Schizophrenia
There's no single test for schizophrenia and the condition is usually diagnosed after assessment by a specialist in mental health.
If you're concernedyou may be developing symptoms of schizophrenia, see your GP as soon as possible. The earlier schizophrenia is treated, the better.
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and check they're not the result of other causes, such as recreational drug use.
If a diagnosis of schizophrenia is suspected, your GP should refer you promptly to your local community mental health team (CMHT).
CMHTs are made up of different mental health professionals who support people with complex mental health conditions.
A member of the CMHT team, usually a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse, will carry out a more detailed assessment of your symptoms. They'll also want to know your personal history and current circumstances.
To make a diagnosis, most mental healthcare professionals use a diagnostic checklist.
Schizophrenia can usually be diagnosed if:
Sometimes it might not be clear whether someone has schizophrenia. If you have other symptoms at the same time, a psychiatrist may have reason to believe you have a related mental illness, such as:
You should also be assessed for post-traumatic stress disorder , depression , anxiety and substance misuse.
As a result oftheir delusional thought patterns, people with schizophrenia may be reluctant to visit their GP if they believe there's nothing wrong with them.
It's likelysomeone who has had acute schizophrenic episodes in the past will have been assigned a care co-ordinator. If this is the case, contact the person's care co-ordinator to express your concerns.
If someone is having an acute schizophrenic episode for the first time, it may be necessary for a friend, relative or another loved one to persuade them to visit their GP.
In the case of a rapidly worsening schizophrenic episode, you may need to go to the accident and emergency (A&E) department, where a duty psychiatrist will be available.
If a person who is having an acute schizophrenic episode refuses to seek help, their nearest relative can request that a mental health assessment is carried out. The social services department of your local authority can advisehow to do this.
In severe cases, people can be compulsorily detained in hospital for assessment and treatment under the Mental Health Act (2007).
If you or a friend or relative are diagnosed with schizophrenia, you may feel anxious about what will happen. You may be worried about the stigma attached to the condition, or feel frightened and withdrawn.
It's important to remember that a diagnosis can be a positive step towards getting good, straightforward information about the illness and the kinds of treatment and services available.
Children and young people with a first episode of schizophreniashould be referred urgently to a specialist mental health service.
This should be either Child and Mental Health Adolescent Services (CAMHS) forthose agedup to 17, or an early intervention service for those aged 14 years or over, that includes a consultant psychiatrist with training in child and adolescent mental health.
For more information, see the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on psychosis and schizophrenia in children and young people .
Read about schizophrenia, a long-term mental health condition that causes a range of different psychological symptoms.
Read about symptoms of schizophrenia, including hallucinations, delusions, confused thoughts and changes in behaviour.
Read about the causes of schizophrenia. The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown, but research suggests a combination of factors are responsible.
Read about diagnosing schizophrenia. There's no single test and the condition is usually diagnosed after assessment by a mental health specialist.
Read about treating schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is usually treated with an individually tailored combination of therapy and medication.
Read about living with schizophrenia. Most people with schizophrenia make a recovery, although many experience the occasional return of symptoms (relapses).
Stuart was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia when he was 31.