Written By: IJCP Editorial Team

Published On: 24 May, 2023 4:36 PM | Updated On: 18 May, 2024 12:27 AM

World Schizophrenia Awareness Day

World Schizophrenia Awareness Day is commemorated on the 24th of May each year. It is aimed at increasing awareness about this condition, its symptoms, and the available treatments.

Sometimes, schizophrenia symptoms overlap those of bipolar disorder despite the two being distinct mental health conditions. When comparing bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, it is essential to consider their respective symptoms.

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects a person's thinking, perception, emotions, and behavior. Its positive symptoms include hallucinations (perceiving things that are not there), delusions (fixed false beliefs), and disorganized thinking and speech; the negative symptoms are reduced emotional expression, social withdrawal, and a lack of motivation. 

Dr. Rituparna Ghosh, Consultant in Psychology at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, explains that alternate phases of manic and depressive states characterize bipolar disorder. In bipolar disorder, mood fluctuations are central, whereas schizophrenia primarily involves disruptions in thought processes and perception, with psychosis being a core feature. 

Another distinguishing feature of schizophrenia is that the condition is often chronic, with long-term symptoms. "On World Schizophrenia Day, dispelling misconceptions surrounding mental health disorders is crucial.