Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder that alters your ability to interpret reality. It can be difficult for sufferers to realize that they’re suffering from a psychotic episode. You may also be afraid of what’s happening to you and find it difficult to tell anyone how you’re feeling. However, your change in wellbeing and behaviour is due to an illness for which help is available, and it’s important that you get the help you need.
Some 30,000–40,000 people in Sweden live with schizophrenia, a long-term illness that often includes frequent bouts of psychosis. During psychosis, your perception of reality changes. You perceive reality differently from other people around you. Your interpretation of reality is also different compared to before you fell ill.
With schizophrenia, hallucinations, delusions and altered behaviour are common. Hallucinations mean that you perceive sensory impressions that those around you do not. These hallucinations can involve any and all of the senses. It’s common to experience sounds in the shape of voices, such as commenting or commanding you to do things.
A delusion means that you’re convinced things are a certain way while those around you don’t share the same idea. For example, you may feel that you’re being followed, threatened or watched, or that you’re suffering from physical illness even though this isn’t the case. You may also perceive messages or signs from your environment in an unusual way. You may, for example, believe that ads, TV programs or other people’s body language contain messages specifically addressed to you. During a psychotic episode, incidents and experiences that seem unreasonable to others can be experienced as real.
Another possible symptom of schizophrenia is a change in the way you communicate and interact with other people. You may withdraw, talk less and feel less motivated. You may also find it difficult to do things you were able to before, such as studies, work tasks or household chores. Sometimes your emotional state will change, and you may feel down and anxious, have outbursts of anger or feel completely numb. Some individuals have suicidal thoughts. In such cases, it’s especially important to quickly seek help. Your ability to think may also be affected. You may feel that your thoughts are sluggish, that they’re interrupted, that someone’s trying to control your mind or that others can read your mind.
Note, however, that schizophrenia has nothing to do with having a split personality or multiple personalities, which is a common misconception.
If you have schizophrenia, there are good opportunities to get help with the symptoms and problems you experience. The sooner you receive treatment and support, the better your chances of recovering and feeling better.
Most people who develop schizophrenia do so in their 20s or 30s. The causes of the condition aren’t fully understood, but heredity is a major risk factor. External factors, such as birth defects, life crises or cannabis use, can also increase the risk.
The condition lasts at least six months but can be lifelong. Some people develop a more severe form of the disease with more extreme symptoms and greater difficulties. Others have milder symptoms. For some people, the disease has a profound impact on their lives, causing difficulties with their work or studies and interpersonal relationships. Schizophrenia can make it hard to recognize yourself. The disease can also lead to an increased risk of developing a dependency. Getting help in the shape of the right treatment and support increases your chances of being able to improve your mental wellbeing and live a good life even though you’re affected by the disease.
Psychosis can cause you to feel fear and shame. In part, this may be because our society is sometimes marked by misconceptions and prejudices about psychosis and other mental illnesses. It can be difficult to tell others about how you’re doing, but it’s important to have the courage to ask for help in order to improve your mental health. What’s happening to you is due to a disease that we can treat.
Even though the disease is long-lasting, there are good chances that your symptoms will ease or disappear and that you’ll be able to live a life you’re happy with. Aside from your treatment, supportive social contacts and meaningful daily activities are valuable aids. Some people may continue to work or study while others may need to find other meaningful pursuits. Healthy habits such as a good diet, exercise and regular sleep improve wellbeing.
If you think you or a loved one are suffering or are at risk of suffering from psychosis, you should contact a psychiatric clinic. Sometimes, a healthcare centre can help you get in touch with psychiatry services. If you’re in a really bad place, such as hearing voices urging you to do things or having suicidal thoughts, you should seek urgent treatment, such as at a psychiatric emergency clinic. Schizophrenia requires treatment if you’re to improve your wellbeing and function well. Treatment also helps prevent relapses into psychosis.
An assessment will be needed to determine the right type of support and treatment. The assessment is also important to rule out other causes of psychosis, such as other illnesses or the effects of medication or drugs. The assessment includes an analysis of your symptoms and your situation. A schizophrenia diagnosis requires that your symptoms have lasted for at least six months.
Schizophrenia treatment involves several different elements. Antipsychotic medicines can be used to reduce symptoms, make daily life easier and prevent deterioration. Other important elements of treatment may include counselling, psychotherapy and help finding meaningful pursuits. To increase your chances of making a good recovery, it’s important to get support and treatment as soon as possible.
Reviewed by: Anniella Isgren, PhD, psychiatrist.
Last edited 2024-04-25