What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that can affect a person’s thoughts, perceptions and behaviour. Some people may experience hallucinations, delusions, confused thinking, or changes in motivation, emotional expression and day-to-day functioning. Schizophrenia is often described as a type of psychosis, which means a person may have difficulty telling what is real and what is not.

Common symptoms may include:

• hearing or seeing things that are not there

• false beliefs that feel very real

• confused or disorganised thinking

• reduced motivation

• withdrawing from social interaction

• reduced self-care

• difficulty concentrating

• changes in emotional expression or daily behaviour.
  
  

How schizophrenia may affect daily function

Schizophrenia affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• daily routines and self-care

• energy and motivation

• confidence leaving the house or taking part in activities

• concentration and task completion

• work, study or parenting demands

• social participation

• physical activity and general day-to-day function

Some people may find it harder to maintain a regular routine, stay active, manage appointments, complete everyday tasks or participate consistently in work, family and community life. Negative symptoms such as reduced motivation, social withdrawal and reduced self-care can significantly affect function.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is not a primary treatment for schizophrenia itself, but it may help support people when schizophrenia is contributing to:

• reduced movement or physical activity

• deconditioning

• low confidence with movement

• fatigue-aware return to activity

• difficulty rebuilding routine and participation
  
  

Support may include:

• gentle movement and mobility support

• paced return to activity

• structured exercise for function

• graded physical conditioning

• support building movement confidence
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may be relevant when schizophrenia is affecting:

• daily routines

• self-care

• fatigue management

• organisation of everyday tasks

• work, home or parenting roles

• participation in meaningful activities
  
  

OT may include:

• practical routine-building strategies

• pacing and energy management

• breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps

• support for function at home or in the community

• environmental or routine-based problem solving
  
  

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some people who need support with:

• graded return to exercise

• rebuilding strength and endurance

• developing a realistic physical activity plan

• improving confidence with activity

Exercise is not a replacement for psychiatric or psychological care, but for some people it can be a useful part of broader wellbeing support when introduced carefully and consistently.

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not usually relevant to schizophrenia itself unless there is a separate communication, swallowing or cognitive-communication issue that also needs support.

Important scope note

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition and may need support from a GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor or other mental health professional. Allied health at Palms does not replace mental health treatment. Our role is to support the person where schizophrenia is affecting function, routine, movement, fatigue, participation or day-to-day activity, and to work within a broader care team where appropriate.

Healthdirect states that schizophrenia has no cure, but treatment can manage symptoms and improve daily life. Medicines, especially antipsychotic medicines, are a core part of treatment, and early, regular support is important.

If someone is experiencing psychosis, is in crisis, or is at immediate risk, urgent medical help is needed. Healthdirect advises getting urgent medical attention for psychosis, and in Australia you should call 000 in an emergency.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how schizophrenia is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help. Therapy may focus on:

rebuilding confidence with activity

supporting routine and consistency

improving fatigue management

helping daily tasks feel more manageable

increasing participation in meaningful activities

supporting gradual return to movement and function

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s GP and mental health team where appropriate.

FAQ

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that can affect how a person thinks, feels, behaves and understands reality.

What are common symptoms of schizophrenia?

Common symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, confused thinking, reduced motivation, social withdrawal, reduced self-care and difficulty concentrating.

Is schizophrenia a type of psychosis?

Yes. Schizophrenia is often described as a type of psychosis, which means a person may have difficulty knowing what is real and what is not.

Can schizophrenia affect daily function?

Yes. Schizophrenia can affect routine, self-care, concentration, motivation, social participation and the ability to manage everyday tasks consistently.

Can physiotherapy help with schizophrenia?

Physiotherapy does not treat schizophrenia itself, but it may help support people where symptoms are contributing to reduced movement, deconditioning, fatigue or difficulty returning to activity.

Can occupational therapy help with schizophrenia?

Yes, in some cases. Occupational therapy may help when schizophrenia is affecting daily routines, self-care, fatigue management, function at home or work, or participation in everyday activities.

How is schizophrenia treated?

Treatment usually involves an individually tailored combination of medicine and therapy. Antipsychotic medicines are a main treatment, and many people are supported by community mental health teams.

Should someone with schizophrenia also see a doctor or psychiatrist?

Yes, often. Schizophrenia commonly needs assessment and treatment from a GP, psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Allied health can support function, but does not replace psychiatric treatment.

When should someone seek urgent help?

Urgent help is needed if someone is experiencing psychosis, is in crisis, or is at immediate risk. Healthdirect advises getting urgent medical attention for psychosis, and in Australia you should call 000 in an emergency.

Our role is to support functional goals, participation, regulation strategies and daily living needs as part of a broader care team. Diagnosis and mental health treatment should be guided by an appropriate medical or mental health professional. 

If schizophrenia is affecting daily routine, participation, confidence with movement or day-to-day function, our team can discuss whether allied health support may be appropriate as part of broader care.

Please visit these other websites for further information:

Beyond Blue – Provides support for anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Lifeline Australia – Offers crisis support and suicide prevention services.

https://www.lifeline.org.au

Black Dog Institute – Provides information and resources on PTSD and mental health.

https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

Open Arms – Provides support for veterans and their families, including those experiencing PTSD.

https://www.openarms.gov.au

SANE Australia – Offers information, support, and resources for people affected by mental illness.

https://www.sane.org

PTSD Australia – Provides information on PTSD and resources for those affected.

https://www.ptsd.gov.au

Mental Health Australia – The national peak body representing and advocating for the mental health sector.

https://mhaustralia.org

Your Mental Health – A guide to understanding and managing mental health conditions, including PTSD.

https://www.yourmentalhealth.org.au

The Trauma Recovery Network – Provides resources and support for individuals recovering from trauma.

https://traumarecoverynetwork.com.au

Australian Psychological Society – Offers resources and a directory for finding psychologists who specialize in trauma and PTSD.

https://www.psychology.org.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.