a number of genes may combine to increase the risk. Other factors are also involved, as some people who develop schizophrenia don’t have a family history of it.

If someone has a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia, things such as stress or drugs (marijuana, LSD or speed) can trigger the first episode.

Malnutrition, certain serious infections in pregnancy, and birth complications can increase the risk of a child developing schizophrenia later in life. People who have experienced violence or trauma are also at an increased risk.

When should I see my doctor?

It’s important to get professional help to manage schizophrenia. Some people with schizophrenia do not realise they have a problem. Paranoid thoughts may also lead them to avoid health professionals.

If you or someone you know seems to be experiencing signs of schizophrenia, see your doctor as soon as possible.

See a doctor if you or someone you know:

  • becomes very preoccupied (overly focussed) with something specific
  • starts talking or writing very fast, or talks much less than normal
  • seems muddled, irrational or is hard to understand
  • is angry, aggressive or suspicious
  • is hyperactive (with very high energy levels) or starts behaving recklessly (dangerously on purpose)
  • laughs or cries inappropriately, or finds it hard to laugh, cry or express happiness
  • neglects their personal hygiene

Schizophrenia can also cause changes in sleep and difficulties with everyday life including work and social activities.

It can be hard to recognise signs of schizophrenia at first. But over time the changes in someone’s thinking and behaviour may get worse.

Although the most people with schizophrenia are not violent, severe symptoms can cause some people to have thoughts of suicide or harming others.

If you think someone may be at immediate risk of suicide or violence, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How is schizophrenia diagnosed?

There is no test available to diagnose schizophrenia.

A doctor or mental health professional may diagnose schizophrenia with a mental health assessment. This is a special interview that includes questions about the person's:

  • current symptoms
  • past history of mental health issues
  • medical history
  • family history of health issues
  • substance abuse issues

The mental health professional may also find it helpful to speak to a family member for more information about the person’s symptoms.

The doctor will then do a physical examination. This is to rule out any underlying causes of the person’s symptoms. They may refer the person for blood tests or a brain scan as well.

The diagnosis will usually need to be confirmed by a psychiatrist, who can advise on the best treatment options.

To diagnose schizophrenia, the symptoms need to be present for 6 months or more. The symptoms also need to be severe enough to cause problems in functioning at work, school, home or socially.

Sometimes, people have a diagnosis of psychosis, instead of schizophrenia. This is a similar diagnosis, but usually means the symptoms are less severe or have been present for a shorter amount of time. Some people with psychosis go on to develop schizophrenia later in life, but many recover completely.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is schizophrenia treated?

Schizophrenia is more treatable than ever before. Many people recover completely. Others might have episodes of schizophrenia that come and go. There are many different treatments to help people manage their symptoms and help them succeed in all areas of life.

Treatment should be under the care of a psychiatrist. It may also involve a team of different mental health professionals, including:

Treatments are designed and adjusted based on the needs of the individual.

Research has shown that early treatment can be most effective, so it’s good to get help before the illness has time to cause damage. There are early intervention programs in most major cities in Australia.

Medicines

Medicine is the main form of treatment for schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medicines can reduce the main symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. They normally take some time to start working, so it’s important to be patient. You may need to try more than one type before finding the ideal medicine for you.

Some people develop side effects to medicine. This is why you need to have regular appointments with a psychiatrist or doctor.

Psychological treatments

Psychological treatments can help people understand and manage their symptoms and learn new ways of coping. Options may include:

Community support

Mental health services can also provide practical support for people with schizophrenia. A stable living environment, supportive relationships and meaningful work or activity are essential for recovery. Some people with schizophrenia may need rehabilitation and skills training to help them get back to work or education.

Medical care

People with schizophrenia may have higher rates of physical health problems than the wider community. It’s important to see a doctor regularly to stay healthy.

Hospital treatment

Some people with schizophrenia need to treatment in hospital at times. A hospital admission can help when symptoms are severe or if the person is not managing at home.

Resources and support

Your GP can refer you to a public mental health service or a private psychiatrist, psychologist or private hospital.

Read more on paying for mental health services.

There is a wide range of services available to help people with schizophrenia, as well as their family and/or carers:

  • The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists provides a Schizophrenia guide with advice for young people and adults.
  • Head to Health — for advice and to get connected to local mental health services, you can call 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.
  • Headspace offer a variety of tools and resources to help support young people. Chat privately with counsellors over the phone or webchat about your mental health —available seven days a week between 9am – 1am (AEDT).
  • For urgent help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you are at risk of harm to yourself or others, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: April 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is an illness that disrupts the functioning of the mind. We've put together a selection of factsheets, articles, personal stori...

Read more on SANE Australia website

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia impacts a person's thoughts, feelings, perceptions and behaviour. Learn more about symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Read more on SANE Australia website

What is schizophrenia? | SuicideLine Victoria Australia

Understand schizophrenia | Schizophrenia is a mental illness that can affect thoughts, behaviour, language, & perception.

Read more on SuicideLine website

Schizophrenia and Sleep | Sleep Health Foundation

This is a fact sheet about Schizophrenia and Sleep. Many individuals with schizophrenia can experience sleep disturbances which can include insomnia, hypersomnia and irregular sleep-wake patterns.

Read more on Sleep Health Foundation website

Treatment of schizophrenia | Your Health in Mind

The best treatment for schizophrenia is a combination of medication, psychological treatment and community support.

Read more on RANZCP - The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists website

Schizophrenia | Your Health in Mind

Schizophrenia is a mental illness where a person has problems with thinking, emotions and knowing what's real and what's...

Read more on RANZCP - The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists website

Schizophrenia - Finding North

On this page Jump to Overview Overview Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatments Help & Support Next Steps Overview Schizophrenia is a mental health condition involving what some may describe as a break from reality, in the medical world, you may hear the term psychosis being used

Read more on Finding North website

Myths about schizophrenia | SuicideLine Victoria Australia

SuicideLine Victoria is working to reduce the stigma of schizophrenia by looking at the most common myths & comparing them to the facts.

Read more on SuicideLine website

What is schizophrenia? | Psychotic disorders | ReachOut Australia

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects a person's perception of reality and behaviour. Find out more about the signs and treatments here.

Read more on ReachOut.com website

Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders | Head to Health

A psychotic disorder involves a disconnection from reality. People with severe forms of psychosis can live fulfilling lives, but may require different levels of support.

Read more on Head to Health website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.