Schizophrenia: The Chronic Mental Illness Affecting 1 in 100 Australians
Published: 02 February 2023
Published: 02 February 2023
Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental illness. It is marked by disturbances in thought, perception and behaviour (Hurley 2022).
Schizophrenia is characterised by psychosis resulting in distortion in thinking, emotions, language, sense of self and behaviour (WHO 2022).
People who have schizophrenia will commonly experience hallucinations (hearing voices or having visions that are imagined) and delusions (fixed and false beliefs) (WHO 2022).
They may have difficulty functioning in settings such as work or school and in social relationships (Healthdirect 2020).
Schizophrenia is a widely misunderstood and stigmatised illness that is often associated with erratic or violent behaviour. Despite this, people who have schizophrenia are no more likely to be violent than anyone else, and in fact, are more likely to be survivors of violence than perpetrators (Better Health Channel 2019; SANE 2022).
People with schizophrenia are vulnerable to human rights violations both in mental health institutions and in communities. This discrimination can impact access to healthcare, education, housing and employment (WHO 2022).
Schizophrenia affects every 1 in 100 Australians and approximately 24 million people worldwide (Healthdirect 2018, WHO 2022).
Schizophrenia usually begins during a person’s late teens or early 20s, but it can also develop later in life (SANE 2022).
This disorder is slightly more common in men than in women and men tend to show symptoms earlier than women (SANE 2022; WHO 2022).
Research has not identified a singular cause of schizophrenia - it is thought to be a combination of genetics and a range of environmental factors such as trauma, stress, problems at birth and significant drug use (WHO 2019; ReachOut 2020).
(APA, as cited by Hurley 2022)
The impact a schizophrenia diagnosis will have on someone’s life is not possible to measure because the symptoms, severity and pattern of illness over time differ vastly between people. The consequence of the illness also depends on the treatment and support they receive (Your Health in Mind 2017).
The likelihood of being unable to work or live independently is higher when schizophrenia remains untreated for a long time or when a person does not get support (Your Health in Mind 2017).
(APA, as cited by Hurley 2022)
The most common pharmacological treatment for schizophrenia is antipsychotic medications. These influence the way the brain responds to chemicals such as dopamine. They can be useful for dulling frightening experiences such as unwanted visions or sounds. However, these medicines may have side effects (Reach Out 2020).
Psychotherapy for schizophrenia can help to implement coping strategies for dealing with stress and improving quality of life. Therapy has been shown to be particularly effective in people who hear voices. Therapies include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance therapy and commitment therapy (Reach Out 2020).
Improving general health and reducing stress may make it easier to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia. Activities to reduce stress may include art, music, exercise and support recovery. Getting adequate sleep and avoiding drugs and alcohol is advised (Reach Out 2020).
Assistance in terms of study and work may be useful in reducing stress for people with schizophrenia (Reach Out 2020).
Many people who have schizophrenia are still able to live full, productive lives, and it’s possible to recover completely from schizophrenia. Some people will only ever have one episode of psychosis and then recover well (Healthdirect 2020; Your Health in Mind 2017).
If you’re in crisis and need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Lifeline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Question 1 of 3
True or false: Approximately 24 million people worldwide are living with schizophrenia.