Schizophrenia is a mental illness that belongs to the psychoses.
“Schizophrenia is characterised by significant impairments in perception and changes in behaviour. Symptoms may include persistent delusions, hallucinations, disorganised thinking, highly disorganised behaviour, or extreme agitation. People with schizophrenia may experience persistent difficulties with their cognitive functioning. Yet, a range of effective treatment options exist, including medication, psychoeducation, family interventions, and psychosocial rehabilitation”
Source: OMS, 2022. Mental disorders. World Health Organization [online]. 8 June 2022. [Accessed on 18 October 2022].
Available at: https://www.who.int/fr/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders
True or false?
Families are responsible for the onset of the disease in one of their members. | People with schizophrenia come from all social classes.  |
| Schizophrenia is linked to poor education. | Early detection and early treatment contribute to a better outcome regarding schizophrenia. |
| Outside of times of crisis, most of the people affected by schizophrenia can lead a satisfactory lifestyle. | People with schizophrenia are no more violent than the average person. |
| Antipsychotics (medications prescribed for schizophrenia) are drugs. | People with schizophrenia are constantly in the asylum or hospital. |
| Many people with schizophrenia have a good outcome, ranging from a minor disability to recovery. | Drugs are not the cause of schizophrenia, but can trigger it |
| People with schizophrenia have a split personality. | People with schizophrenia are less intelligent. |
Learn more
Assessment
Schizophrenia can only be diagnosed after an assessment by a specialist, but friends, relatives and family doctors are often the first people to notice changes in someone’s behavior. The infographic below is designed to guide them through this process.
