What should you know about epilepsy and schizophrenia?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which abnormal electrical activity in the brain can produce seizures. A seizure may involve shaking, staring, unusual sensations, temporary confusion, or loss of awareness. Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that can involve hallucinations, fixed unusual beliefs, disorganised speech, reduced motivation, and changes in emotional expression.

A seizure can briefly cause confusion or behaviour that looks unusual, and psychosis can sometimes occur around a seizure or during recovery. This overlap is one reason clinicians ask about timing, awareness, sleep, medicines, substance use, and previous episodes. Having one condition does not by itself establish the other.

Record what happened before, during, and after an episode, including changes in awareness, movements, speech, sleep, and recovery. If it is safe, a witness can write down the sequence rather than trying to interpret it. Do not stop an anti-seizure or psychiatric medicine suddenly; abrupt changes can worsen symptoms.

Arrange an assessment with a GP, who may coordinate neurological and mental health care. Bring a medicine list and mention alcohol, recreational drugs, recent illness, head injury, and family history. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can help organise the first evaluation.

Call emergency services if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, seizures repeat without recovery, breathing does not return normally, or the person is seriously injured. Urgent help is also needed for new severe confusion, thoughts of suicide, threatening behaviour, or hallucinations that make immediate safety difficult. Stay with the person, remove nearby hazards, and do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth.

Could this episode be a seizure, psychosis, a medicine effect, or another problem? What observations or tests would clarify the cause? Which symptoms should prompt emergency help, and how should current medicines be taken if vomiting or confusion occurs?