What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and relates to others.

While it can be a challenging diagnosis, it is possible to live well and pursue your employment and life goals with the right support in place.

At APM, we understand that people living with schizophrenia may face unique barriers to work. Inclusive Employment Australia is designed to support job seekers living with disability, injury, or health conditions to find and keep meaningful employment.

This article aims to answer the question ‘What is schizophrenia?’, offering clear, practical information for job seekers, family, carers, and anyone wanting to understand more.

Person sitting on a couch in a yellow room, representing moments of quiet reflection while living with schizophrenia.

Symptoms of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia affects everyone differently. Symptoms usually appear in late adolescence or early adulthood, but the exact experience can vary.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there (most often, hearing voices).
Delusions: Strong beliefs that don’t match reality (for example, believing you’re being watched or followed).
Disorganised thinking: Finding it hard to focus, remember things, or follow a conversation.
Changes in behaviour: This might look like reduced motivation, withdrawing from friends and family, or difficulties managing day-to-day tasks.
Emotional changes: Feeling numb, flat, or losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.

Symptoms often come and go. Some people have periods of feeling well in between. Schizophrenia is considered a spectrum disorder, which means it can include a wide range and severity of symptoms that may fluctuate over time.

It’s also common to experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns alongside schizophrenia.

Causes of schizophrenia

There’s no single known cause of schizophrenia. Research suggests it develops due to a mix of factors, such as:

Genetics: Having a family member with schizophrenia can increase your risk, but most people with a family history don’t develop the condition.
Brain chemistry: Differences in certain brain chemicals (like dopamine and glutamate) are linked to symptoms of schizophrenia.
Environment: Factors like exposure to viruses, malnutrition before birth, or highly stressful events during early life may play a role.
Life stressors: Significant life changes, trauma, or ongoing stress may trigger symptoms, especially for people who are already at risk.

Risk factors

While anyone can develop schizophrenia, certain risk factors may make it more likely:

Family history: Having a parent, sibling, or other close relative with schizophrenia increases risk.
Complications before or during birth: These include lack of oxygen, low birth weight, or infections during pregnancy.
Drug and alcohol use: Some people experience symptoms of schizophrenia after using substances such as cannabis, LSD, or amphetamines.
Chronic stress or trauma: Long-term stress, trauma, or abuse during childhood may also increase risk.

It’s important to remember that these factors don’t cause schizophrenia on their own, and many people with one or more risk factors never develop the condition.

Diagnosis

Getting a diagnosis of schizophrenia can be complex, as symptoms may be similar to other mental health or medical conditions.

The process usually involves:

A thorough assessment: A doctor or mental health professional will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any family history of mental health conditions.
Rule out other causes: This might involve blood tests or scans to check for other medical issues.
Psychological assessment: You may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist for further evaluation.

There is no single test for schizophrenia. Diagnosis is based on a combination of symptoms and how long they’ve been present.

For most people, getting a diagnosis is an important first step towards finding the right treatment and support.

Individual in a counseling session, highlighting the importance of professional support for living with schizophrenia.

Treatment options for schizophrenia

While there’s currently no cure for schizophrenia, effective treatments are available. The aim is to manage symptoms, build skills for everyday life, and support your recovery goals.

Common treatment options include:

Medication: Most people benefit from antipsychotic medicines, which help manage symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Medication plans should be reviewed regularly with your doctor.
Psychological therapies: Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you develop coping skills, manage stress, and work towards your goals.
Social support and community services: This includes case management, peer support, and programs to help you build confidence and connect with others.
Lifestyle support: A healthy diet, regular sleep, staying active, and avoiding drugs and alcohol can all help manage symptoms.

Support often works best when it’s personalised to your needs, and may involve a team of professionals such as your GP, a psychiatrist, psychologist, support workers, and employment consultants.

When to see a doctor

If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms such as hearing voices, confusion, changes in mood, or difficulty coping with daily life, it’s important to reach out for help.

You should see a doctor or mental health professional if:

You are experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia, especially if they’re making it hard to function at work, school, or home.
You’re feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, or are worried about your wellbeing or safety.
A friend or family member is showing symptoms and you’re concerned for their health.

Early support can make a big difference. If you or someone you know is in crisis or at risk of harm, call 000 or your local mental health crisis team immediately.

Two people talking outdoors, illustrating the role of social interaction in living with schizophrenia.

Finding a job with schizophrenia

Living with schizophrenia doesn’t mean you can’t work or pursue your career goals. Many people with mental health conditions find meaningful, sustainable work with the right support.

You might benefit from:

Personalised career advice: We can help you explore your strengths, interests, and work options that suit your situation.
Help with job search and applications: You can get support with writing your resume, practising for interviews, or preparing for workplace assessments.
Support with workplace adjustments: This could mean flexible hours, changes to tasks, quiet spaces, or extra support from your employer.
Ongoing coaching: Regular check-ins and coaching help you build confidence, manage stress, and stay on track.

If you’re not sure where to start, Inclusive Employment Australia by APM can help you find and keep work that fits your strengths and support needs.

We partner with inclusive employers and can support you to access workplace adjustments or training if needed.

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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