Schizophrenia and psychosis
सिज़ोफ्रेनिया / मनोविकृति
Psychosis means losing touch with reality — hearing or seeing things others don't, or holding fixed false beliefs. Schizophrenia is one cause; others include severe depression, bipolar disorder and drugs.
It is not caused by black magic or spirits. Early treatment gives the best recovery.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
Common symptoms
- Hearing voices or seeing things others cannot
- Strong suspicion that people are plotting, poisoning or following
- Talking or smiling to self, muttering
- Disorganised speech or behaviour
- Withdrawal, poor self-care, reduced speech and emotion
- Sleep disturbance and aggression in some cases
Causes
- Brain chemistry (dopamine) and developmental factors
- Family history
- Cannabis (ganja, charas), stimulants and alcohol withdrawal can trigger psychosis
- Severe stress, lack of sleep, after childbirth
Risk factors
- Psychosis or schizophrenia in the family
- Cannabis (ganja, charas, bhang) use, especially in teenagers
- Severe stress or sleep loss
- Some medical conditions and medicines
How it is diagnosed
- Interview with the patient and family about voices, suspicion, unusual beliefs and behaviour change
- Physical examination and blood tests; brain scan or EEG when indicated
- Screening for substance use, which can cause or worsen psychosis
Classification: ICD-10 F20–F29 · ICD-11 6A20–6A2ZSchizophrenia or other primary psychotic disorders (group).
Treatment options
- 1Antipsychotic medicines — tablets or long-acting monthly injections
- 2Family counselling: how to support without arguing about beliefs
- 3Rehabilitation — routine, skills, return to work or studies
- 4Regular follow-up and monitoring for side-effects
- 5Hospital care if there is risk to self or others
Psychotherapy and counselling
- CBT for psychosis to cope with voices and distressing beliefs
- Psychoeducation and relapse-prevention planning
- Social skills training and rehabilitation for work or studies
Guidance for family
- Stay calm and avoid arguing about the beliefs; focus on how the person feels
- Help with regular medicines; injections given monthly are an option if tablets are missed
- Early treatment gives the best recovery — avoid delays with unproven remedies
When to see a psychiatrist
- Any hearing of voices or strong unusual beliefs
- Refusing food or medicine, not sleeping for days
- Aggression or talk of harming self/others — urgent
Thoughts of self-harm or a medical emergency? Call Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free) or 112.
Frequently asked questions
The patient refuses to see a doctor. What can we do?
Family members can consult first to plan an approach. Online consultation from home is often more acceptable to the patient.
Is schizophrenia lifelong?
Many people recover well; some need long-term medicines, like diabetes or BP. Regular treatment allows work and family life.
Do these medicines make a person sleepy forever?
No. Doses are adjusted to keep the person alert and active. Tell your doctor about any side-effect.
Help is available — confidential, in Hindi or English.
Private video consultation from anywhere in India with an Ajmer-based psychiatrist. Psychiatry consultation ₹500.
This page is for education and does not replace a personal consultation. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor's advice.