Schizophrenia is still a relatively unknown disease and a victim of prejudices. The media, among other films, tend to portray a false image of this disorder. It is not always easy to diagnose schizophrenia. Some symptoms, isolated, can be misinterpreted as depression or bipolarity. In simplified terms, it can be said to be a chronic psychosis that manifests itself in a loss of contact with reality.

Source : D'Ligue - www.prevention-schizophrenie.lu
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is not a fatality! It can be treated! As part of the 2023 awareness and information campaign on schizophrenia (and other psychotic disorders), we have written this article with the support of the Ligue.
There are many different symptoms. They may appear occasionally or regularly. The degree of symptoms can be more or less important depending on the period or the person. Making a diagnosis is not easy. Schizophrenia can be suspected if the symptoms have been present for at least 6 months in a more or less continuous way and that it impacts the family, school, social and professional life of the person.
The outbreak of the disease may occur brutally with an extreme episode of psychosis, or gradually with changes in behaviour and social isolation. It is not unusual for a person with schizophrenia to disappear or run away during an episode. They may become obsessed with something, and in these cases it is difficult or impossible to reason with them.
Hearing and seeing hallucinations…
Paranoia, isolation, delusions
Anxiety, depression, depersonalization
Drug, alcohol and/or smoking abuse
Lack of facial expressions
Disorganized thoughts
Lack of concentration
Lack of hygiene
Uncontrollable fear
Weird behaviour
True
I hear voices in my head
Sometimes my words fail to reflect my emotions.
False
I believe I am someone else.
I can't have a life.
Is it possible to have a normal life?
Possible causes :
- Heredity- if someone in your family has schizophrenia, the risk of developing it is a bit higher.
- Drug use can be a trigger.
- An abnormality in your brain.
- The family environment can be a trigger.
Schizophrenia and drugs?
Schizophrenia and depression?
- Dropping out of school
- Withdrawal, isolation and anxiety
- Trouble concentrating and paying attention
- Trouble expressing emotions
- Difficulties in communicating with others
- …
Why does schizophrenia increase suicide risk?
Treatment?
- Medication ( Antipsychotic, antidepressant, anxiolytic)
- Psychosocial rehabilitation
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Internment for the more severe cases
- …
Does the medication change the person's personality?
How to help a loved one and what makes the difference:
- Knowing the diagnosis.
- The earlier the treatment starts, the better the life quality!
- Get informed! The more you know about the disease, the more you can support your loved one.
- Have the support of a specialised multidisciplinary team (doctor, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, psychiatric nurse, social worker….).
- Have the support of family and friends.
- Having a routine: a job, psycho-educational activities…Monitor the apparition of symptoms or relapses.
- Join a support group to share experiences.
- If possible, establish a dialogue with the patient.
- Take time to find a balance, give yourself a chance to succeed.
- Do not get involved in the person’s « delusions ».
- Set guidelines.
- And most importantly, keep hope!
You can also ask the Ligue for advice.
One day the disease hit me
The world around me
Pretending
My shadow world
My body
I feel
I want to shout

