Understanding the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia

If you’re noticing changes in your thoughts, feelings, or behaviour - or supporting someone who is - you might wonder if it could be schizophrenia. 

Understanding the signs and symptoms for schizophrenia can feel overwhelming, especially with all the myths and stigma that surround mental health. 

But you’re not alone. Support is available, and recognising the early signs can make a real difference in getting help and moving forward with your goals.

This guide explains what schizophrenia is, the common signs and symptoms, when to seek help.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and relate to the world around you. 

It’s often misunderstood, but it’s important to know that schizophrenia is a medical condition, not a character flaw or a personal failing.

People living with schizophrenia may experience changes in their thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and behaviours. These changes can affect daily life, relationships, and work. 

Schizophrenia affects people differently, and symptoms can come and go over time.

Causes of schizophrenia

The exact causes of schizophrenia aren’t fully understood. However, research suggests it is likely due to a combination of factors:

• Genetics: Having a close family member with schizophrenia can increase your risk.

• Brain chemistry: Changes in the levels of certain chemicals in the brain may play a role.

• Environment: Stressful life events, trauma, or substance use during key periods of brain development can contribute.

• Other health conditions: Sometimes, other physical or mental health challenges can increase the risk.

It’s important to remember that no single factor causes schizophrenia, and it can affect anyone of all genders, ages and backgrounds.

How to know if you have schizophrenia?

Recognising the signs and symptoms for schizophrenia isn’t always straightforward. Many symptoms can overlap with other conditions, and everyone’s experience is unique. 

However, some common early warning signs may include:

Changes in thinking

• Difficulty focusing or concentrating.

• Trouble organising thoughts or following conversations.

• New or unusual beliefs that don’t match reality (delusions).
  
  

Changes in perception

• Hearing, seeing, or feeling things that aren’t there (hallucinations).

• Feeling disconnected from reality or that the world around you is changing.

Changes in emotions

• Withdrawing from friends or family.

• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

• Flat or blunted emotions, or feeling numb much of the time.

Changes in behaviour

• Finding it hard to keep up with daily routines, such as work or study.

• Struggling to manage self-care or personal hygiene.

• Acting in ways that seem out of character or hard for others to understand.

Other possible symptoms

• Feeling suspicious or fearful of others without reason.

• Speaking in ways that are difficult for others to follow.

• Becoming socially isolated or avoiding situations that used to be comfortable.

Not everyone will experience all these symptoms, and some may appear gradually. 

If you recognise several of these changes in yourself or someone you care about, it’s a good idea to seek professional advice.

Positive and negative symptoms

The terms ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ symptoms are often used when talking about schizophrenia. 

Here, ‘positive’ doesn’t mean ‘good’ or ‘pleasant’ - instead, it refers to experiences or behaviours that are added to a person’s usual way of thinking or acting. 

‘Negative’ symptoms, on the other hand, are those that take away from a person’s normal abilities or usual patterns.

Examples of each include:

Positive symptoms

• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)

• Delusions (strong beliefs that aren’t based in reality)

• Disorganised thinking or speech

Negative symptoms

• Reduced motivation or difficulty starting activities

• Withdrawal from social situations

• Loss of interest in things previously enjoyed

• Showing less emotion or expression

Recognising both types of symptoms can help you better understand what schizophrenia might look like and support someone seeking help.

When to see a doctor

If you notice ongoing changes in your thoughts, feelings, or behaviour that make daily life difficult, it’s important to see a doctor. Early support can help with managing symptoms and improve long-term outcomes.

You might want to speak with a doctor or mental health professional if:

• You’re experiencing symptoms that worry you or interfere with daily activities.

• Family or friends express concern about your wellbeing.

• You have thoughts of harming yourself or others (if this happens, seek help immediately by calling emergency services).

You don’t need to have all the answers - just being open about what you’re experiencing is a helpful first step.

How schizophrenia is diagnosed

There’s no single test for schizophrenia. A diagnosis is usually made by a mental health professional after a thorough assessment, which may include:

• Talking about your experiences, thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.

• Checking for other possible causes, such as medical conditions or substance use.

• Speaking with family members (with your permission) to better understand your history.

Your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for further assessment. The process is designed to be supportive and aims to help you access the right kind of help.

Where to get support for schizophrenia in Australia

If you or someone you know is living with schizophrenia, you’re not alone. Support is available, and many people living with schizophrenia go on to live fulfilling lives, including finding and keeping work that matches their strengths.

Here are some places to start:

• Your GP or mental health professional: They can help with diagnosis, treatment, and referrals to specialist care.

• Local mental health services: Most communities have services that offer assessment, counselling, and ongoing support.

• Peer support and advocacy groups: Connecting with others who have lived experience of schizophrenia can provide understanding and encouragement.

• Family and friends: Support from those around you can make a real difference in recovery and day-to-day life.

If work or study is important to you, Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) can help.

How Inclusive Employment Australia can help

Living with schizophrenia can make job-seeking and work more challenging, but you do have options. Through Inclusive Employment Australia by APM, you can access personalised support, including:

• Help with finding and applying for jobs that match your skills and needs.
• Guidance with your resume and interview preparation.
• Advice on workplace modifications, such as flexible hours or quieter workspaces.
• Ongoing support to help you settle in and succeed in your role.
• Links to local employers who understand and value inclusion.

Support through Inclusive Employment Australia is government-funded for eligible job seekers. 

Our team at APM takes time to get to know you, your goals, and what works for you - because everyone’s journey and experience with a mental health condition is different.

If you’re ready to take the next step, or just want to know what’s available, feel free to contact our friendly team for more information. 

Further reading and resources

Living with schizophrenia can sometimes feel lonely, but you’re not alone - help is available. Your GP or mental health team is a good place to start for advice, referrals, and ongoing support.

You might also find these online resources helpful:

• Healthline – Understanding schizophrenia

• SANE Australia - Schizophrenia

• Healthdirect – Schizophrenia symptoms and treatment

• Mental Health First Aid – Schizophrenia: offering support and overcoming barriers

• Hearing Voices support group

About this article

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

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

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.

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au