Diagnosis

Although brain scans can show a range of abnormalities, there is no specific test for the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Assessment using diagnostic criteria is carried out by specialist mental health practitioners. Substance misuse and organic brain disease can both cause schizophrenia-like symptoms and therefore need to be excluded.

People vary considerably in their pattern of symptoms and problems associated with schizophrenia. Recurrent episodes or relapses – often related to stress, adversity, social isolation and poor adherence to treatments – can be brief for some people, but can last months or years for others. Only 14-20 per cent of people will fully recover.