GENERAL FACTS

COMMONALITY

Schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million people or 1 in 300 people (0.32%) worldwide. This rate is 1 in 222 people (0.45%) among adults.

RISK

You are more likely to develop schizophrenia if you have another family member who has it. Psych Central notes that if both parents have schizophrenia, their child has a 40% chance of developing it.

SEVERITY

Schizophrenia is a spectrum disorder, meaning that not everyone experiences the same symptoms and to the same level of severity.

SYMPTOMS

Schizophrenia involves a range of problems with thinking (cognition), behavior and emotions.

Delusions

These are false beliefs that are not based in reality. For example, you think that you're being harmed or harassed; certain gestures or comments are directed at you; another person is in love with you; or a major catastrophe is about to occur.

Psychosis

A set of symptoms characterized by a loss of touch with reality due to a disruption in the way that the brain processes information. When someone experiences a psychotic episode, drastic changes in behaviour may occur, and they can become anxious, confused, angry, suspicious etc. of those around them.

Hallucinations

These usually involve seeing or hearing things that don't exist. Hallucinations can be in any of the senses, but hearing voices is the most common hallucination.

Abnormal Motor Behavior

This may show in a number of ways, from childlike silliness to unpredictable agitation. Behaviour isn't focused on a goal, so it's hard to do tasks. Behavior can include resistance to instructions, inappropriate or bizarre posture, a complete lack of response, or useless and excessive movement.

Negative Symptoms

This refers to reduced or lack of ability to function normally. For example, the person may neglect personal hygiene or appear to lack emotion. Also, the person may lose interest in everyday activities, socially withdraw or lack the ability to experience pleasure.

Disorganized Thinking (Speech)

Effective communication can be impaired, and answers to questions may be partially or completely unrelated. Rarely, speech may include putting together meaningless words that can't be understood.

Schizophrenia