icon
icon

About Us

Success Stories

Careers

Quick Links

Contact

Media

Schizophrenia

Book an Appointment arrow Book a Health Checkup arrow
endometriosis-reproductive

Schizophrenia: Understanding the Basics

Schizophrenia is a serious, chronic mental health disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Individuals with schizophrenia may struggle to distinguish between what's real and what isn't, making everyday life challenging.

Book an Appointment arrow Book a Health Checkup arrow
  1. Positive Symptoms (Unusual Experiences)
    • Delusions: Strongly held false beliefs, such as believing someone is trying to harm you or that you're being watched.
    • Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling things that aren't really there. Hearing voices is the most common type.
    • Disorganized Thinking: Difficulty maintaining logical thoughts or speech, causing confusion or nonsensical conversations.
    • Abnormal Behaviors: Unusual actions or difficulty managing everyday tasks.
  2. Negative Symptoms (Loss of Normal Functions)
    • Reduced emotional expression (flat affect)
    • Lack of motivation
    • Social withdrawal
    • Difficulty feeling pleasure
    • Reduced speech
  3. Cognitive Symptoms (Thinking and Memory Issues)
    • Problems with attention and focus
    • Memory difficulties
    • Challenges in planning and decision-making
  4. Mood-Related Symptoms
    • Feelings of sadness, depression, or anxiety
    • Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Without proper treatment, schizophrenia can lead to:

  • Increased risk of suicide
  • Substance abuse
  • Health issues such as obesity and heart disease
  • Social isolation and difficulty maintaining relationships or employment
Schizophrenia is caused by a combination of:
  • Genetic Factors: It often runs in families.
  • Brain Chemistry and Structure: Chemical imbalances in the brain, and differences in brain structure, may contribute.
  • Environmental Factors: Exposure to stress, trauma, drug use, and complications during birth or pregnancy can increase risk.

You may have a higher risk of developing schizophrenia if you:

  • Have a family history of schizophrenia or related disorders
  • Experienced complications during birth
  • Grew up facing significant stress or adversity
  • Use drugs, especially cannabis, during adolescence

While schizophrenia can't always be prevented, early detection and intervention can greatly improve outcomes:

  • Prenatal Care: Good medical care during pregnancy
  • Avoid Substance Use: Especially cannabis during teenage years
  • Early Support: Seeking help at the first signs of unusual behavior or emotional changes
  • Regular Treatment: Ongoing medication, therapy, and community support to manage symptoms effectively

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?

Getting professional help early can significantly improve the quality of life for someone experiencing schizophrenia. If you or someone you care about is showing symptoms, speak to a mental health profession health professional as soon as possible.

Book an Appointment arrow Book a Health Checkup arrow

Consult with experienced Doctors

MGMCH is home to some of the most eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective arenas and are renowned for developing
innovative and revolutionary procedures

icon Book an Appointment
icon Specialities
icon Patient Support
icon Menu

Book an Appointment

arrow arrow
International Patient
Test & Health Packages
Contact Us