Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, perceives reality, and behaves. It is characterized by a combination of symptoms, including hallucinations (perceiving things that are not there), delusions (false beliefs not based in reality), disorganized thinking and speech, diminished emotional expression, and impaired social and occupational functioning.

 

Individuals with schizophrenia may experience positive symptoms, which are additional or excessive experiences not typically present in healthy individuals, such as hallucinations and delusions. They may also experience negative symptoms, which involve a loss or decrease in normal functioning, such as reduced emotional expression, lack of motivation, and social withdrawal.

 

The exact cause of schizophrenia is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Treatment for schizophrenia often involves a comprehensive approach that includes antipsychotic medication, therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy), and support services to help individuals manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and enhance their overall functioning.