Schizophrenia symptoms and how to know if you're living with it

If you believe you might be living with schizophrenia, understanding the symptoms can be an important first step toward seeking professional support, a diagnosis, and treatment.

In this article, we’ll cover the key symptoms of schizophrenia, explore available treatment options, and highlight the types of support that may help you manage this condition.

What is schizophrenia?

If you think you might be living with schizophrenia, you aren't alone.

According to Better Health Channel and the World Health Organization, one in 100 Australians are living with this mental health condition, and one in 300 people live with the condition worldwide.

Schizophrenia is a disorder that affects how you think, feel, and behave, and distorts your perception of reality.

It is a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment, support and management, as explained by Health Direct.

Schizophrenia can develop in anyone, at any time, however it typically begins as a late adolescent or early adult.

Schizophrenia causes and risk factors

The exact cause of schizophrenia remains unclear, but WebMD explains that research points to several potential contributing factors, including:

• Chemical imbalances in the brain: These affect how brain cells communicate
• Brain development issues: These may begin before birth
• Lost brain connections: Disrupted communication between different areas of the brain can also play a role

There are also certain factors that can increase your risk of developing schizophrenia, such as:

• A family history of the condition
• Using mind-altering drugs during adolescence or early adulthood
• Complications during pregnancy or birth that may affect brain development

Schizophrenia symptoms

Schizophrenia usually develops in late teens or early twenties, and the primary symptom is psychosis—difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what isn’t.

According to SANE, symptoms often come in episodes, with varying levels of intensity.

Some common symptoms include:

• Delusions: Are false beliefs not based on reality. There are many types of delusions, for example, a person living with schizophrenia may believe they are being followed, spied on, or controlled by others. These beliefs can be persistent and hard to disprove.
• Hallucinations: This involves sensing things that aren’t there. A person might hear voices or see things that don’t exist. Hallucinations can be very distressing and may impact a person’s ability to engage with daily life. This can sometimes lead to feelings of paranoia or difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
• Disorganised thinking: This often manifests as unclear or disorganised speech. Responses might be unrelated, or a person may string together words that don’t make sense. It can also involve challenges in following directions or staying focused on a topic.
• Disorganised behaviour: This can range from more obvious behaviours, like childlike silliness or resisting instructions, to more subtle signs such as confusion, trouble focusing, or difficulty understanding instructions.
• Negative symptoms: These might include a lack of motivation, trouble completing daily tasks, reduced emotional expression, or difficulty paying attention and remembering things. These negative symptoms can make it harder to maintain relationships, participate in work, or engage in activities that were once enjoyable. People experiencing negative symptoms may also have challenges with expressing emotions or understanding those of others.

If you notice two or more of these symptoms over the course of a month, it’s important to seek professional advice to assess the possibility of schizophrenia. These symptoms are often grouped into three categories:

• Positive symptoms: Delusions, hallucinations, disorganised thinking, and disorganised behaviour.
• Negative symptoms: Lack of motivation and reduced emotional expression, as mentioned earlier.
• Cognitive symptoms: Difficulty paying attention, processing information, learning, and retaining information.

Research from the National Library of Medicine suggests that 'positive symptoms' reflect an excess or distortion of normal function, while “negative symptoms” reflect a reduction or absence of typical behaviours related to motivation, interest, or expression.

If you believe you might be experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early intervention can help you access the support you need.

Diagnosis of schizophrenia

Diagnosing schizophrenia typically involves a combination of physical and psychological evaluations, tailored to your unique situation, as explained by Health Direct. These assessments may include:

• Physical examination: This is done to rule out other potential conditions or health concerns.
• Medical tests, scans, and screenings: These help identify other possible causes and check for substance use.
• Psychiatric assessment: This evaluation assesses your mental health and checks if you are experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia.
• Other diagnostic criteria: These may be used based on individual needs.

When to seek medical advice

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms related to schizophrenia, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

They can begin the diagnostic process, rule out other conditions, and guide you towards the right treatment and support options for your specific needs.

