These pages are often read by worried family members, so they are written for them too.
Schizophrenia
Has someone you love started hearing voices, believing people are plotting against them, or withdrawing into their room and stopping self-care? Schizophrenia is a serious but treatable mental illness that affects thinking, perception, emotions and behaviour (ICD-11 6A20).
How common is it?
About 24 million people worldwide — roughly 1 in 300 (WHO). It usually begins in the late teens to early 30s, a little earlier in men.
Who is at higher risk?
- A parent or sibling with schizophrenia (about 10% risk)
- Heavy cannabis (ganja, charas, bhang) use in the teens
- Birth complications
- Childhood trauma
- Migration and urban stress
Signs & symptoms
- Positive symptoms: hearing voices, seeing things, fixed false beliefs (being followed, poisoned, controlled), confused speech
- Negative symptoms: withdrawal, little speech, flat emotions, no motivation, poor hygiene
- Thinking problems: poor attention, memory and planning
- Early warning signs: sudden fall in studies or work, isolation, suspiciousness, sleeping all day or not at all, odd talk
What causes it?
Mainly biological — strong genetics (about 80%), excess dopamine activity and brain-development differences — triggered by stress and drug use.
How to know if someone is struggling — you may relate if…
- My son hardly leaves his room and says the neighbours are talking about him.
- She talks to herself and laughs for no reason.
- He was a good student; now he can't focus or look after himself.
How Mind Detox Centre helps
Medication from a psychiatrist is essential; we work closely alongside. Dr. Rabya provides psychological assessment, CBT for psychosis, family psychoeducation (which cuts relapse significantly), social-skills training and cognitive retraining for attention and memory, plus support to return to study or work.
Frequently asked questions
Is schizophrenia the same as split personality?
No. Schizophrenia affects thinking and perception; it is not "multiple personalities."
Are people with schizophrenia dangerous?
Most are not. They are far more likely to be harmed by others than to harm anyone.
Can a person with schizophrenia marry and work?
Yes. With regular treatment and support, many people lead stable, productive lives.