World Schizophrenia Day: Understanding Psychosis and How to Help

May 24 is World Schizophrenia Day. It’s a time to raise awareness about schizophrenia. This day encourages people to learn the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia, understand how they impact lives, and discover how early help can make a big difference.

Psychosis vs. Schizophrenia

Psychosis is a medical condition where a person loses touch with reality. This means individuals might see, hear, or believe things that are not real. These experiences can be scary and confusing. Psychosis can have several causes and careful assessment is required to distinguish between episodes that are caused by: medical illnesses (e.g., infection, epilepsy) or substance use (cocaine, stimulants, cannabis). Once these other causes are considered, the most likely reason for psychosis in a young adult is the emergence of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder or other mental illnesses like bipolar disorder or depression.

Schizophrenia often begins in young people between the ages of 16 and 35. Schizophrenia can happen to anyone, but some things make it more likely, such as a family history of schizophrenia or other mental illnesses and substance use. Contrary to many myths, schizophrenia is treatable, and the earlier, the better.

Signs and Symptoms

The early signs of psychosis are not always easy to see. They might come on slowly, and the person may not even notice what’s happening. That’s why it’s important for friends, teachers, and family to watch for changes in behavior. Here are some signs to look for:

• Hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there

• Strong beliefs that aren’t true (ex. thinking they are being followed or someone is trying to hurt them)

• Speaking in a confusing way or jumping from one idea to another

• Avoiding friends and family

• Acting very differently or emotionally

• Not taking care of themselves (ex. not showering or eating regularly)

• Trouble at school or work (ex. falling behind or missing deadlines)

These signs can be frightening—for both the person going through them and the people around them. But there is hope.

More information on signs and symptoms: https://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/step/psychosis/

Why Early Help Matters

Many people with psychosis don’t ask for help right away. They may be scared, confused, or unsure what’s going on. This time between the first signs and getting help is called the Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP). DUP can last months or even years—and during that time, life can become harder and harder. The longer someone waits to get help, the worse things can get. But the good news is that early treatment works. The sooner someone gets help, the better they usually do in the long run.

Take a few minutes to watch this video about the importance of early treatment featuring individuals with lived experience. Thank you to our collaboration with Students with Psychosis (SWP) for helping us make this video series possible.

The Link Between Substances and Psychosis

Certain substances, like cannabis, cocaine, or stimulants, can cause or make psychosis worse. For people experiencing symptoms of psychosis, substance use can:

• Make symptoms stronger

• Make medications less effective

Treating both the substance use and the psychotic symptoms at the same time is important for recovery.

For more information on the connection between cannabis and schizophrenia view our blog post and information sheet: https://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/step/news-article/behind-the-smoke-unmasking-the-link-between-cannabis-and-schizophrenia/

How Is Schizophrenia Treated?

Schizophrenia is treatable, and most people get better with the right care. Treatment often includes:

• Medication to help reduce symptoms like hallucinations or delusions

• Therapy to help people understand what’s happening and learn coping skills

• Support for school or work to help people stay on track with their goals

• Family support and education so loved ones can help in the right way

• Health care to make sure physical needs are also met

The STEP Learning Collaborative is helping young people get the help they need quickly.

What Can You Do?

Everyone can help make a difference. Here’s how:

• Learn the signs of psychosis

• Talk openly and without judgment if someone you know seems to be struggling

• Encourage individuals who are struggling to get help from a doctor or mental health professional

• Be supportive and patient—recovery takes time

• Speak out against stigma so people feel safe asking for help

If you’re in Connecticut and worried about someone who may be experiencing psychosis, you can call the confidential STEP Learning Collaborative referral line at 203-200-0140 or fill out our online referral form. A trained professional can help with screening and guide the person to the right care.

You can also visit our website to learn more: https://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/step/

Conclusion

World Schizophrenia Day is a good opportunity to remind people that schizophrenia does not discriminate. People living with schizophrenia may be parents, community leaders, children. Individuals living with schizophrenia and their families may be scared, but it is treatable, and people can live fulfilling lives. With early help, support, and understanding, we can give people the tools they need to succeed.

Learn More

• For more first-hand accounts of schizophrenia and recovery view our "Voices of Lived Experience" videos here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL88TxXlUe70VkbI13ylEoH4vVQJs1gxvt&si=cs5UwbmxBkVdYLrY
• Visit our website to learn more: https://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/step/