Impact of schizophrenia symptoms on daily life

Barriers in daily life, such as participating in work, maintaining relationships, and completing routine tasks, are often created by societal attitudes and a lack of appropriate support for people with schizophrenia.

However, with the right accommodations and inclusive support, you can fully engage in and contribute to these areas of life.

Daily tasks

Schizophrenia may make some daily tasks, like personal hygiene, cooking, or cleaning, more difficult. Symptoms such as disorganised thinking or behaviour can make staying organised and completing tasks a challenge.

To build your capacity to manage these tasks, medical and psychotherapy treatments, along with practical support, can be beneficial. With the appropriate adjustments, these tasks can become more manageable.

Work and employment

The workplace can present challenges for people living with schizophrenia, but with the right adjustments and support, employment is achievable.

While symptoms such as disorganised thinking or speech may impact task completion or communication with co-workers, this doesn’t mean meaningful work is out of reach.

If you are having trouble managing work or finding meaningful employment, there is professional support out there that can help, such as APM Employment Services.

They can work with you and potential employers to provide accommodations and guidance to help you succeed in your career.

Relationships

Schizophrenia may affect social interactions and relationships, often due to symptoms such as social withdrawal or reduced motivation. However, with the right support, these challenges can be addressed.

Psychotherapy and community support groups such as SANE can help you develop the skills to maintain and build meaningful relationships, while also offering a space to manage the way symptoms might impact your social life.

Managing schizophrenia symptoms

While schizophrenia is a long-term health condition, there are effective treatment options available that can help remove barriers and support you in leading a fulfilling life.

With the right support, you can manage symptoms and participate fully in daily life. If you believe you might be living with this mental health condition, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

Some common treatment options include:

Medications

Better Health Channel explains that antipsychotic medications work by blocking the receptors in the brain that allow certain chemicals to be released.

This helps to reduce the intensity of the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations.

However, it is important to note that these medications should only be taken under the guidance of a health professional.

Taking antipsychotic medications without proper medical supervision can lead to serious health complications and should be avoided at all costs.

Therapy

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), as discussed by Better Health Channel, can help you identify and modify irrational thoughts and beliefs that can lead to disruptive behaviours.

It can also help you learn to recognise and manage triggers that can lead to a relapse.

Family therapy can help family members better understand the illness and how to support their loved one.

It can also provide a safe space for family members to express their feelings and concerns, and learn how to communicate more effectively with one another.

Self-care strategies

While managing schizophrenia requires support, Mind talks about how there are self-care strategies that can complement your treatment plan. These strategies can help you maintain balance and manage stress more effectively. Some tips include:

• Identify triggers: Keeping a mood diary can help you recognise situations or feelings that might trigger symptoms
• Plan ahead: Talk to trusted friends or family members about how they can support you during difficult times
• Maintain a sleep routine: Regular sleep patterns can have a positive impact on your overall health
• Healthy eating: A balanced diet can contribute to your well-being
• Stress relief: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress
• Reach out for support: Don’t hesitate to connect with trusted peers or support networks when you need help

Resources for immediate support

If you’re living with schizophrenia and need support right away, there are mental health helplines that provide assistance 24/7. These include:

• Lifeline
• Beyond Blue

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, always call 000.

No matter what stage of the journey you are at, resources are available to help you manage your symptoms and work towards living a fulfilling life. If you think you may be living with schizophrenia, it’s crucial to visit a healthcare provider for assessment and diagnosis.

The earlier you seek support, the sooner you can access the treatment and resources that suit your needs.

If you’re unsure or have any questions about managing your symptoms, or if you’re seeking advice on employment and other support, APM is here to help.

Contact us today to discuss how we can support you on your journey to better manage your health and achieve your employment goals.

Resources and further reading

• Schizophrenia - SANE Australia
• Schizophrenia - Health Direct
• Schizophrenia - Better Health Channel

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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