Understanding Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Causes & Strategies for Support
- Kaitlyn Boudreault
- 4 days ago
- 8 min read
Do you ever have experiences, thoughts, or perceptions that don’t align with the reality of the situation?
Perhaps you hear voices that others tell you aren’t there, or that your beliefs about people or situations aren’t true.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may be experiencing one of the many mental illnesses known as schizophrenia. It affects how people think, feel, and behave.
It can commonly occur alongside other mental health conditions and forms of neurodivergence, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In Canada, about 1% of the population is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and the illness often emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Since schizophrenia is one of the less common mental health conditions, it is often misunderstood. These misconceptions can increase stigma and make it more difficult for individuals to seek help. is
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia, support and treatment are available through a therapist for schizophrenia in Ontario, Canada. They can help manage symptoms, improve daily functioning, and provide strategies to maintain stability.
In addition, this blog will explore what schizophrenia is, its causes, and some potential treatments and coping strategies.
What Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic, serious mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, behaves, and interacts and perceives the world and others around them.
It is classified as one of the many types of psychotic disorders, which means that an individual may experience breaks from reality. These breaks are known as psychosis.
Individuals with schizophrenia also often experience disruptions to their daily functioning, including challenges at work, school, in relationships, or with home responsibilities.
Want to learn more? Watch “What’s it like to live with schizophrenia?”
Early Warning Indicators for Schizophrenia
The symptoms of schizophrenia typically appear early in life. For males and AMAB individuals, the symptoms tend to appear in their late teens or early 20s. Whereas, for women and AFAB, the symptoms usually appear in their late 20s or early 30s.
This period, where symptoms first start, is known as the prodromal period. During these periods, you may notice subtle behavioural changes and early warning indicators for schizophrenia, including:
Social withdrawal
Trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
Irritability or anger
Sleeping or eating challenges
Social withdrawal or loss of interest in activities
Unusual thoughts or perceptions
The prodromal period can last for days, weeks, or years. Recognizing these early warning signs can help individuals seek support before a full psychotic episode occurs.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Individuals with schizophrenia may also experience other symptoms that differ in severity, duration, and frequency from person to person.
Psychosis Schizophrenia Symptoms (active/positive symptoms)
Individuals may lose contact with reality, also known as psychosis, which may occur through the following symptoms:
Delusions: Beliefs that are false or not based in reality. These beliefs tend to be firm because even when an individual is shown facts, the person may refuse to give up these beliefs. For example, a person with schizophrenia may feel they are being targeted by others when they aren’t.
Hallucinations: Sensations that aren’t real. The most common hallucination is auditory and revolves around hearing voices. But you may also see, smell, taste, or feel things that aren’t present. Examples include hearing voices that tell you to do something, feeling strange sensations on your skin, or smelling strange odors.
Disorganized Schizophrenia Symptoms (active/positive symptoms)
These symptoms typically involve someone having challenges with thinking or responding clearly:
Disorganized thinking: Difficulty organizing thoughts or shifting from one topic to the next without logical connections.
Disorganized speech or communication: Talking in ways that don’t make sense. Sometimes speech may become fragmented or seen as “word salad.” The person may have a difficult time communicating, or they may write a lot, but without meeting.
Disorganized or unusual behaviour: Slow movement and acting in ways that people may call “strange.” This may include repeating movements, such as walking around in circles. Behaviours may also not have clear goals.
Cognitive Schizophrenia Symptoms
An individual with schizophrenia may have challenges with the following:
Making decisions and understanding information
Paying attention or focusing
Working memory: They may have difficulty using information that they receive.
Recognizing their symptoms
Negative Schizophrenia Symptoms
Individuals with schizophrenia may also experience symptoms that may mimic depression. These symptoms include:
Loss of pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
Withdrawal from or avoidance of friends, family, or social activities
Lack of emotion or a limited range of emotions
While schizophrenia has no cure, treatment and community support can help manage these symptoms and improve quality of life.
Prevalence of Schizophrenia
The prevalence of schizophrenia varies from region to region. But the worldwide prevalence of schizophrenia is approximately 1 in 243 adults worldwide, or 0.43% of the population.
In Canada specifically, about 1% of Canadians aged 10 and older live with diagnosed schizophrenia. This includes the fact that:
Roughly 50 per 100,000 Canadians are newly diagnosed each year.
Schizophrenia affects more men (56%) than women (44%) over a lifetime.
Around 30% of newly diagnosed cases occur between ages 20 and 34, with men twice as likely as women to be diagnosed in this age group.
Between 2002 and 2016, the number of Canadians living with schizophrenia increased by an average of 3% per year.
Understanding these statistics helps reduce misconceptions. It also highlights that schizophrenia is a treatable condition affecting people across the country.
Causes and Risk Factors
There is no exact cause for schizophrenia at the current moment. But there is research that suggests that it could occur as a result of a variety of contributing factors for schizophrenia, including:
Genetics: A family history of schizophrenia increases the likelihood of developing schizophrenia.
Brain chemistry: Changes in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and glutamate could increase the risk.
Brain development: Structural or functional differences in the brain and central nervous system may play a role.
Environmental factors: Social stress, upbringing in an urban area, or prenatal complications could heighten the risk of schizophrenia.
Substance use: Psychoactive drugs in adolescence or young adulthood, especially if you have a family history of schizophrenia, can make you more susceptible.
Life experiences: Stressful life events, trauma, or social isolation may contribute to symptom onset.
Each individual’s experience is unique, and multiple factors often interact to influence the onset and course of schizophrenia.
How Schizophrenia Affects Daily Life
Schizophrenia can influence a person’s thoughts, emotions, or behaviour.
