Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental illness which occurs when the parts of the brain responsible for emotion and sensation stop working properly. The illness can develop slowly and a person may stop living their normal life, withdrawing from people, losing interest in things and possibly having angry outbursts.

Image for the commissioner pages of the public websiteIt is often only when other symptoms of schizophrenia, like psychosis (hallucinations and delusions) become apparent, that a mental illness might be recognised.

There are many misconceptions about schizophrenia. it is an illness that can be treated.

One in a hundred people will experience schizophrenia during their lifetime and the majority of people with schizophrenia will lead ordinary lives.

One common misconception is that schizophrenia is the result of 'split personality'. In fact, schizophrenia is not split personality, nor does it relate to ‘multiple’ or any other personality disorder.

There are different ideas about what causes schizophrenia.

Rethink Advice and Information Service

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For advice and support on any practical issues relating to mental illness, please contact our Rethink Advice & Information Service.

More from Rethink Mental Illness

Rethink Mental Illness used to be called the National Schizophrenia Fellowship. We run day services, support services, respite care, advice and help lines, and courses for both people with mental illness and their carers.

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