schizophrenia

A young person holding their head while a psychiatrist holds their hand

Schizophrenia affects about one in 300 people worldwide.

What is it?

Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic mental disorder characterised by disturbances in thought, perception and behaviour.

It has three main symptom domains: positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganised speech and behaviour), negative symptoms (diminished emotional expression), and cognitive impairments (reduced executive function and attention).

What are the treatments?

Whilst positive symptoms are partially addressed by current antipsychotic medications, they present a large side effect burden and do not improve negative or cognitive symptoms.

New medicines that address psychosis with few side effects and improve negative and cognitive symptoms are a major focus for the Centre.