PSYCHOSIS: KEY POINTERS

• The signs and symptoms of psychosis may vary from person to person and can change over time.

• The earlier psychosis is detected and treated, the better the recovery.

• Schizophrenia ranks among the top 10 causes of disability in developed countries worldwide.

• Of the 10 leading causes of disability worldwide, 4 are due to mental disorders. 

• The rate of prevalence for schizophrenia is about 1% of the population over the age of 18. At any one time, as many as 51 million people worldwide suffer from schizophrenia. 

• Schizophrenia occurs in all societies at about the same rate, regardless of class, ethnicity, religion, intelligence or culture. 

• Schizophrenia affects both males and females alike, but the onset occurs earlier in men than in women. 

• Schizophrenia is a disease that generally begins in early childhood between the ages of 15 and 25. 

• The onset of schizophrenia is quite rare for people under 10 years of age, or over 40 years of age. 

• The disease is characterized by a retreat from reality with formation of delusions, hallucinations, emotional disregulation and disorganised behaviour. More subtle signs tend to develop over time e.g. slow decline in mental function and social relationships which may lead to marked change in personality, social isolation and occupational disability.

• Nearly one-third of those diagnosed with schizophrenia will attempt suicide, and about 10% of those with the diagnosis will commit suicide within 20 years of the beginning of the disorder.  

• Anti-psychotic drugs control the symptoms of psychosis, and in many cases are effective in controlling the symptoms of other disorders that may lead to psychosis.

• The impact of schizophrenia on families can be distressing and disruptive.