"It is important that schizophrenia is diagnosed as early as possible, as the chances of recovery improve the earlier it is treated," said Mehta.

There is no single test for schizophrenia. It is most often diagnosed after an assessment by a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, she said.

A Delhi-based medical rehabilitation expert, Divya Pal Singh, stressed on avoiding alternative therapies for a patient's well-being.

"Some patients land in the net of quacks or black magicians who promise all kinds of magic remedies, but there is no alternative to modern medical therapies, including those for schizophrenia," Divya Pal Singh said.

The exact cause of schizophrenia is not known. A majority of experts believe the condition is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is thought certain things make you more vulnerable to developing schizophrenia and that certain situations can trigger the condition.

Experts say schizophrenia is usually treated with a combination of medication and therapy appropriate to each individual. In most cases, this will be anti-psychotic medicines and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

A three-week programme at an NGO-supported facility costs around 70,000, while an upscale rehabilitation drill at a private centre costs up to 2.25 lakh, said an administrator of a Delhi-based private clinic.

People with schizophrenia usually receive help in the form of community-based support. "Many people recover from schizophrenia. Support and treatment can help reduce the impact of the condition on the patient's life," Mehta said.

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