Schizophrenia Facts, Schizophrenia Statistics

It’s important to understand real schizophrenia statistics and facts because myths about schizophrenia and misinformation are so common around this mental illness. Misinformation about schizophrenia leads to a stigma surrounding the disease; which is the last thing the sufferers need.

Facts About Schizophrenia

The first thing to understand about schizophrenia is that while the word literally means, “split mind,” schizophrenia is not a split personality or multiple personalities. Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental illness characterized by hallucinations, delusions and confused speech or behavior. Schizophrenia is not known to be a violent illness.

Schizophrenia Rates - Who Gets Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia can affect anyone but the typical age of diagnosis is from the late teenage years to the mid-30s. There is an incidence of schizophrenia in about 1-out-of-100 people. More schizophrenia facts include:¹

• Men and women have equal rates of schizophrenia
• Men may manifest symptoms of schizophrenia earlier than women
• Usually 1-2 years pass after the initial symptoms of schizophrenia before diagnosis
• Children and people over 45 rarely get schizophrenia (more on schizophrenia in children)
• All races show equal incidence of schizophrenia
• Schizophrenia was once more diagnosed in people of color but this is attributed to cultural bias

Living with Schizophrenia

Many people with schizophrenia are successfully treated and go on to live productive, healthy lives. People with schizophrenia, particularly untreated though, do carry additional risks. Information on risks associated with schizophrenia includes:

• Percentage of adults with schizophrenia who will die by suicide: about 10%
• Risk of violence in schizophrenia is very small unless there are additional substance abuse issues
• Delusions of persecution may also increase the risk for violence

Facts on Schizophrenia and Drug Use

Experts do not believe that drug use causes schizophrenia but there is a link between drug use and schizophrenia. Schizophrenics are far more likely to suffer from substance abuse problems than the general population. In fact, the percentage of schizophrenics who smoke is 75% - 90% compared to 25% - 30% of the general population. Researchers are not sure why, but people with schizophrenia seem to be driven to smoke and may have a harder time quitting.²

More schizophrenia and drug use facts include:

• Using substances can worsen schizophrenia symptoms
• Marijuana is known to increase the rates of psychosis
• Using substances can decrease the effectiveness of schizophrenia treatments

Statistics on Schizophrenia Outcomes

The vast majority of people with schizophrenia respond to treatment and live normal lives in the community. Statistics on people ten years after their initial psychotic break include:³

• 25% of people have experienced recovery
• 25% are much improved and living independently
• 25% are improved but require constant support
• Children and people over 45 rarely get schizophrenia
• 15% are hospitalized
• 10% are dead, mostly of suicide caused by schizophrenia

Similar schizophrenia statistics are seen after 30 years:

• 25% of people have experienced recovery
• 35% are much improved and living independently
• 15% are improved but require constant support
• 10% are hospitalized
• 15% are dead, mostly of suicide

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