Schizophrenia is a serious, long-term mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels and understands what is real. People may hear voices, believe things that are not true or behave in unusual ways. It usually starts in the late teens or twenties. It is a brain illness, not possession by jinn or a curse, and with regular medicine and family support many people live stable lives.
Symptoms
Hearing voices or seeing things that others do not
Strong false beliefs, for example that people are plotting against them
Confused or disorganised speech and thinking
Strange or unusual behaviour
Withdrawal from family and friends, little emotion or motivation
Neglecting personal care, work or study
Causes
A mix of genes and changes in brain chemistry
Family history of schizophrenia raises the risk
Problems during pregnancy or birth
Heavy cannabis (charas) or other drug use can trigger or worsen it
Severe stress can bring on an episode
Prevention
Avoid cannabis (charas) and other drugs, especially young people
Get help early when a young person starts behaving strangely
Take medicine every day as prescribed to prevent relapse
Keep regular sleep and reduce stress at home
Learn the early warning signs of relapse with your family
Treatment
Antipsychotic medicine prescribed and followed by a doctor, often needed long term
Regular follow-up to check for side effects and adjust treatment
Family education and support, and talking therapy
Help to return to work, study and daily activities
Never stop the medicine suddenly, and do not start or change it without a doctor
Common questions
Is schizophrenia caused by jinn or black magic?
No. Schizophrenia is an illness of the brain. Prayer and family support can comfort the person, but medical treatment is needed. Chaining, beating or isolating a person is harmful and never helps.
Can a person with schizophrenia work and marry?
Many people with schizophrenia who take regular treatment can work, marry and have a family life. Continuing medicine and good family support make relapse much less likely.
