What it is
Many people with schizophrenia recover well and live fulfilling lives with the right treatment and support.
Treatment usually involves antipsychotic medicines, talking therapies and support from a community mental health team. Regular health checks are important.
Common signs
- Hearing voices or seeing things that are not there
- Strong beliefs that others do not share
- Muddled thoughts or speech
- Losing interest in everyday activities
- Withdrawing from others
- Not caring for yourself
How it is usually diagnosed
- Assessment by a mental health specialist
- Tests to rule out physical causes
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Psychiatric assessment letters
- Care plans
- Medicine lists and monitoring blood tests
- Discharge letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- What are the side effects of my medicine?
- Who is my care coordinator?
- What should I do if symptoms come back?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others, or someone who is very distressed or unsafe: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.