Schizophrenia
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.