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Schizophrenia is a condition that affects the mind, and it can be really tough to live with. 1,2 No-one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s generally now thought to be something to do with dopamine, a chemical in the brain, and a combination of genetic (family) and environmental (living situation) factors. 1,3
Having schizophrenia can have a strong effect on how you see the world and how you think and feel.4Sometimes it’s hard to work out what’s real (i.e., what other people can also see, hear, and understand) and what isn’t (i.e., things that no-one else sees, hears, or understands). 4
Schizophrenia is most often first diagnosed when people are in their late teens up to their early thirties, but it can happen at any time of life.4-6
Schizophrenia is very complex and can be difficult to diagnose. It’s important to speak to a healthcare professional if you think you may have schizophrenia so that you can start to access the right help.4
This website uses the word “schizophrenia” to mean schizophrenia AND schizoaffective disorder
Quick facts
Around the world, about 24 million people have schizophrenia.7
Around the world, about 24 million people have schizophrenia.7
REFERENCES:
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Stępnicki P, Kondej M, Kaczor AA. Current Concepts and Treatments of Schizophrenia. Molecules 2018;23:2087.
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Harvey PD, Strassnig MT, Siblerstein J. Prediction of disability in schizophrenia: symptoms, cognition and self-assessment. J Experiment Psychopathol 2019; doi.org/10.1177/2043808719865693.
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NHS. Schizophrenia overview. Available at:https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/overview/ Last accessed: March 2022.
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Mind. Schizophrenia. Available at:https://www.mind.org.uk/media/9201/schizophrenia-2020-pdf-version-updated-mid-cycle.pdf Last accessed: July 2022.
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Living With Schizophrenia. Facts and Figures. Available at:https://livingwithschizophreniauk.org/facts-and-figures/ Last accessed: March 2022.
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WebMD. Schizophrenia onset. Available at:https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-onset-symptoms Last accessed: March 2022.
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World Health Organization. Schizophrenia fact sheet. Available at:https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia Last accessed: April 2022.
