Mental healthMental health condition (psychotic disorder)ICD-10 F20
Schizophrenia
A severe mental illness that affects how a person thinks, perceives and behaves, with psychosis (hallucinations, delusions) and reduced motivation.
Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.
Causes
- Genetic risk combined with neurodevelopmental and environmental factors; dopamine dysregulation
Risk factors
- Family history
- Cannabis use in adolescence
- Obstetric complications
- Urban upbringing and migration
- Childhood adversity
Symptoms
- Hearing voices
- Fixed false beliefs (delusions)
- Disorganised thinking
- Social withdrawal and lack of motivation
- Cognitive difficulties
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Psychiatric assessment
- Exclusion of drug-induced and medical causes
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Antipsychotic medication (oral or long-acting injections)
- Clozapine for treatment-resistant illness
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Family therapy and CBT for psychosis
- Supported employment
- Avoid cannabis
- Physical health monitoring
Possible complications
- Suicide
- Metabolic side effects
- Social disability
Prevention
- Early intervention services improve outcomes
Outlook
Varied; about a third recover well, many improve with long-term treatment.
When to see a doctor
Seek help early for unusual beliefs, hearing voices or major behaviour changes.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
Educational overview, not medical advice. Treatment varies by person and location. Consult a qualified health professional for diagnosis or care. Read our content and model notes and privacy information.