What to Know About Schizophrenia
An overview of what schizophrenia is, how common it is worldwide, and why consistent mental health treatment can help reduce relapse risk. We also highlight some key facts that guide Teva’s scientific focus in mental health.
Schizophrenia is a chronic, debilitating mental health disorder that can significantly affect how a person thinks, feels, and acts. Symptoms vary from person to person, but common examples include: 01
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Disorganized speech or behavior
- Impaired cognitive ability
How common is schizophrenia worldwide?
| ~24 million worldwide |
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Approximately 24 million people worldwide are currently diagnosed with schizophrenia. 02
When does schizophrenia typically begin?
| Early 20s for men |
Late 20s for women |
 |
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Schizophrenia can occur at any age. However, the average onset age tends to be in the late teens to early 20s for men and late 20s to early 30s for women. 03
Gaps in mental health treatment
Removing systemic barriers
Stigma compounds the burden of schizophrenia, diluting individuals’ ability to fulfil their potential in the workplace and to enjoy a good quality
of life. 74% of people with schizophrenia experience employment challenges, in part due to the stigma they experience. 06
Schizophrenia is a chronic, life-long, and stigmatizing condition that potentially carries lasting health risks, including:
Learn more about schizophrenia
- Hear from Matthew Shapiro, Senior Director, Government Affairs, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on mental illness stigma and why words matter when it comes to discussions around schizophrenia
- Read Canada-based, Lesley McCuaig's perspective on the importance of building a solid support network and caregiver team
when living with schizophrenia. - Explore stories from patients and caregivers about their experiences living with mental health conditions and other chronic illnesses.
FAQs: Schizophrenia (science)
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts. Symptoms of schizophrenia can include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior, and impaired cognitive ability.
How common is schizophrenia worldwide?
Approximately 24 million people worldwide are currently diagnosed with schizophrenia.
How common is relapse in schizophrenia?
Relapse remains an ongoing challenge. Globally, an estimated 50% to 92% of people living with schizophrenia will relapse once or more.
Why does relapse matter in schizophrenia?
Each relapse can carry biological risks, including potential changes in brain morphology, loss of day-to-day function, and treatment resistance.
Where can people find stories and support resources?
People can explore lived-experience stories and educational resources through trusted mental health support platforms and healthcare providers.
References
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WHO Fact Sheets. Schizophrenia. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia [Accessed February 2026].
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WHO Fact Sheets. Schizophrenia. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia [Accessed February 2026].
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National Institute of Mental Health. Schizophrenia. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/schizophrenia [Accessed February 2026].
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Britannica. Epidemiology. https://www.britannica.com/science/epidemiology [Accessed February 2026].
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National Library of Medicine. Unmet need for mental health care in schizophrenia: an overview of literature and new data from a first-admission study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19505994/ [Accessed February 2026].
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National Library of Medicine. Lifetime relapse and its associated factors among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who are on follow up at Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals in Amhara region, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8101248/ [Accessed February 2026].
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National Library of Medicine. Relapse Duration, Treatment Intensity, and Brain Tissue Loss in Schizophrenia: A Prospective Longitudinal MRI Study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23558429/ [Accessed February 2026].
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BMC Psychiatry 13, 50. Andreasen, N. C., et al. (2013). The nature of relapse in schizophrenia. https://www.proquest.com/openview/0638c8f7fe42c209b5094df38633b97c/1.pdf?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=44775 [Accessed February 2026].
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National Library of Medicine. Does relapse contribute to treatment resistance? Antipsychotic response in first- vs. second-episode schizophrenia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30514883/ [Accessed February 2026].
NPS-ALL-NP-01716 AUGUST 2026