Schizophrenia is a severe brain disease and psychiatric illness
that, without treatment, interferes with the ability to think clearly, manage
emotions, and interact with other people. It causes symptoms such as
hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and disorganized thinking.
The cause of schizophrenia is not clear. Treatment to manage the
symptoms of schizophrenia consists of medications, counseling, and a good
support network.
Schizophrenia is not the same condition as multiple personality
disorder (dissociative identity disorder).
Last Updated:
August 28, 2008
Author:
Jeannette Curtis & Paul Lehnert
Medical Review:
Steven L. Schneider, MD - Family Medicine & Miklos Ferenc Losonczy, MD, PhD - Psychiatry & J. David Carroll, PhD - Psychology