Health services > Mental health

The facts: what is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a major mental illness affecting the normal functioning of the brain. It is characterised by psychotic symptoms and a diminished range of expressions of emotion. It affects one person in every hundred.

First onset is usually in adolescence or early adulthood. It can develop in older people, but this is not nearly as common. Some people may experience only one or more brief episodes in their lives. For others, it may remain a recurrent or life-long condition.

More information on schizophrenia can be found at the following websites:

The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia - (formerly the Schizophrenia Fellowships Council of Australia) represents people affected by severe mental illness.
SANE Australia - a national charity helping people affected by mental illness through education, applied research and campaigning for improved services and attitudes.
Schizophrenia Research Institute - a non-profit, NHMRC accredited, independent research institute undertaking world-class studies to understand the causes of schizophrenia.
Mental Illness Fellowship of North Queensland Inc
Schizophrenia Fellowship Queensland Inc
Schizophrenia

Remember, you must seek professional help from a mental health professional, mental health service, your GP or health provider when problems arise.

Fact:People affected by schizophrenia have one personality,just like everyone else. It is a myth and totally affected have a so-called split personality Remember, you must seek professional help from a mental health professional,mental health service,your GP or health provider when problems arise

Last Updated: 24 April 2008
Last Reviewed: 24 April 2008

Mental Health

The facts: what is schizophrenia?