What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental illness affecting around one person in 100. The first symptoms often develop in early adulthood, but may remain undiagnosed.

Schizophrenia is not a split personality.

For some, the illness starts suddenly. Thoughts may become muddled and the sufferer may experience hallucinations. For others, it develops gradually and the person may show signs of withdrawal or self neglect.

Symptoms may include:

• hallucinations
• delusions
• emotional blunting
• apathy
• speech difficulties
• thought disorders and strange behaviour