Yes, you can develop schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that usually appears in early adulthood, but it can develop at other times too. 

What is schizophrenia? 

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects the way you think, feel, and behave. It can involve: 

• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
• Delusions (strong beliefs that aren’t based in reality)
• Disorganised thinking
• Lack of motivation
• Changes in behaviour
  
  

How common is schizophrenia? 

About 1 in every 100 people are affected by schizophrenia. It’s more common than many people realise, and it can happen to anyone. 

What causes schizophrenia?  

The exact causes aren’t fully understood, but things that can increase your risk include: 

• Genetics (family history)
• Environment, such as stressful life events
• Brain development issues
• Use of psychoactive drugs, like cannabis or LSD
• Psychosocial factors, including childhood trauma or social isolation 
  
  

It’s important to remember that not everyone exposed to these will develop schizophrenia, but they can make it more likely.

What should I do if I’m worried? 

If you’re concerned about your mental health or think you might have symptoms of schizophrenia, reaching out for support is a positive step. Speak to a healthcare professional, or visit our schizophrenia advice and information page here.