You may have a difficult time concentrating, completing tasks, or maintaining regular routines. Alongside these symptoms, you may feel emotionally flat or numb, lose motivation or interest in everyday activities, or withdraw from social interactions.
Without treatment, schizophrenia can impact nearly every area of life, including:
Difficulty maintaining daily routines, employment, or school performance
Social withdrawal and isolation
Increased risk of depression, anxiety, or substance misuse
Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Health problems or being victimized
Financial instability or homelessness
Treatment and consistent care can reduce the severity of episodes and improve long-term outcomes.
Diagnosis and Tests
The diagnosis usually occurs in late teens or early adulthood.
If you suspect you have schizophrenia, a healthcare provider will diagnose schizophrenia based on assessing your symptoms and medical history.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for schizophrenia are the most likely basis for a diagnosis. This criterion includes:
Two or more symptoms, with at least one of these symptoms being delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech, for at least a month (this is less if treated).
Symptoms need to persist on a consistent basis for at least six months, including at least one month of positive/active phase symptoms.
Marked decline in one or more areas of functioning.
The symptoms cannot be attributed to another mental or medical condition.
While no single test can confirm schizophrenia, providers may use:
Imaging tests (CT or MRI): To rule out structural brain issues
Lab tests: To exclude infections, chemical imbalances, or other medical conditions
Brain activity tests (EEG): To identify neurological conditions such as epilepsy
How Schizophrenia Differs from Other Mental Health Conditions
Schizophrenia has an overlap with the symptoms of other mental health conditions. But each condition has a distinct presentation and treatment.
Involves symptoms of schizophrenia (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking) combined with mood disorder symptoms, such as depression or mania.
Mood symptoms are prominent and can occur alongside or between psychotic episodes.
Primarily characterized by extreme mood episodes: manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes.
Psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, may occur only during severe mood episodes, unlike schizophrenia, where they may appear independently.
Depressive symptoms dominate, and psychotic symptoms usually occur only when depression is severe.
Psychotic features typically reflect depressive themes (e.g., guilt, worthlessness).
Understanding these differences can help with accurate diagnosis and effective support.
Management and Treatment
Schizophrenia is a lifelong, chronic condition that requires care and treatment. The treatment usually involves a multi-modal approach or a combination of treatments.
Antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole, clozapine, or risperidone, can help reduce and manage hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
Emerging treatments like xanomeline/trospium (Cobenfy™) target memory, thinking, and movement pathways.
Ongoing discussions with a doctor help prevent relapse, manage side effects, and find the right medication.
Counselling and Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) can help individuals understand how thoughts influence behaviour, manage the impact of stress, hallucinations, and delusions, and improve coping skills.
Therapists may use a variety of evidence-based approaches for the treatment of schizophrenia. These therapy modalities may include:
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): Helps reduce the impact of delusions and hallucinations.
Skills-based therapy: Focuses on problem-solving, goal-setting, and coping strategies.
Community Supports
Community programs can provide housing, income assistance, volunteer opportunities, and peer support.
Relapse Prevention
Learning to recognize triggers and early warning signs of episodes can reduce severity and frequency. Developing a personalized plan with healthcare providers is highly recommended.
Living With Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia can feel overwhelming and all-consuming.
But people with schizophrenia can improve their quality of life through treatment and ongoing lifestyle changes.
Small daily habits can make a big difference in recovery:
Maintain routines: Structure helps manage symptoms and reduces stress.
Monitor triggers: Identify situations that increase anxiety, stress, or symptoms.
Stay connected: Social support can buffer against isolation and depression.
Engage in therapy: Regular counselling and peer support groups provide guidance and coping skills.
Focus on wellness: Mindfulness, hobbies, exercise, and adequate rest promote stability.
Supporting a Loved One with Schizophrenia
Supporting someone with schizophrenia can be challenging. However, providing empathy, patience, and understanding can have a profound impact on recovery.
Here are some practical ways to help:
Educate yourself: Learn about schizophrenia, symptoms, and treatment options.
Communicate calmly: Choose quiet spaces and speak clearly. Avoid arguing about delusions or hallucinations; instead, focus on the emotions involved.
Assist with daily tasks: Offer help with grocery shopping, appointments, or managing schedules.
Structured routines: Daily schedules can reduce stress and confusion.
Create a crisis plan: Discuss emergency steps while your loved one is stable. Share this plan with healthcare providers.
Grounding and mindfulness: Practices such as meditation, sensory exercises, or gentle movement help manage anxiety.
Set boundaries: Protect your own well-being while supporting your loved one.
Seek support: Join family support groups or access counselling.
Consistent care: Follow treatment plans and attend all appointments
Encourage Social Support: Encourage safe social interactions and maintain connections with trusted individuals.
Myths and Stigma About Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is often misunderstood. The various myths about schizophrenia can contribute to stigma and make it more difficult for people to ask for help.
Reducing stigma begins with education and empathy. Here are some common myths.
Myth #1: People with schizophrenia are violent.
Truth #1: Most people with schizophrenia are not violent. They are more likely to be victims of violence.
Myth #2: Schizophrenia cannot be treated.
Truth #2: With medication, therapy, and support, people can lead meaningful lives.
Myth #3: Schizophrenia is the same for everyone.
Truth #3: Symptoms and experiences vary widely; each person’s journey is unique.
Related: Myths about Schizophrenia
Take the First Step: Seek Professional Support
If you or someone you love may be experiencing schizophrenia, our neurodiversity-affirming therapists in Ontario, Canada, provide therapy for schizophrenia and support adults in managing symptoms and improving daily functioning.
Book a consultation today to begin your journey toward stability and well-being by emailing
hello@blueskylearning.ca or visiting our website.
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