Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that can influence how a person experiences and interacts with the world around them. This may include differences in perception, communication, and how situations are interpreted.
Schizophrenia is often misunderstood. With the right support, understanding, and inclusive environments, many people live meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives. Experiences vary widely, and may change over time.
Schizophrenia is invisible
Around 24 million people worldwide live with schizophrenia (WHO)
Experiences most commonly begin in late adolescence or early adulthood (NIMH)
An estimated 1.2 million new cases are identified globally each year-
People with schizophrenia are more likely to experience stigma than to pose a risk to others (WHO)
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Around 70% of people experience hallucinations, most commonly hearing voices (WHO)
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Symptoms often develop gradually over time (WHO)
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that involves differences in perception, thinking, emotions, and behaviour. These differences can shape how someone experiences the world, communicates, or responds to situations.
Experiences are not the same for everyone. Some people may have periods where their perceptions or thoughts feel different from those around them, while at other times they may feel more settled.
Schizophrenia is not a reflection of personality, intelligence, or character. Many of the challenges people face are linked not only to their experiences, but also to how environments, systems, and societal attitudes respond to them.
What causes schizophrenia?
There is no single cause of schizophrenia. It is understood to develop through a combination of factors, which may include:
- Genetic factors - a family history may increase likelihood
- Brain chemistry and structure - differences in how the brain processes information
- Environmental factors – such as trauma, stress, or significant life events
- Developmental factors – including early life experiences
- Substance use – which may influence how experiences present for some individuals
Not everyone with these factors will experience schizophrenia, and no single factor determines whether someone will develop it.
Types of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is now often understood as a spectrum, recognising that experiences can vary widely. Some commonly referenced patterns include:
- Paranoid schizophrenia – may involve strong or differing beliefs and perceptions
- Disorganised (hebephrenic) schizophrenia – may affect communication, behaviour, and emotional expression
- Catatonic schizophrenia – may involve changes in movement or responsiveness
- Undifferentiated schizophrenia – where experiences do not fit a single category
- Residual schizophrenia – where some experiences continue following more intense periods
Many healthcare professionals now focus on individual experiences rather than strict categories.
Common symptoms and signs
Experiences can vary and may change over time. They are often described in three areas:
Differences in perception and experience:
- Hearing or seeing things others may not
- Holding beliefs that differ from those around them
- Changes in how thoughts are organised or expressed
Changes in motivation or emotional expression:
- Reduced energy or motivation
- Differences in how emotions are expressed
- Preference for reduced social interaction
- Changes in communication or engagement
Cognitive differences:
- Difficulty concentrating or processing information
- Memory differences
- Challenges with decision-making
Not everyone will experience all of these, and they may present differently for each person.
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Important note
This information is intended for awareness and education only. It is not a diagnostic tool and should not be used to identify or diagnose any condition. If you have concerns, please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Sources
World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia
Mind (UK): https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/schizophrenia
Schizophrenia International Research Society: https://schizophreniaresearchsociety.org
National Library of Medicine: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12447577
The content on this page has been reviewed by Mental Health Matters (MHM), April 2026) a national charity with over 40 years of experience in delivering high-quality mental health services. MHM has a hugely positive impact on the lives of people living with mental health needs in local communities. They provide services across England, from Northumberland to Devon, led by a highly motivated and enthusiastic workforce, who are committed to delivering the best quality services to those in need of support. For further information, please visit https://www.mhm.org.uk/
