Social and physical conditions that can result from schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia may develop other conditions due to their illness, such as:

• Becoming homeless. Around 11% of homeless people have schizophrenia.¹
• Developing substance abuse problems. Between 30% and 70% of those with schizophrenia also have substance abuse problems, with alcohol as the most commonly abused substance.² The alcohol use problem often starts before symptoms of schizophrenia become apparent.
• Developing contagious diseases. Living in institutions-hospitals, nursing homes, and jails, and in homeless shelters due to schizophrenia-increases the risk of developing contagious diseases, such as tuberculosis.
• Being injured. People with schizophrenia are more likely to have accidents because they can be confused or reckless. Body stiffness and lack of coordination, which are sometimes side effects of medications, also increase the risk for accidents. Some people with schizophrenia also hear voices that tell them to do dangerous things.
• Becoming victims of crime. They are often easy targets for crimes, such as robbery or sexual assault.
• Developing other health problems. People with schizophrenia are at risk of developing health problems such as:
  • Liver disease as a result of heavy drinking.
  • Lung conditions because of heavy cigarette smoking. A large number of people with schizophrenia smoke cigarettes.
  • Heart conditions due to heavy cigarette smoking and drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages.
  • Difficulty sleeping, muscle twitching, and irritability from drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages.
• Becoming unemployed or unable to function in school. The symptoms of schizophrenia, especially if not treated, can interfere with the ability to hold a job or attend school.

Citations

1. Folsom D, Jeste DV (2002). Schizophrenia in homeless persons: A systematic review of the literature. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 105(6): 404–413.

2. Goldstein G, et al. (2002). Sensory-perceptual dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia and comorbid alcoholism. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 24(8): 1010–1016.