Schizophrenia
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that can cause hearing voices, fixed false beliefs, disorganised thinking, and loss of motivation or emotion. It is a medical condition, not a weakness or a split personality. With early and continuing care, many people recover well and live fulfilling lives.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disorganised thinking or speech
- Flat or blunted emotional expression
How it is usually treated
- Antipsychotic medication
- Long-acting injectable antipsychotics
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis
- Family psychoeducation
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “My family member hears voices that others do not”
- “He believes people are following or plotting against him”
- “She has withdrawn and stopped taking care of herself”
- “His speech and thoughts do not make sense”
People who live with schizophrenia may also notice depression, substance use or sleep problems. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help now if someone feels voices are telling them to harm themselves or others, is very confused or has stopped eating or sleeping. Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. Tele-MANAS is on 14416.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist takes a detailed history, often with a family member's help, and rules out medical causes and substance use. The diagnosis is made after symptoms have been present for some time, not from a single visit.
Treatment and support
- Treatment usually needs ongoing care under a doctor, and sometimes hospital care during a crisis
- Family education, so relatives understand the illness and can help recognise relapse
- CBT for psychosis, which helps people cope with voices and beliefs
- Social skills training and help to return to study or work
- A relapse-prevention plan agreed with the person and family
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists assess symptoms, explain the diagnosis to the person and family, and offer therapy, family support and relapse-prevention planning. If the situation needs in-person or hospital care, your clinician will tell you. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist, with your family if you wish, asks about what you have been experiencing, sleep, stress and substance use, and checks your safety.
Who is involved
A psychiatrist leads care, and family members are invited to take part because their support makes a difference.
Between sessions
Regular reviews follow symptoms, side effects and daily functioning, so early changes are caught and acted on.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is schizophrenia curable?
It is a long-term condition, but many people recover substantially and manage well with continued treatment and support. Outcomes vary.
Are people with schizophrenia dangerous?
Most are not. People with the condition are more likely to be harmed than to harm others.
Is schizophrenia split personality?
No. That is a common myth. Schizophrenia affects thinking and perception, not the number of personalities.
How can family help?
Learn about the illness, stay calm and non-confrontational, encourage treatment, and know the warning signs of relapse.
If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
- Dr. Barkha ChikaraCo-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
Dr. Dhritiman DasCo-Founder & Head of Community, Psychiatrist
Dr. Vineet PaliFounder & COO, Psychiatrist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
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