Overview
Schizophrenia is a serious long-term mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels and perceives reality. During episodes a person may hear voices, hold firm false beliefs, or think and speak in a muddled way, and may withdraw from others. It usually begins in the late teens or twenties and is often surrounded by stigma and myths in India. It is a medical condition, not a personal weakness, and with regular medicine and support many people manage well and lead meaningful lives.
Symptoms
- Hearing voices or seeing things others do not
- Firm false beliefs that are not shared by others
- Muddled or disorganised thinking and speech
- Withdrawal from family, friends and activities
- Reduced motivation, emotion and self-care
When to see a doctor
See a doctor or mental health professional if someone shows changed thinking, hears voices, or withdraws from reality — early treatment improves outcomes.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Talk or acts of harming oneself or others, or being unable to care for basic needs — seek emergency mental health help immediately
Causes
A mix of genetics, brain chemistry and development, and stress or substance use as triggers; it is not caused by others' actions or personal fault.