World Schizophrenia Day, observed every year on 24th May, is a crucial opportunity to raise awareness about one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized mental health conditions in the world — schizophrenia.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that is characterised by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, sense of self and behaviour. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for both them and those around them.
Schizophrenia is estimated to affect approximately 20 million people worldwide
It typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood — between the ages of 16 and 30 — though it can develop later. The illness affects about 20 million people globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Prevalence in India
Mental health problems are significantly increasing in India, and among them, schizophrenia is an important mental disorder. According to reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), about 0.3% to 0.7% of the global population suffers from schizophrenia. In the case of India, it is estimated that nearly 10 million people are living with schizophrenia. On average, this means 3 to 5 out of every 1,000 people are affected by this illness.
Urban vs Rural Prevalence:
Urban areas tend to report higher prevalence rates, likely due to better diagnosis and awareness.
Rural areas might have underreporting because of stigma and lack of psychiatric services.
Gender Distribution:
Schizophrenia affects both men and women equally, though the age of onset is usually earlier in men (late teens to early 20s) compared to women (early 20s to early 30s).
Key Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia symptoms are usually categorized into three main types:
- Positive Symptoms (Psychotic behaviors not generally seen in healthy people)
Hallucinations: Hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there.
Delusions: Strongly held false beliefs, like believing one is being watched or controlled.
Disorganized Thinking: Trouble organizing thoughts or connecting them logically.
Abnormal Motor Behavior: Agitation, unpredictable movements, or catatonia (lack of movement).
- Negative Symptoms (Disruptions to normal emotions and behaviors)
Reduced ability to express emotions (flat affect)
Withdrawal from social activities
Lack of motivation or initiative
Difficulty in daily functioning
- Cognitive Symptoms
Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
Impaired executive functioning (planning and organizing)
Causes and Risk Factors
Schizophrenia has no single known cause but is believed to result from a combination of:
Genetic Factors: Family history increases risk.
Brain Chemistry and Structure: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate.
Environmental Triggers: Prenatal exposure to infections, malnutrition, or psychosocial stress.
Substance Use: Use of psychoactive or mind-altering drugs during adolescence.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Schizophrenia is diagnosed based on clinical evaluation, including psychiatric assessment, symptom history, and ruling out other mental and physical health conditions.
Treatment Options Include:
Medications: Primarily antipsychotic drugs.
Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive therapy.
Rehabilitation and Social Support: Vocational training, life skills development, and community care.
While schizophrenia is a lifelong condition, with proper treatment and support, many individuals can lead meaningful, productive lives.
Importance of Awareness
The social stigma attached to schizophrenia often leads to discrimination, isolation, and lack of timely treatment. World Schizophrenia Day serves to:
Educate the public about the realities of the illness.
Dispel myths and misconceptions.
Promote early diagnosis and intervention.
Support the rights and dignity of individuals living with schizophrenia.
Theme for 2025
In 2025, as mental health awareness continues to grow globally, World Schizophrenia Day reminds us that:
“Rethink the Label: Reclaim the Story” Schizophrenia: Myths vs Reality. It’s time to go #BeyondTheLabel and bust the stigma. For too long, fear and misinformation have shaped how we see schizophrenia.
By fostering understanding, early intervention, and inclusive care, we can collectively work towards a world where no one faces schizophrenia alone.
Important Note :
“Mental illness is not a choice — but compassion is.”
While schizophrenia is relatively rare compared to other mental illnesses like depression or anxiety, it is one of the top causes of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to mental disorders in India because of its chronic nature and impact on functioning.
Dr. keshavulu Bashavathini. MD. psy. Osm.
Senior mental health care expert.
Nizamabad & Hyderabad.
